Lisbon, Portugal - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: June 30, 2026
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ABOUT LISBON | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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Trams and Belem Tarts
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and the country's largest city. Perched on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, it is also the westernmost of all mainland Europe's capital cities. Lisbon is also one of the oldest cities in Europe and is believed to have been around in its early form in 8th century BC.
Lisbon lies on the mouth of the Tagus River and is famed for its hilly streets and the funicular railways which allow trams to gracefully move up and down the city's hills. The city is awash with trams, moving millions of tourists and locals alike around the city and beyond, with one of the most famous stops found to the west of the city: Belém.
Back within the city, the staggering rooftop views can be enjoyed from several lookout points such as Castelo de S. Jorge, Igreja e Convento da Graça and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Our Fun on the Funiculars
During our time in Lisbon, we poured every second we had into seeing and doing as much as we could, whilst eating and drinking whatever we could feasibly fit in. We covered as much as we could of the amazing attractions this old city has to offer, and had such an epic time that we can safely say is honestly one of the very few capital cities that would book to go back to again.
The best thing about my trip to Lisbon is that we were joined by my great uncle, who is a sprightly 86 years young. A few months prior to this particular adventure we took him to Porto for a serious session on the port, and then he joined us on one of our tours of Krakow for a vodka-fuelled 5 days of chaos. And now, looking forward to his 87th year, he has asked to keep the lads' tour of Europe going. Legend.
We stayed in a beautiful apartment with a balcony overlooking the rooftops below, and the Castelo de S. Jorge only a short 15-minute walk to the south. From here, we were perfectly placed for our time in the city.
Our best day started with us getting a tram from the magical Comércio Plaza out to Belem, a short ride west. Whilst there, we sampled the delightful Belém custard tart, something we were told again and again that we had to try. We now are here to pass on that gem, and here and now we are recommending them to you - they are truly delicious. We also visited Jerónimos Monastery, a 15th-century monastery founded by catholic monks, and saw Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument to the Portuguese age of discovery built in the 60s, before walking on down to the exquisite UNESCO world heritage site - the Belém Tower.
Other highlights included a short trip on the funicular tram, some sensational meals in restaurants and markets, as well as wandering the narrow, cobbled streets. Overall, this trip put Lisbon straight up there as one of my favourite cities in the world.
So Should I go there?
Lisbon ranks in my top 4 capital cities in the world, along with Rome, Budapest, and Berlin, all of which I instantly fell in love with. Those of you who have read many of our blogs know that on the whole we are not a massive fan of the capitals, but occasionally you come across a sublime city. This was one.
Lisbon has a charm to it as you dart along the narrow streets, and I found a joy and happiness engulfed me as much as the old walls. Whilst you can tell the city has age and history (like most capitals in Europe), it also feels modern and fresh which adds a certain welcoming feel and gives the city a depth of character. The people are so friendly and will tend to help you out if you get lost or are looking for something in particular.
The only downfall to the city is one of the very things that make it so charming and beautiful, and that’s the hills. You have to be an Olympic cyclist or powerlifter to have the legs needed walk the city for more than a week. They're no joke. Luckily the trams are well priced, and have your back (and your legs) covered.
The other great things about the city are the weather and the food. There is something to be said for eating great food in a beautiful restaurant out on the square, watching the world pass you by as you admire the scenes and the wonderful buildings the city has to offer. The city's architecture is beyond anything words can describe, it really is a double take moment at times as you gaze at the expertise and detail and soul poured into buildings both old and new, short and tall.
You really need to see Lisbon, yes.
What to do when Backpacking Lisbon
There is so much to see and do in Lisbon, which, with it being a capital city, isn’t overly surprising. If you plan to see it all and do it all, make the most of the good food and wonderful bars on offer you really will want 4 nights in the city minimum to scratch the surface.
Even if you don’t cover it all, there really isn't an issue with that because I guarantee you will have had a great time just taking in whatever smells and sights you can. Honestly, the architecture alone is worth going for. However, if you were wanting some bucket list inspiration, here are our top picks:
Eat Pastel de nata at the Pasteis de Belem
The first part of this was ‘Eat Pastel de nata’. These are amazing Portuguese custard tarts which were first produced in Belem - in Jerónimos Monastery, to be precise - over 200 years ago, with possible French influences prior to this. Even if you don’t make it out to Belem, you will find them all over the city, so there's no excuse not to give them a go. Also, don't buy one just to try, buy three. You will want a couple for sure.
