Lisbon is the sunny capital of Portugal with a rich history, stuffed with culture and incredible views. And just so happens to be one of my favorite cities that I’ve ever visited.

What makes Lisbon stand out are the friendly and hospitable locals who share their warmth by simply being in their presence.

I visited in late November, and while it was a bit rainy and chilly, that did not stop us from taking in all of the beautiful sites.

*A bonus of visiting during winter are the roasting chestnut vendors on every corner. I am from the southern U.S., where roasting chestnuts are things we only hear of in Christmas songs lol. So this was such a pleasant surprise to enjoy - and we enjoyed it every day!

If you are planning a visit to Lisbon, here is a curated list of the top 10 things you absolutely must do to make the most of your trip.

(These are listed in no particular order).

1. Explore the city!

Lisbon consists of many beautiful buildings, show-casing intricate tile artwork called azelujos finished with a staple orange roof. What makes Lisbon's landscape unique is that it is built on seven hills - offering incredible views at nearly every turn.

And with being built on hills, you can imagine you will be doing a lot of climbing. Thus living up to its name of ‘the city of stairs’, so pack your walking shoes!

Pro tip: if GPS says your destination is a 10-minute walk - be prepared to add 5 minutes and know you will be climbing at least one flight of stairs.

2. Ride Tram 28

Tram 28 is one of Lisbon's most iconic and beloved trams because it offers a scenic ride through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Tram 28 is a vintage car that still has a distinctive rattle.

While this tram is primarily used by tourists, I think it does offer a small glimpse into life as a local hopping off an on at iconic sites.

Route: The route of Tram 28 will start at Martim Moniz and end at Campo de Ourique passing along famous landmarks of Lisbon to include: Sé Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the Alfama district.

For more info on transportation in Lisbon, read my full guide here.

3. Visit the Time Out Market

The Time Out Market in Lisbon is a vibrant and bustling food hall located in the historic Mercado da Ribeira near Cais do Sodré.

Here, you can sample a diverse selection of dishes from some of Lisbon’s top chefs and restaurants. The cuisine ranges from traditional Portuguese dishes to bakeries, wine bars and pescaderias.

To see a full list of restaurants at the Time Out Market click here.

4. Visit Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio is a historic plaza where the land meets the sea and offers an incredible view of the Tagus River. This horseshoe-style plaza is encapsulated by bight yellow buildings and is one of Lisbon’s most iconic sites.

Praça do Comércio is a truly vibrant hub for both locals and tourists where you can find cafes, restaurants, a beer museum and a spot along the river bank to enjoy a warm coffee on a cold winter day.

Once you have explored this beautiful plaza, you can walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta and straight into the historic Baixa district to explore more of Lisbon.

5. Visit São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is perched on top of one of Lisbon’s highest hills (São Jorge Castle) and offers some of the most stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
The geographical significance of São Jorge Castle lies in its strategic vantage point and a defensive stronghold for the city.

Today, this well-preserved castle offers some of the most incredible panoramic views of the entire city where you can also stroll along the scenic garden and imagine what life in this former royal residence must have been like.

For skip-the-line access to São Jorge Castle, click here.

6. Visit Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa lift is an iconic elevator in Lisbon that connects the lower Baixa district to the hight Largo do Carmo district. You can also witness panoramic views of the city and appreciate the orange rooftops up close and persona. You can also take in views of Rossio square and São Jorge Castle from here.

Pro tip: If you already went to São Jorge Castle, it would be fair to simply stop by the lift for the sake of seeing it and checking it off your list of iconic landmarks. The queue can get quite long to ride to the top and if you have already taken one panoramic view of the city I do not think its necessary to take in EVERY view.

7. Praça Dom Pedro IV (aka Rossio Square)

Praça Dom Pedro IV, also known as Rossio Square, is the vibrant heart of Lisbon's Baixa district. Rossio Square is named after King Dom Pedro IV (whose statue is at the center of the square).

Rossio Square has a very distinctive wave-like pattern of cobblestones, known as ‘calcada; Surrounding the square are cafes, shops, wine bars, and a circus-themed sardine store. This is also one of the places where you can find multiple vendors roasting chestnuts.

One of the most historic things about Rossio Square is that it’s origins are traced back to the 13th/ 14th century. You are literally walking on historic grounds and I appreciated a moment to take in this beautiful site.

8. Take a day trip to Sintra

If you are taking a trip to Lisbon - you absolutely MUST take a day trip to Sintra- a nearby town famous for its castles. Sintra is a quick 40-minute ride from Lisbon’s main Rossio Square by train.

I will make a separate blog on the castles and transportation to Sintra- stay tuned :)

As far as some of the notable castles to see, I would recommend:

Peña Palace

Castelo de Mouros

Quinta da Regaleira

9. Visit famous Pink Street

Pink Street, also known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, is one of Lisbon's most vibrant streets and Instagram-worthy spots. This narrow street in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood is a hotspot for its vibrant nightlight and entertainment.

The distinctive street painted pink is hard to miss and is lined with tons of eclectic bars and clubs. During the day you can find plenty of restaurants, have a glass of wine and people watch.

10. Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Lisbon’s most remarkable landmarks. The architecture of the Monastery consists of intricate carvings, detailed stonework and a grandiose facade that reflects the artistic achievements during the Age of Discoveries.

Inside, the church and cloisters are equally breathtaking, with ornate columns, vaulted ceilings, and serene courtyards that invite wandering.

To learn more about Jerónimos Monastery, click here.

There is still SO much more to see and do in Lisbon- this list is a great starting point of the TOP ten things you MUST do during your visit!

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