Quick answer: First time in Lisbon? Wear good shoes for the hills, ride tram 28, and take a day trip to Sintra.
Lisbon is sunny, hilly and full of charm. Here’s the first-timer’s primer.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are ideal; summer is warm and busier but very pleasant.
Getting around
Walkable but steep — use the trams, funiculars and metro. Tram 28 is a scenic classic.
Where to stay
Baixa and Chiado for central convenience; Alfama for old-world charm; Bairro Alto for nightlife.
Top things to do
Alfama and the castle, Belém’s tower and pastéis de nata, the viewpoints, and a Sintra day trip.
One tip
Wear comfortable shoes for the hills and cobbles, and book Sintra’s Pena Palace ahead.
First time in Lisbon: what to know
Lisbon is a joy on foot — with a few practical notes:
- Wear good shoes — the hills and cobbles are no joke.
- Ride Tram 28 for a classic old-town loop (early, to beat crowds and pickpockets).
- Give Sintra a full day — the palaces deserve it; go early.
- Get a Viva Viagem card for trams, metro and buses.
- Dinner is late (after 8pm); lunch is the value meal.
- Try a pastel de nata in Belém and ginjinha in the old town.
Three to four days covers the city plus a Sintra day trip.
First Time Visitor Guide Lisbo FAQ
Is Lisbon hilly?
Very — wear comfortable shoes; trams and funiculars help with the climbs.
How many days for Lisbon?
Three to four — two in the city plus a Sintra day trip.