[takeaways] • Lisbon's seven must-visit spots are Alfama, the Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon Cathedral, Bairro Alto, LX Factory, Jerónimos Monastery, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
• The Santa Justa Lift opened in 1902 as a steam-powered elevator and was converted to electricity just five years later, in 1907.
• Lisbon Cathedral is the city's oldest church, having stood for more than eight centuries in the heart of the capital.
• Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting some of the most intricate Gothic architecture in Portugal.
• September and October offer the best balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices for a Lisbon city break.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Portugal keeps you connected to the best available mobile data wherever you explore in Lisbon. [/takeaways]
Portugal is one of the SIMOVO team's best-loved European destinations — mainly for its incredible weather and coastal relaxation. However, venture into cities like the capital of Lisbon and you'll find a little more than just a sun tan to keep you coming back for more.
Lisbon is well-known for its unique dining, its ancient monasteries, and its world-famous Tram 28 — and if history isn't your scene, there are plenty of trendy clubs, galleries, and cafés to dip into. In this guide, we'll break down what to do in Lisbon, Portugal if you're new to the area.
Things to do in Lisbon: a rundown
Once you've touched down in Lisbon, we recommend you check out Alfama, the Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon Cathedral, Bairro Alto, LX Factory, Jerónimos Monastery, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Of course, these are simply recommendations — you'll likely find plenty of things outside of these hotspots to explore on your own terms, too.
For now, however, let's dive into why these seven attractions should be at the top of your must-visit list.
[numbered title="Alfama" pill="Lisbon's oldest district"]Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, which means it's packed full of historic buildings and traditional Portuguese fare — great if you're just getting to know the capital for the first time. As Joanna Horanin says, it's an absolutely gorgeous corner of Lisbon famed for street art, the famous Tram 28 (which you can still ride), and even the oldest property in the city. It's a great spot for buying souvenirs, seeing concerts, and marveling at architecture such as St. George's Castle.[/numbered] [numbered title="The Santa Justa Lift" pill="Historic iron elevator"]Lisbon's Santa Justa Lift is public transportation with a difference. It's an iron elevator that's been open to the public since 1902, and which provides modern crowds with easy access between Bairro Alto and Baixa, two of the most popular districts in Lisbon. Believe it or not, the lift was only powered by electricity five years into launch, with it having started life as a steam-powered elevator. Combine travel between two neighborhoods while marveling at some turn-of-the-century architecture![/numbered] [numbered title="Lisbon Cathedral" pill="City's oldest church"]Sé de Lisboa, or Lisbon Cathedral, is considered the city's most important church, and is also its oldest, according to Visit Lisboa. Exceptionally important in European Christianity history, the cathedral is said to have been the site of some of the first miracles performed by God via Saint Anthony, who was baptized here. It is a magnificent building inside and out, having stood for more than eight centuries in the heart of the city.[/numbered] [numbered title="Bairro Alto" pill="Bohemian nightlife"]Remember the Santa Justa Lift? You'll likely need it to get to the steep neighborhood of Bairro Alto, which has been a part of Lisbon since the early 16th century. It's a laid-back, bohemian neighborhood, home to some of the most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants in the capital. It's also a fantastic vantage point for views across Lisbon, and it's home to what is reportedly the most photographed street in the city — Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo — where a classic tram runs down the nightlife-heavy road.[/numbered] [numbered title="LX Factory" pill="Creative and artistic hub"]If shopping's at the top of your must-do list when visiting Lisbon, LX Factory should be your first port of call. This tiny neighborhood is home to some of the most creative cafés, shops, restaurants, and street art scenes this side of Portugal. The area was only developed in 2008, built around an old textiles factory (hence the name). It's given way to weekly market scenes, live music, and food and drink festivals. If you're looking for the beating artistic heart of Lisbon, it's in LX Factory.[/numbered] [numbered title="Jerónimos Monastery" pill="UNESCO World Heritage"]As you explore Lisbon, with a guided tour or otherwise, you'll soon come to realize that it's a city full of wonderful religious architecture — and a genuine highlight is the Jerónimos Monastery. This magnificent building was completed in the 16th century and has stood the test of time — it's recognized by UNESCO World Heritage for a reason. It boasts some of the most intricate motifs and Gothic architecture in the city, if not Portugal — and you don't have to be practising a religion to enjoy it. You do, however, need to be respectful![/numbered] [numbered title="Miradouro das Portas do Sol" pill="Iconic viewpoint"]Sitting high above Alfama as something akin to a balcony neighborhood, Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a must-visit if you want to see the best of Lisbon's Old Town from above. Home to historic orange rooftops and a fantastic viewpoint over the Tagus River, this area of the city is very popular with photographers (and anyone looking for a feast for the eyes). It's also extremely popular as a social corner of Lisbon, with street musicians and local wine abound.[/numbered] [esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected to the best mobile data across Lisbon[/esim]
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
The best time to visit Lisbon really depends on what you'd like to do here, but the SIMOVO team generally recommends visiting in early fall, some time between September and October. It's during this time that the scorching weather gives way to milder breezes, making it more comfortable to explore cities such as Lisbon on foot.
