Lisbon Travel Guide: Top Places to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Lisbon’s European charm completely stole my heart. It’s one of those cities that feels so alive once you arrive. Between the beautiful architecture, history, and delicious food (especially seafood!), it’s impossible not to fall in love.

We spent 3 jam-packed days soaking up as much as we could. From coffee shop mornings to cocktails with rooftop views and lots of walking! Whether you’re here for the food, the views, or the vibes (or all three), this guide rounds up my recommended restaurants, rooftops, coffee spots, and neighborhoods to help you make the most of your time in Lisbon.

Grab an espresso (or a vinho verde 🍷), and let’s dive in!

***Most locations are linked to google maps, plus linked Instagram handles!

✨ GetYourGuide Tour /Activity Links ✨

✨ Viator Tour / Activity Links ✨

🏨 WHERE TO STAY (AREAS)

We stayed in Chiado and loved it. Here’s a link to the Airbnb we stayed in. It was quiet, perfect for 2 people and a great location.

Chiado – Walkable, best mix of restaurants + shopping + sightseeing.
Bairro Alto – Rooftops + nightlife (fun, but noisier).
Príncipe Real – Trendy, boutique hotels, rooftops, amazing cafés.
Alfama – Historic + romantic; hilly with stunning views.
Baixa / Rossio – Central & convenient to everything

🚋 Transportation

Getting around Lisbon is super easy. Between trams, tuViagem, and those vintage funiculars climbing the hills, it feels like you’re sightseeing just by getting from point A to B.

I wouldn’t suggest renting a car if you’re staying in the city. The city is very walkable (just be prepared for hills), parking is limited, and Ubers (or Bolts) are super affordable. Save the rental for day trips or when you’re heading outside Lisbon.

🚶‍♀️ Walking – Honestly the best way to explore. Bring comfy shoes, there are so many hills / stairs.If you really want to bring nice shoes, I’d suggest low block heels or wedges. And take an Uber!

🚊 Tram 28 – The most iconic (and touristy) ride in Lisbon. It winds through historic neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Graça. It’s crowded but worth it at least once.

🚞 Funiculars (Elevadores) – Lisbon’s hillside icons! Hop on Elevador da Bica, da Glória, or do Lavra for a quick (and super photogenic) ride up the steepest streets. They’ve been running since the 1800s.

🚖 Taxis & Bolt/Uber – Rideshares are affordable and everywhere. Bolt tends to be the cheapest; Uber is the most consistent. (We used Uber).

🛵 Tuk-Tuks – Fun for short rides and hilly areas (Lisbon has plenty!). Just make sure to agree on the price before hopping in a tuk-tuk.

🚌 Buses & Trains – Great for reaching spots outside the center, like Belém or Sintra. Use the Viva Viagem card to tap on/off for both.

💶 CURRENCY

Portugal uses the Euro (€), and most places in Lisbon accept both card and contactless payments (Apple Pay and Google Pay). We used Apple Pay almost everywhere. Barely used cash. Smaller cafés, local markets, and tuk-tuks may still prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry a little. ATMs are easy to find, but avoid the ones labeled “Euronet,” they charge higher fees. Stick to machines attached to major banks like Caixa Geral de Depósitos or Millennium BCP for better rates.

*Tipping isn’t mandatory but always appreciated (5–10% at restaurants is standard if service was good).

💬 PHRASES TO KNOW IN PORTUGUESE

Even though most people in Lisbon speak English, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases goes a long way — and locals always appreciate the effort. Here are a few easy ones to remember before your trip:

Olá – Hello / Hi
Bom dia – Good morning
Por favor – Please
Obrigada (if you’re female) / Obrigado (if you’re male) – Thank you
De nada – You’re welcome
Sim / Não – Yes / No
Desculpe – Excuse me / Sorry
Quanto custa? – How much is it?
A conta, por favor – The bill, please

🌆 SIGHTSEEING / ICONIC SPOTS

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – One of the best viewpoints overlooking Lisbon.
Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) – Iron elevator with panoramic views.
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) – Insta-famous pink-painted road.
Praça do Comércio – Massive waterfront square; iconic yellow buildings.
Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square) – Historic plaza with wavy mosaic tiles + beautiful fountain.
Belém Tower – Historic fort on the water.
Jerónimos Monastery – UNESCO site.
LX Factory – Converted industrial creative village.
Alfama District – Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood + fado music.
Largo Duque do Cadaval – A beautiful tucked-away square.

