Lisbon truly stole our hearts! With over 300 sunny days a year, this vibrant capital is perfect anytime, whether you’re strolling its historic districts or hopping on the iconic yellow tram. Friendly locals, excellent safety, and walkable streets make it easy to fall in love with the city’s charm. We are here to present you the Ultimate Lisbon Travel Tips 2025. Let’s dive in.
Where to Stay
Find the right Lisbon neighborhood for your travel style
Lisbon has a mix of old-world charm and vibrant nightlife, so choosing the right area to stay can shape your entire experience.
Alfama is a must-visit for its nostalgic charm—think narrow cobbled streets, traditional Fado music, and local eateries. But staying there can be tricky. Public transport isn’t great in this area, and the steep, hilly roads can be challenging to walk.
Bairro Alto, on the other hand, is the place to be if you love nightlife. It comes alive at night with bars and restaurants spilling out onto narrow streets. But it can get really noisy, and that’s exactly why we decided not to stay there.
Chiado and Baixa, which are right next to each other, felt just right to us. These central neighborhoods still have the lively energy of the city but with wider streets, a more relaxed vibe, and a bit of quiet in the evenings. We stayed in Baixa-Chiado and honestly, we loved it. So many restaurants, shopping spots, and attractions were just a short walk away—we were in the heart of everything!
Money Tips
Balance convenience & cash
Lisbon is one of the more affordable capitals in Europe. Here are a few money tips that helped us:
Credit cards work almost everywhere—but it’s smart to carry a some € cash, especially in smaller cafés, tuk-tuk rides or tram tickets. ATMs are easy to find, but avoid ones labeled “Euronet”—they often charge high fees. Use ATM machines inside banks or busy shops in tourist areas to avoid ATM scams.
Getting Around
Walk, ride, or roll—here’s how to explore Lisbon with ease
Lisbon is surprisingly walkable—most top attractions are close together—but don’t underestimate the hills and cobbled streets. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get around:
Tuk-tuks: These are a fun and convenient way to explore the city, especially if you’re short on time or energy. We booked a tuk-tuk tour for 4 hours and it cost us €120. It was totally worth it to cover more ground without climbing those hills. The driver also gave us lots of local insights!
Tram 28: The iconic bright yellow tram is both charming and practical. It winds through many of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. A single ride costs €3.10, but if you’re planning to use public transport multiple times in a day, a 24-hour public transport ticket is a better deal—it costs just €7.00 and includes unlimited rides on trams, buses, and the metro. But it’s important to remember that trams can be very crowded on weekends and during peak hours.
Metro: Lisbon’s metro is fast, safe, and budget-friendly, with four color-coded lines. It’s great for getting to and from the airport or traveling longer distances across the city.
Viva Viagem Card: This is a reusable, rechargeable smart card that works across Lisbon’s public transport system—including metro, trams, buses, funiculars, and even trains to Sintra and Cascais. You pay €0.50 for the card and then top it up with your travel option. It’s super handy if you’re planning to explore beyond the city center.
Uber and Bolt: Very reliable and usually cheaper than in many other European cities. We used Uber a few times, especially when exploring Alfama’s steeper roads—it saved us from a lot of uphill walking!
Places to Visit in Lisbon
Explore the best spots in the city
The city is full of charm, culture, and stunning views. From historic neighborhoods to riverside landmarks, Lisbon has something for every kind of traveler. The best part about Lisbon? Most of the top attractions are close to each other and easy to reach—either on foot or by tram, metro, or tuk-tuk. Whether you have a few days or more, you can see a lot without rushing.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Lisbon:
Alfama – Our favorite!
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most soulful neighborhood. It’s full of narrow cobbled streets, colorful tiled houses, and locals chatting from their windows. We loved wandering here with no map—just soaking in the charm. It feels peaceful and timeless, with small cafes, local shops, and some of the best views over the city. Don’t miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia—a viewpoint with gorgeous tilework and a postcard-perfect view.
Jerónimos Monastery
A masterpiece of Manueline architecture. The monastery is grand and peaceful inside, and it’s where explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. It’s also next to the famous Pastéis de Belém—a must-visit for Lisbon’s best custard tarts.