It's also less likely to be crowded at this time of the year, meaning you won't have to worry about feeling cramped or struggling for spots at restaurants and attractions. Prices, too, often fall after the summer rush, meaning it might be worth booking flights and accommodations ahead of time for fall if you're on a budget.
Travel tips for visiting Portugal
If you've never visited Portugal before, here are some top tips to help make your vacation that little bit more accessible and enjoyable.
[tip title="Consider fall over summer for city breaks"]As mentioned, while we feel the best months to visit Portugal are September and October for city breaks, you may wish to make the most of the summer — be warned, it can get immensely hot between July and August, and it's worth preparing for crowds on the beaches![/tip] [tip title="Learn a few Portuguese phrases"]You will find a mix of languages, such as English, spoken across the main tourist areas of the region. However, it's worthwhile learning some Portuguese, if only to greet people and to say please and thank you.[/tip] [tip title="Carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas"]Don't assume that everywhere you go will accept payments on plastic. In fact, if you're going rural, make sure you have some loose cash and coins to hand to pay smaller vendors.[/tip] [tip title="Around 10% is a nice gesture, but not required"]You don't have to tip when dining in Portugal, but if you've had a good time, consider leaving around 10% to your server(s). It will be appreciated![/tip] [warning]Be wary of pickpocketing — while cities like Lisbon are reasonably safe, there's still a risk of tricks being played in the main tourist zones. Keep your belongings safe and avoid holding your phone out into the open.[/warning] [tip title="Check for free museum days and book ahead"]Always check if any museums or attractions you'd like to visit have free days — you might be surprised at what you can save when you plan ahead. That goes for booking flights and accommodations, too — book as far in advance as you can for the biggest chances of savings.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Lisbon?[/q] [a]Lisbon's top seven attractions are Alfama (the city's oldest district), the Santa Justa Lift (a historic iron elevator), Lisbon Cathedral (the city's oldest church), Bairro Alto (a bohemian nightlife district), LX Factory (a creative hub in a former textile factory), Jerónimos Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Miradouro das Portas do Sol (a stunning viewpoint over Alfama and the Tagus River).[/a] [q]How old is the Santa Justa Lift?[/q] [a]The Santa Justa Lift opened to the public in 1902. It was originally powered by steam, and was converted to electricity in 1907 — five years after it first opened. The elevator connects Lisbon's Baixa and Bairro Alto districts and remains a popular tourist attraction today.[/a] [q]Is Lisbon Cathedral the oldest church in the city?[/q] [a]Yes — Sé de Lisboa, or Lisbon Cathedral, is both the city's most important and oldest church, having stood for more than eight centuries. It holds significant religious history, including associations with Saint Anthony, who was baptized there.[/a] [q]When is the best time to visit Lisbon?[/q] [a]September and October are generally recommended for a Lisbon city break, offering milder weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than the peak summer months. July and August can get immensely hot, with crowded beaches, so plan accordingly based on your preferences.[/a] [q]Is Lisbon safe for tourists?[/q] [a]Lisbon is a reasonably safe city, but pickpocketing does occur in the main tourist zones. Keep your belongings secure, avoid holding your phone out in the open, and stay alert in busy areas like Alfama and Bairro Alto.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Lisbon?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Portugal is a convenient way to stay connected to the best available mobile data throughout your Lisbon visit — useful for navigating the city's steep streets, checking attraction opening times, and staying in touch. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Lisbon[/esim]
