Hotels in Lisbon, Portugal

There are a variety of Lisbon neighbourhoods to visit, each with its own charm. Three popular districts are Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belém.

Alfama is the city's oldest district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, well‑suited for those interested in exploring Lisbon’s rich history and local Fado music. Bairro Alto is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, offering an array of bars and restaurants.

For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere with waterfront views, Belém is a worth a visit, with its iconic monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Each area shows a different aspect of Lisbon life and exploring several areas can make for an enriching trip.

There are many romantic places in Lisbon, making it a great city for couples to visit. Several scenic spots offer intimate experiences, for example, couples can enjoy a sunset tram ride through the city's hills, taking in panoramic views over the river and rooftops.

Alternatively, visitors can head to viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for stunning vistas of the city. Riverside dining along the Tagus River provides a serene setting for a romantic evening meal.

Whether it’s a walk along the waterfront or discovering hidden cafés in Alfama, Lisbon offers a variety of places for romance and relaxation.

Lisbon’s cultural sites showcase its historical and artistic significance. One of the most popular tourist attractions is Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insight into Portugal's Age of Exploration.

Music plays a key role in the country’s culture and Fado music, Lisbon’s traditional soulful genre, is a worth seeing, especially at one of the city's Fado houses in Alfama. For contemporary culture, the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) offers cutting-edge exhibitions.

Finally, don’t miss a trip to Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) for a historical perspective on Portugal’s maritime history and unique views over the Tagus river.

Lisbon is very walkable, though it is quite hilly in places, which can make exploring the city a workout. Comfortable footwear is a must, especially if you plan on exploring on foot.

The Bairro Alto and Alfama neighbourhoods, for example, have steep slopes and winding streets that offer wonderful views but can be challenging for some visitors. Luckily, Lisbon has an extensive public transport system including trams and lifts, so it’s easy to take a break from the hills where needed.

Walking around Lisbon offers the opportunity to truly explore the city, but it's a good idea to pace yourself and make use of the public transport for hilly sections or when you tire.

Yes, you can travel to Sintra from Lisbon by train and Belém is a district of Lisbon, so it’s easy to reach from most of the city using public transport. To get to Belém, you can take tram 15 from central Lisbon, which takes around 25 minutes to reach this historic district.

For Sintra, you can easily catch a train from Rossio Station; the journey takes around 40 minutes.

Both destinations are well-connected by, making them easily accessible for day trips from Lisbon city centre.