São Jorge Castle
Perched high on a hill, this castle offers the best views of Lisbon. Walking around the old walls, towers, and gardens is a great way to learn about Lisbon’s past. We suggest visiting in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and golden hour light.
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)
This vibrant street in Cais do Sodré is lined with bars and cafes. It’s perfect for nightlife or just to snap some colorful photos. Even if you don’t stay out late, the area is fun to explore.
Belém Tower
Right by the river, this iconic tower feels like it’s out of a fairy tale. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Lisbon. Perfect for a morning or sunset stroll along the waterfront.
LX Factory
This artsy industrial space is full of creativity. You’ll find quirky stores, food trucks, rooftop bars, bookshops, and murals. Great for an afternoon away from the touristy areas.
Time Out Market
A one-stop food heaven! This upscale food court has everything—Portuguese classics, seafood, burgers, desserts, wine. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for groups with different food tastes.
Read More about our Algarve Tour
Where to Eat in Lisbon
A love letter to Lisbon’s delicious, soulful food scene
Eating in Lisbon is more than a necessity—it’s an experience that touches all your senses. From flaky pastries to seafood, the city welcomes you with flavors that are rich, comforting, and deeply rooted in tradition.
One of our absolute favorites was the legendary pastel de nata. You’ll find these golden custard tarts in nearly every café, but the ones from Pastéis de Belém—fresh out of the oven, with a hint of cinnamon and powdered sugar—are something else.
Seafood lovers, get ready for a treat. Lisbon’s location near the Atlantic means you’re in for some of the best fish dishes ever. Try the bacalhau à brás—shredded codfish with eggs and potatoes—or freshly grilled sardines with a squeeze of lemon. They taste like sunshine on a plate.
And if you’re traveling with people who all want different things? Head straight to Time Out Market. It’s a buzzing, upscale food hall where you can try everything from Portuguese classics to sushi, burgers, and vegan delights—all under one roof. We loved grabbing a glass of local wine and picking a few small plates to share.
Dining in Lisbon is relaxed, soulful, and full of surprises. Whether you’re sipping wine at a terrace café in Chiado or nibbling on tapas near the riverfront, each bite tells a story—and you’ll want to try them all.
How Safe Is Lisbon?
Honestly, we felt very safe throughout our trip. We even walked back to our hotel in Baixa-Chiado around 11 PM without any issues. Lisbon is considered one of the safest cities in the world. People are friendly and helpful. Just be cautious in crowded tourist areas (like tram stops, busy squares, and markets)—pickpocketing can happen, so keep your bag in front of you and avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets. Overall, it’s a very relaxed and traveler-friendly place.
What to Pack for Lisbon
Be stylish, comfy, and sun-safe in the City of Seven Hills
Packing for Lisbon isn’t just about looking good in photos—it’s about being prepared for its sunny skies, charming hills, and cobbled streets. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way here.
Start with a pair of really good walking shoes—not just your cute sandals or heels, but ones that actually support your feet. Lisbon’s streets are mostly cobblestone, and those steep hills can tire you out fast. We walked a lot, and by the second day, we were so thankful we wore comfy sneakers.
Now, let’s talk weather. Lisbon is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year, which sounds like a dream, right? But the summer sun can be intense. So, bring your sunscreen (a must!), a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, and of course, sunglasses to keep things cool and comfortable.
When it comes to clothes, think lightweight, breathable fabrics—like cotton or linen. You’ll want outfits that are both stylish and comfortable. During the day, it’s usually warm, but evenings can bring a light chill, especially near the river. So, pack a light jacket or scarf just in case.
Don’t forget a refillable water bottle. You’ll find public water fountains in many areas, and staying hydrated is key while exploring those picturesque hills.
Lastly, bring a crossbody bag or anti-theft daypack—it’ll make your life easier when hopping on trams or walking through crowded neighborhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto.
Extra Tips
- Join a walking tour on your first day: It’s the perfect way to get your bearings, explore the city’s layout, and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
- Avoid the Montemór area late at night: While it’s generally quiet and safe during the day, it’s best to skip this area after dark, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings.
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases: Simple words like “Olá” (Hello), “Bom dia” (Good morning), and “Obrigado/Obrigada” (Thank you) go a long way. Locals truly appreciate the effort and respond warmly when you try speaking their language.