Lisbon
Things to Do in Lisbon
Tickets, tours and experiences in Lisbon, Portugal
About Lisbon
Lisbon spreads across seven hills above the Tagus, and its best moments come from moving between them. Start in Belém, where Belém Tower guards the river and the Jerónimos Monastery shelters some of Europe's finest Manueline stonework — book both online, then join the locals queuing for warm pastéis de nata. Back in the centre, the vintage Tram 28 rattles from Martim Moniz through Graça and Alfama's tiled lanes, dropping you near São Jorge Castle and its rampart views over the rooftops. For a change of pace, head to LX Factory, a strip of converted warehouses under the Ponte 25 de Abril packed with bookshops, studios and rooftop bars. With a day to spare, take the train to Sintra for Pena Palace's painted turrets or to Cascais for Atlantic beaches — both run direct from central Lisbon in around 40 minutes.
Highlights
- Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon's UNESCO pair on the Tagus
- São Jorge Castle ramparts above the Alfama district
- Tram 28's vintage route through Graça, Alfama and Baixa
- Day trips to Pena Palace in Sintra and the beaches of Cascais
Tips for Visiting Lisbon
Ride Tram 28 from the Martim Moniz terminus before 9am to get a seat — by mid-morning it runs standing-room only and pickpockets work the crowded cars.
Book Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower tickets online and visit at opening; the monastery queue regularly tops an hour by 11am in summer.
For Sintra, take the train from Rossio station, reserve a Pena Palace timed slot in advance, and use the 434 bus loop to climb the hill instead of walking.
The Lisboa Card covers metro, trams, the Sintra and Cascais trains, and free entry to the Belém sights — do the maths before buying single tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lisbon
Is Tram 28 worth riding?
Yes — it is the cheapest scenic tour in Lisbon, passing Graça, the Sé cathedral and Alfama on regular public-transport fares. Board at the Martim Moniz or Campo de Ourique ends early in the morning for a seat, keep valuables in front pockets, and consider walking the Alfama stretch instead if the queue is long.
Can I visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon?
Easily. Trains leave Rossio station roughly every 20 to 30 minutes and take about 40 minutes. Limit yourself to two major sights — Pena Palace plus the Moorish Castle or Quinta da Regaleira is a realistic day — and book Pena's timed entry before you go, as same-day slots often sell out.
How do I get from Lisbon Airport to the city centre?
The metro's red line runs from the airport into town in about 25 to 35 minutes with one easy change for Baixa or Alfama. Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps cost roughly €12 to €20 to the centre depending on traffic and time of day.