The second part of this is to eat them at Pasteis de Belem, and in case you were wondering, yes, this is a restaurant. It could easily fall into the where to eat section, but it's far more than that. It really is an experience. Pasteis de Belem is only a stone’s throw from the monastery where these treasures were first made. Despite being a very large restaurant, expect to queue as the demand is so high for both the takeaway and sit down. If you opt to sit in you will find chaos and madness awaits, in this eccentric little place.
Sit in the restaurant/café, order a couple of tarts each and a nice mug of tea and you will be transferred to paradise in pastry form. For me (and best believe I tried many), nowhere does them better than here in Pasteis de Belem.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower was built at the mouth of the river Tagus in 1514 as a first defence for the city of Lisbon, as well as playing a major role in the maritime explorations of Portuguese sailors. The exquisite tower has four floors which have all have certain roles, such as cannon and artillery firing levels, lookout, keep towers and a chapel, as well as the governor’s room.
The inside is just as beautiful as the out, and, whilst small, it really is a gorgeous thing, which in 1983 was recognised as a world UNESCO site for cultural heritage of humanity.
Nowadays, walking around the tower is a lot more civil than how it would have been for those defending against invading navies of the past. Tours cost from 6 euros (£5) per person but try and avoid Sundays as they can get busy, especially if there is an event on. This really is a wonderful tower and somewhere you should see once you’ve made it to Belem.
Jerónimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery, which first opened in 1495, albeit in a different form to what we now see, is found in Belem, and is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The tram stops just outside so you cannot miss it, and you will not want to either. It can get quite busy, and whilst you may have to queue it does move relatively fast so do not fear.
Entrance was free, and we cannot see anything to say that has changed since. That said, please consider giving a small donation to help with the upkeep of the building. You get to see a lot, including the body of the cathedral, which is mightly impressive. The unbelievable architecture and design that went into the building are out of this world.
If you wanted to do the full tour, we'd recommend it, particularly if you have any interest in religion, Portuguese culture, history or architecture and design. It really is worth taking, costing only 10 euros (£8.50).
Ride the Trams
Trams are part of life in the city of Lisbon, and not only
are they a fun way of getting around, they are efficient and cheap, not to mention they save you having to walk
up those steep hills. Ever since the first tram hit the city streets in 1873
their popularity has grown and grown.
Whilst you may not need to use the regular trams on a day to day basis, you may consider using the 4 funicular trams. These are the little leg savers that ascend and descend the hills, meaning you have fresh legs for the rest of your time in Lisbon. In peak summer seasons do not necessarily expect to get a seat as they can be very busy, but fun all the same.
Castelo de S. Jorge
Back in the mix of the city, you will not miss the castle of St George whenever you look up and south: it dominates the skyline. The gigantic Castle is found to the south of the city in the northern part of the Alfama District, and is well worth a look. Due to the castle being located on the highest area within Lisbon, the walk up in the summer sun can be extremely difficult. This is where you may consider using one of the trams.
Again expect queues during peak times, even more so in peak season. However, the line weaves its way through the shady narrow streets of the oldest district in the city, which is full of shops and beautiful scenery to keep your mind from thinking how long you’ve been queuing.
Once inside you will be greeted with fantastic views out over the River Tagus, leaving you with a perspective on how it might have felt defending the castle and Lisbon from oncoming ships. You can weave and climb your way around the castle, stopping in its beautiful restaurants and shops should you so wish.
If you climb the walls, you will be met with views over the city as far as the eye can see. It really is an incredible building, and a fun one to explore. Whilst it is not easy in the heat of the day, it really is worth the effort, especially when it costs only 8 euros 50 (£7.50).
Commerce Square
Praça do Comércio is a fantastic square on the banks of the Tagus river to the south of the city. Surrounded by wonderful yellow buildings with archways hiding modern day restaurants, shops, and tourist information huts, it is breathtaking.
Rebuilt after the earthquake in which half the city was destroyed in 1755, this picture-perfect square was known to be the new meeting place for the people of Lisbon. At its heart is a statue of King José I riding a horse, whilst the backdrop of the staggering Arco da Rua Augusta leads out to the rest of the city. Once you see it you will realise why we think its such a special place.
Not only that, the north of the square near the Arco da Rua Augusta is now one of the main tram stations, and is where you would get the tram to Alfama or Belem. There is also an underground link to the trains, whilst on the surface wonderful restaurants flank the square. Just beautiful.
Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent, whilst beautiful, is only really famous due to one historical event. But in this case, one event was all that was needed.
Opened in 1423 after over 30 years of building, it was destroyed in seconds in the 1775 earthquake which was a magnitude of 9.5-10 (depending on your sources - either way it was massive). This was felt as far as Finland and led to fires across the city and a tsunami so large it even hit the south coast of England with a 10 foot wave.
Whilst repairs have been carried out, the main body of the building is left as it was following the earthquake, roofless and left in peril. Whilst over 80% of the city's buildings were lost this has remained ever-present, overlooking the city and its people and serving as a reminder of the power of Mother Nature and how she struck the city in November 1775.
Now, as well as a reminder to the people, it is also a major tourist attraction and museum, showing mummified children, bones, graves and other artefacts found around the city. It really is a beautiful building but has a very strange feel once you enter the museum section at the end of the convent. Overall it was enjoyable and for 4 euros you can't complain too much - it's worth it for the picture!
Where to Stay when backpacking Lisbon
Ok, so there are plenty of options within the city when it comes to accommodation. There are a vast number of hostels, all of which will set you back around 15 – 18 euros (£10-£15) per night. That really is a good price for Europe, and even better when you think that you are not only in a capital city but one of the best capital cities in the world.
The other option for those looking to have a little more luxury, or making that trip extra special, you can rely on the trusted old faithful - hotels. Whilst you will find a few cheap hotels in the city, such as EasyHotel for around 36 euros (£31) per night, you are looking at 78 euros (£70) upwards per night, and when we say up, we mean the sky’s the limit. However, if you want luxury and have the money then why not?
If there is a little group of you, then our advice is to look at renting an apartment or AirBnB in the city. That is exactly what we have done in the past, and we loved it. For us this is the only way to do a city break in a group: you get to choose your location, style and comfort. It also gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want, including cooking and living in the city like a local.
One of my favourite apartments we have stayed is called L&P Apartamento, which I can highly recommend for location and comfort. The photos don't do it justice.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Lisbon
Lisbon is blessed with a number of fantastic restaurants and wonderful dining experiences, and luckily we were able to try a few of them as well as having our own apartment to cook and relax in.
Whilst we have previously mentioned Pasteis de Belem, they are worth another shout out, especially to help those of you who have just whizzed down to the food section. Located in the area of Belem, this eccentric wonderful restaurant specialises in pastries, none more so than the famous Pastel de nata. These custard tarts are more than worth the trip to Belem alone, but when you add the atmosphere of the restaurant to the taste of the tart, you know you’ve just had an experience, not a cake at a café.
The second place we are going to recommend could also easily of made it into the 'things to do' paragraph of this blog, and that is Time Out Market. If atmosphere and excitement are what you are after when you’re choosing a location to eat, then look no further: Time Out Market has it in abundance.
The central area of this huge indoor market has a number of high tables (almost work benches) all in rows, which are then surrounded with numerous cafes, restaurants, ice creameries, wineries, port sellers, pastry shops, cheesemongers and much, much more. The idea is you get a table and then walk around the perimeter looking at the shops and the choice of places to eat, bringing your food from your selected café, shop, restaurant etc back to the table.
As you can imagine it gets very loud and the excitement levels grow quickly. Typically we don’t like loud, in-your-face places, but this was different. It was so much fun and overall brilliant to experience. It can be confusing at first, but enjoy the ambience. We had one of the best ice creams from a cool little ice creamery called Santini’s.
The local products are well worth purchasing as they taste divine, even if it means you have to bring them home with you.
Now back to the more conventional restaurants that we think are worth a mention. The first being the exquisite Taberna Moderna, only a short walk from Commerce Square. You really can not afford to miss out on this restaurant.
Everything about it is special from the staff, the décor, the food, and the drinks. It was up there with some of the best foods I had eaten for as long as I could remember. The menu is made up of local Portuguese foods, and the meat in particular is outstandingly cooked. When we head back to Lisbon, this is where we will go. However, it gets very busy so book in advance, it’s not worth missing out on the table.
Also, being a massive gin lover, their selection of gins was beyond anything we could have imagined. Honestly, even if you didn’t eat here, it is worth stopping to try out the gin selection.
Next on the list of places to eat is Nosolo Italia, located on the coast in Belem next to Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a large monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator. The name may give away what sort of foods they do, but despite being in Portugal, Italian food is never a bad option.
