Lisbon

Overview

Lisbon is built across seven hills above the Tagus river, which means every neighborhood eventually opens onto a miradouro - a lookout point where locals gather with a beer at sunset. The city moves slower than its European peers, held together by rattling yellow trams, hand-painted tile facades, and a genuine love of long lunches.

Getting There

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) sits inside the city, about 20 minutes from downtown by metro or taxi. Lisbon also works well as the start or end of a longer Portugal trip, with fast trains connecting to Porto in under three hours.

Top Experiences

• Ride Tram 28 early in the morning, before the midday queues, through Graca, Alfama, and Baixa
• Watch sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest and least crowded of the main lookouts
• Get lost in the narrow lanes of Alfama, the old Moorish quarter that survived the 1755 earthquake
• Day-trip to Sintra for the pastel-colored Pena Palace, but arrive by the first train to beat the tour buses

Local tip: Skip the queue-heavy pastel de nata shop tourists line up for and try one at a neighborhood pastelaria instead - locals will tell you the difference is mostly the wait.

Food to Try

Grilled sardines are a summer staple, best eaten simply with boiled potatoes and greens. Beyond that, look for bacalhau a bras (shredded salt cod with egg and potato), and always leave room for a warm pastel de nata with cinnamon.

Practical Info

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Getting around: The hills are steep - the funiculars and trams aren't just for tourists, use them
• Booking ahead: Sintra's Pena Palace tickets sell out by mid-morning in summer
• Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated