Baixa and Chiado
Ideal for: first visit
The centre, partly flat (Baixa), with grand squares and shopping streets. Very handy for doing everything on foot.
Lisbon
Hills, trams and views over the Tagus: a sunny capital by the ocean.
Plan your stay in Lisbon
Best areas to stay in Lisbon
Alfama
Ideal for: couples, charm
The oldest district: steep lanes, viewpoints and fado houses. Less practical with big suitcases.
Bairro Alto
Ideal for: solo, nightlife
The bar district, very lively and noisy in the evening.
Príncipe Real
Ideal for: couples, quiet stays
Elegant and calmer, with gardens, shops and cafés.
Practical info about Lisbon
Lisbon is a city of hills: bring good shoes and use the metro, trams and funiculars for the climbs. For a first visit, Baixa and Chiado are the most convenient.
Lisbon is also a good base for day trips, for example to Sintra or along the coast. Check train times and visiting conditions before you go.
What to see in Lisbon
- Alfama and São Jorge Castle, with viewpoints (miradouros) over the Tagus;
- Baixa, Praça do Comércio and Chiado;
- tram 28, running through the old districts;
- Belém: the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries;
- day trips: Sintra (Pena Palace, timed booking required) and Cascais.
Arriving in Lisbon
The metro red line links the airport to the centre in about 25 minutes (change for Baixa). Porto is about 2h45 away on the Alfa Pendular train. Lisbon charges a tourist tax per night, capped at a few nights.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Portugal.