🍽 WHERE TO EAT

Duque Restaurant – @restauranteduquelisboa
Lumi Rooftop – @lumi_rooftop
Time Out Market Lisboa – @timeoutmarketlisboa
Rossio Gardens Bar & Restaurant – @rossiogardens_bar
Cervejaria Ramiro – @cervejariaramirooficial
Taberna da Rua das Flores – @tabernadasflores
A Cevicheria – @acevicheria.kikomartins
O Velho Eurico – @ovelhoeurico

🍸 WHERE TO DRINK

Javá Rooftop – @java_lisboa
Rossio Gardens Bar & Restaurant – @rossiogardens_bar
Park Bar – @parklisboa
Topo Chiado – @topolisboa
Pink Street Bars – bar hopping

🍽 MUST-TRY

Lisbon is a foodie paradise, so bring your appetite. Here are a few local favorites you have to try:

🥂 Vinho Verde (Green Wine) Light, crisp, and slightly bubbly. Portugal’s signature “green wine” is made from young grapes.

🍒 Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur) (We loved this!) A sweet cherry liqueur sipped as a shot (often in chocolate cups).

🍮 Pastéis de Nata (Custard Tart) Flaky, creamy, and best served warm. These are Portugal’s most famous pastries. Don’t miss Pastéis de Belém.

🐟 Bacalhau à Brás (Codfish with Potatoes & Eggs) Shredded cod mixed with thin fries, onion, and egg.

🥖 Bifana (Pork Sandwich) Thin marinated pork on a soft roll with spicy mustard.

🧀 Queijo & Presunto (Cheese & Ham) (Some of the best cheeses and cured meat we’ve ever had!)

🐙 Polvo à Lagareiro (Grilled Octopus) Tender octopus drizzled with olive oil and garlic, served with crispy potatoes.

☕️ BEST COFFEE SHOPS

Hello, Kristof – @hellokristof
Seagull Method Café – @seagullmethodcafe
Fauna & Flora – @faunafloralisboa
Boutik Café – @boutiklisboa
The Mill – @themilllisbon
Caffè di Marzano – @caffe.di.marzano

🛍 WHERE TO SHOP

LX Factory – This historical industrial complex houses an array of arty retailers & unique restaurants. @lxfactory
Rua Augusta – pedestrian shopping avenue leading into Praça do Comércio
Fantastic World of Sardines – The Willy Wonka of sardines. Even if you don’t like sardines, I suggest checking them out anyways! They have other canned seafood like lobster and shrimp as well. it’s such a unique store. @portuguesesardine
A Vida Portuguesa – Portuguese products. @avidaportuguesa
Embaixada – Concept store inside a neo-Moorish palace. @embaixadalx

🎡 WHAT TO DO / EXPERIENCES

Take the historic Tram 28.
Fado music night in Alfama – Traditional Portuguese live music.
Explore Bairro Alto nightlife.
Day Trip to Cascais (A laid-back coastal beaches town, ocean views, and a charming town center perfect for strolling and seaside dining. About a 30 min drive) or Sintra (A fairytale town filled with colorful palaces, misty forests, and mountaintop castles. About 30-50 minute drive depending on traffic). We visited Cascais because we were looking for more of a laid back day than a tourist filled day.

Lisbon quickly became one of those cities that I’ll never forget. Full of culture, color, great food, and beautiful views . Each neighborhood has its own vibe, and there’s something for everyone. You can check out more of my Lisbon experience over on Instagram @wanderlissa_ 🇵🇹