Sintra Day Trip
Visit the colorful Pena Palace and fairytale castles.
Portugal#49 Time Out 2026
Lisbon
Portugal's sunny, hilly capital charms with yellow trams, tiled facades, riverside viewpoints, fado music and the famous pastel de nata. It is ranked #49 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list.
- Metro population
- 2,900,000
- Country
- Portugal
- Region
- Europe
Overview
Why visit Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and during the Age of Discoveries it was the starting point for explorers like Vasco da Gama, who sailed from Belém to India in 1497. The Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, built to celebrate that era, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In 1755 a powerful earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, destroyed much of the city. The Baixa district was rebuilt on an orderly grid with some of the first earthquake-resistant buildings in Europe, while the old Alfama quarter survived with its tangle of narrow lanes. Climb the city's hills—or ride the vintage Tram 28—to reach viewpoints called miradouros.
Lisbon is also a city for the senses. Sample a warm pastel de nata in Belém, listen to soulful fado music in a small Alfama tavern, and browse the food stalls of the Time Out Market. Fairytale Sintra, with its colorful palaces, is an easy day trip by train.
Things to do
Top things to book in Lisbon
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Belém Tower & Jerónimos
Two UNESCO landmarks from the Age of Discoveries.
Alfama & Tram 28 Tour
Explore Lisbon's oldest quarter and its famous tram route.
Fado Show
An evening of traditional fado music with dinner.
Plan your trip
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Lisbon
- 01
One Of Europe'S Oldest Cities
Lisbon is often said to be older than Lisbon, with settlements dating back thousands of years.
- 02
Built On Seven Hills
Like Lisbon, Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills, which is why it is full of stairs, funiculars and spectacular views.
- 03
The Great Earthquake Of 1755
On All Saints' Day, 1 November 1755, an earthquake, tsunami and fires devastated Lisbon. The rebuilt Baixa used an early earthquake-resistant wooden frame known as the Pombaline cage.
- 04
Tram 28 Is A City Icon
Vintage yellow trams rattle up and down the hills on route 28, passing through Graça, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.
- 05
The Secret Recipe Of Pastéis De Belém
The bakery Pastéis de Belém has been making its custard tarts since 1837 using a recipe inspired by the monks of the nearby Jerónimos Monastery—and it is still a secret.
- 06
Fado Is World Heritage
Fado, Lisbon's soulful traditional music, was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.
- 07
The World'S Oldest Bookshop
Livraria Bertrand in the Chiado district opened in 1732 and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest operating bookshop in the world.
- 08
A Very Long Bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge stretches about 12 kilometres across the Tagus estuary, making it one of the longest bridges in Europe.
- 09
A Bridge That Looks Like The Golden Gate
The red 25 de Abril suspension bridge is often compared to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
- 10
A Neo-Gothic Street Elevator
The Santa Justa Lift, opened in 1902 and designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, carries passengers from the Baixa up to the Carmo district.
Random Lisbon fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Lisbon
Where is Lisbon located?
Lisbon is in Portugal, in Europe.
What is the population of Lisbon?
The greater Lisbon area is home to about 2,900,000 people.
What is Lisbon famous for?
Portugal's sunny, hilly capital charms with yellow trams, tiled facades, riverside viewpoints, fado music and the famous pastel de nata.
Is Lisbon worth visiting?
Yes — Lisbon was ranked #49 on Time Out's Best Cities 2026 list. Explore its facts, attractions and top things to book on this page.
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