If you opt to sit outside, you will be sat over the water and it really is a lovely location for a nice meal. The pizzas are beautiful too. We really enjoyed the restaurant and would advise anyone in the area to give it a go! Pizzas cost around 15 euros (£13.50)
Back into the city and on the east side of Commerce Square, you will find a quaint restaurant called Can the Can. Whilst the service was slow, which was its only downfall, the waitresses were friendly and fun meaning you didn’t mind the wait as much as you potentially could have.
There's a good selection of wines, ports, and gins amongst other drinks, which kept us entertained long enough whilst we waited for our meal. The food was beautiful and well worth the wait. It couldn’t have been a much better meal.
Lastly, between both Can the Can and Taberna Moderna you will find a great restaurant, slightly bigger than both of these put together, called Maria Catita. Don’t let the size fool you, you will need to book: it gets full during the evenings and for good reason.
A little like Can the Can, the service can be a little slow, but it more than makes up for that in friendly staff, great wines, and atmosphere. The rustic feel to the restaurant is something we liked.
The food was perfectly cooked, having the steak was always risky in a restaurant as you never know what well done or medium or rare really mean. They got it all spot on and once again the evening was made with friendly staff, beautiful food and drink. People were still coming in for food at nearly 10;30 P.M. It really is awesome.
All this was worth every cent paid, considering we only paid roughly 20 euros (£18) each for the food. Couldn't have asked for a better price.
Where to Drink and Party when backpacking Lisbon
I didn’t party too much, so am unable to advise on clubs and going out into the early hours, but can drop in a few wonderful places to sample the local wines, a drop of port or a bowl of gin. The first of these places is just opposite Maria Catita restaurant near Commerce Square and is called Tabuas Porto Wine House or just Porto Wine Bar. - a top-quality port and wine specialist.
Everywhere you look inside is covered with bottles of wine and port. You can also get some lovely food to accompany the choice of port, such as cheeses and meats. It really is a treat, and one not to be missed. The staff are fantastic too, and they really know their stuff, so ask them questions as they will be able to assist you to find your perfect drink.
On Commerce Square you will find the Museum of Beer, yes it is a bar with a great name that offers so much, and in a way, it lives up to the name. On a nice hot and sunny day, after exploring the city, or returning from a trip on one of the crowded trams, there isn’t a better place to relax with a cold beer, in the shade, with some of the most wonderful city scenery of any bar. We do recommend popping in for a quiet drink or two, the prices are good and it is just relaxing.
Located in the Praça Do Carmo, which is the little square with the entrance to the Carmo Convent you will find a number of bars and cafés. Whilst we ended up taking a seat, we were never sure which café/restaurant we were actually in. The tables are just set up throughout the square and somebody will eventually come and serve you.
It's nice just coming for a drink, its generally shady thanks to the trees and the surrounding buildings, but still warm, which is key. The area itself has a buzz vibrating around it and it was a lovely place to get a cheap cold beer, or something a little stronger.
Around the city of Lisbon, there are a number of unique little bars set on fantastic plazas. You really have the perfect recipe for a great place to drink here in Lisbon. You have the sun, the atmosphere, the outdoor lifestyle, and fantastic selection of great drinks. Mix all that with a slow, chilled pace of life, particularly for a capital, and you'd struggle to have a bad drink.
Is a trip to Lisbon, Portugal Safe?
Despite being the capital and Portugal's largest and most populated city, crime in Lisbon is considered extremely low.
In truth, the areas tourists are most likely to visit or explore are all safe, with the most risk coming during the night to lone targets around Avenue Alm Reis near the Intendente subway area. Even that is unlikely.
The most prevalent crime in Lisbon against tourists is pickpocketing, so as long as you keep your wits about you, the chances of becoming a victim are extremely low.
Natural disasters are something Lisbon has suffered from in the past, including earthquakes and even a tsunami. However, none of these have happened in my lifetime, and now in 2024, I'm 38.
In fact, one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to visit Carmo Convent, which was destroyed by an earthquake.
However, this is extremely rare and shouldn't play any part in your decision to visit Lisbon, Portugal.
Overall, Lisbon is a safe city to visit.
Leave a Comment
Thanks for checking out my travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal. I hope you enjoy those Belem tarts as much as I did.
Within this historical and attractive city, you'll find captivating architecture on every corner and some of Europe's tastiest food and drink. It's an exciting, lively and charming city with stories to tell and more culture than most countries.
Hopefully, you've found this Lisbon guide useful while planning your trip. Don't forget to take it with you too.
If you have found it useful, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Likewise, if you've been to Lisbon and think I've missed something or forgot to mention something, drop me a comment. After all, I can't do everything alone without you guys.
Thank you!
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