Why We Love Lisbon
We lived in Lisbon for three years before moving to Ericeira, and we still make excuses to go back every few weeks. Lisbon is one of those cities that gets better the more you know it — layered history, extraordinary food, stunning views, and a pace of life that balances old-world charm with a genuinely vibrant modern culture. It's also incredibly affordable compared to other European capitals.
Best Neighbourhoods
Alfama
Lisbon's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood — cobblestone alleys, tiled facades, fado music drifting from open doorways, and miradouros (viewpoints) with some of the best views over the city and the Tagus river. Essential. Just watch your pockets at the busier viewpoints.
Príncipe Real
Elegant, leafy, and home to some of Lisbon's best restaurants, wine bars, and independent shops. The Sunday organic market in the square is a highlight.
Mouraria
Multicultural, vibrant, and underrated. Lisbon's historic Moorish quarter has transformed into one of the city's most interesting food and culture hubs — less touristy than Alfama, with outstanding value restaurants.
Belém
The historic district of explorers and empire — home to Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the famous original Pastéis de Belém custard tart shop. Go early morning before the tour groups arrive.
Must-Do Day Trips from Lisbon
Sintra
One of the most visited places in Portugal — and completely worth it. The colourful palaces set against forested hills are genuinely fairy-tale stunning. Book tickets online in advance; they sell out fast, especially in summer. Go on a weekday if possible.
Cascais
A beautiful coastal town 40 minutes from Lisbon by train. Great seafood, beautiful esplanades, and lovely beaches just beyond the town centre. The walk or bike ride from Cascais to Guincho Beach is one of our favourite easy day trips.
Arrábida Natural Park
Just an hour south of Lisbon, the Serra da Arrábida has some of the most strikingly beautiful coastline in mainland Portugal — turquoise water, white limestone cliffs, and near-empty beaches. Best visited by car between May and September.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to October are the sweet spots — warm, manageable crowds, and the city at its most vibrant. July and August are very hot (30–36°C) and packed. November through February is quiet, mild, and atmospheric — but expect some rain.
Insider Tips
- Get a Viva Viagem card for the metro — much cheaper than individual tickets, and it works on the trams too.
- Take Tram 28 very early (before 9am) to avoid the crowds and pickpockets — it's worth the experience.
- Eat lunch at Mercado de Campo de Ourique — a fantastic local food market where you can try multiple dishes for the price of one restaurant meal.
- Don't miss a fado show in Alfama — skip the touristy dinner shows and find a smaller, more authentic tasca.
Our Free 5-Day Lisbon Itinerary
If you want to see Lisbon the way we do — off the obvious tourist trail, with genuine local recommendations built from three years of living here — we've put together our complete 5-day Lisbon itinerary as a free guide.
We've included the exact restaurants we go back to every visit, the miradouros tourists miss, the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in, honest hotel picks across every budget, and a full breakdown of the tourist traps that catch first-time visitors every single day in Lisbon.
- Day-by-day itinerary covering the right neighbourhoods in the right order
- The restaurants we actually return to — across every price point
- Hidden miradouros that most visitors never find
- Where to buy authentic Portuguese souvenirs (not fridge magnets)
- Hotel picks for every budget — from boutique guesthouses to splurge-worthy stays
- 14 tourist traps to avoid — and what to do instead