Portugal · Europe
Guide to Lisbon
Yellow trams, azulejo tiles, and sunset over the Tejo
Overview
Lisbon is a hilly city of yellow trams, azulejo tiles, miradouros, and seafood. Ideal for 3–5 days plus a day trip to Sintra.
Highlights
Alfama & miradouros
Sunset at the viewpoint — walk or take the tram.
Belém
Pastéis de nata + Mosteiro / Tower — go early to beat the queues.
Tram 28
Iconic but pickpocket hotspot — guard your bag.
Sintra day trip
Hilltop palaces; leave early.
LX Factory
Creative weekend hub.
Food
Pastéis de nata
Best served warm.
Seafood & ginjinha
Try sharing petiscos.
Time Out Market
Lots of stalls — great for your first night.
Getting around
Viva Viagem card
Metro + tram.
Steep climbs + elevator
Save your knees—take the elevator.
Train to Sintra
Frequent departures from Rossio.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tram 28 really that bad for pickpockets, or is it overhyped?
The risk is real, especially in packed cars on Alfama’s uphill stretches during peak tourist hours. Pickpockets work in pairs—one distracts, one takes from a back pocket. Board from the Martim Moniz end in the morning, keep your bag in front, and stow your phone in a zipped pocket. For the route without the crowds, Tram 12 is quieter.
How do I plan a Sintra day trip without the chaos?
Take the train from Rossio or Oriente to Sintra (about 40 minutes) and leave before 8 AM. Buy a timed-entry ticket for Pena Palace online—admission is capped. Efficient order: Pena first, then Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle if you still have energy. Buses 434 and 435 beat walking uphill.
Which transport card makes the most sense for tourists?
Get the Navegante Occasional card for around €0.50, then load it with zapping for cheaper pay-per-trip fares than paper tickets, or a day pass for about €7 covering metro, bus, tram, and elevators. The ferry to Cacilhas is included too. Note: the card can only hold one product type at a time.
How many days are enough in Lisbon, and what’s worth adding?
Three full days cover Alfama, Baixa, Belém, and LX Factory at a relaxed pace. Add a fourth for Sintra, a fifth for Cascais (beaches) or Setúbal (seafood). With a week, hop on the train to Porto—just three hours from Santa Apolonia Station.
Why is walking in Lisbon so exhausting, and how can I cope?
The city is built across seven hills, and its streets are paved with calçada—small, slippery stones when damp. Wear rubber-soled shoes with tread, not sandals or leather soles. Use the Elevador da Glória, Elevador de Santa Justa, and the Castelo lift to skip climbs. Plan routes that go downhill, not endlessly uphill.
Are there halal food options in Lisbon?
Yes, especially around Mouraria and Martim Moniz, which have Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian restaurants, plus halal butchers. The Lisbon Central Mosque near Praça de Espanha is also a good reference point for nearby halal spots. In regular Portuguese restaurants, the safest bets are bacalhau, sardines, and seafood—pork is widely used.