First Time in Lisbon: where to stay, what to do & local tips
First time in Lisbon? Discover where to stay, what to do, how to get around, what to eat and practical local tips for planning your trip.
Planning your first time in Lisbon can feel easy at first: the city is compact, many attractions are close together and public transport is straightforward. But Lisbon also has steep hills, busy tourist areas and a few practical details that are much easier to know before you arrive.
This guide covers where to stay, how to get around, what to see, what to eat and the local tips that make a first trip smoother.
1. Stay somewhere central
For a first visit, location matters more than having a large hotel room.
The most convenient areas include Baixa, Chiado, Príncipe Real and parts of Alfama, depending on whether you prioritise transport, nightlife, atmosphere or flatter streets.
Baixa is especially practical if you want to walk to many of the major sights.
For a full comparison, see our guide to where to stay in Lisbon.
2. Expect hills
Lisbon is walkable, but it is not flat.
Neighbourhoods such as Alfama, Graça and Bairro Alto involve steep streets and stairs, while areas around Baixa and the river are much easier to walk.
Comfortable shoes make a real difference, especially on Lisbon's traditional calçada paving.
3. Learn the public transport basics
You probably won't need a car in central Lisbon.
The metro is useful for longer journeys, while trams, buses and funiculars help with areas not directly served by the metro.
Our guide to using public transport in Lisbon explains tickets and the main options.
4. Getting from Lisbon Airport is easy
Lisbon Airport is close to the city centre.
The metro is usually the cheapest option, while Uber, Bolt and taxis are convenient if you have luggage or are travelling as a group.
See our guides to Lisbon Airport metro and Uber vs metro from Lisbon Airport.
5. Don't try to see everything
Lisbon rewards slower sightseeing.
For a first trip, focus on areas such as Baixa, Chiado, Alfama and Belém, then add Príncipe Real, Graça or Bairro Alto depending on your interests.
If you're visiting for a weekend, our 2 days in Lisbon itinerary is designed to avoid unnecessary travel across the city.
6. Two to four days works well
Two days is enough for the highlights, but three or four days gives you a much more relaxed first visit.
With extra time, you can add Sintra, Cascais or another day trip without sacrificing too much time in Lisbon itself.
See how many days you need in Lisbon before deciding your itinerary.
7. Visit Alfama early or later in the day
Alfama is one of the most popular areas in Lisbon and can become crowded around its viewpoints and main streets.
Visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
Our guide to what to see in Alfama covers the main stops.
8. Don't spend your whole trip on Tram 28
Tram 28 is iconic, but queues and crowding can make it less enjoyable than expected.
There are other historic tram routes and alternatives that let you experience the city without spending a long time waiting.
See our guide to Tram 28 alternatives.
9. Leave time for Belém
Belém deserves at least half a day.
The main attractions include Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the riverside, along with Pastéis de Belém.
If you're planning your route, see our guide to what to see in Belém.
10. Eat beyond the main tourist streets
Lisbon has excellent Portuguese food, but the busiest streets in Baixa and Alfama can also contain restaurants aimed primarily at tourists.
Walk a few streets away from the busiest squares and look for shorter menus, daily specials and places with a strong local customer base.
Our Lisbon food guide covers what to eat and how to choose better restaurants.
11. Tap water is safe
You can drink Lisbon tap water normally and refill a reusable bottle before sightseeing.
There's usually no reason to buy bottled water purely for safety.
Read our guide to drinking tap water in Lisbon for more practical information.
12. Expect to pay a tourist tax
Visitors staying in registered accommodation generally pay a €4 tourist tax per person, per night, for up to seven nights.
Children under 13 are exempt.
See our complete guide to the Lisbon tourist tax.
13. Decide whether the Lisboa Card is worth it
The Lisboa Card can be useful if you plan to visit several included attractions and use public transport frequently.
It isn't automatically the cheapest option for every itinerary.
Before buying, compare it with your actual plans using our guide to whether the Lisboa Card is worth it.
14. Make Sintra a full day trip
If you're visiting Sintra, avoid trying to squeeze it into a free afternoon.
Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Sintra's historic centre can easily occupy most of a day.
The simplest approach is usually to take the train from Lisbon and plan your attractions before arriving.
See how to get from Lisbon to Sintra for transport details.
15. Book the attractions you really care about
You do not need to pre-book everything in Lisbon, but the most popular attractions can become busy during peak travel periods.
If Pena Palace, Jerónimos Monastery or another major attraction is essential to your trip, booking ahead gives you more control over your itinerary.
The same applies to popular food tours, Fado shows and day trips during busy months.
FAQ: first time in Lisbon
Is Lisbon good for first-time visitors?
Yes. Lisbon is relatively compact, easy to navigate and has a good mix of historic sights, food, nightlife and day trips.
How many days should I spend in Lisbon for the first time?
Three days is a good starting point. Two days works for the main highlights, while four days gives you room for a day trip.
Do I need a car in Lisbon?
No. A car is usually unnecessary for central Lisbon and can be inconvenient because of traffic, narrow streets and parking.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Lisbon?
Baixa and Chiado are particularly convenient. Príncipe Real is a good option for restaurants and nightlife, while Alfama offers more historic atmosphere.
Is Lisbon expensive for tourists?
Lisbon is no longer a particularly cheap European capital, especially for accommodation, but transport and many everyday expenses remain relatively manageable.
Should I visit Sintra on my first trip?
Yes, if you have at least three days. With only one or two days in Lisbon, it is usually better to focus on the city itself.
Rafael Rocha
The Author
Having lived and studied in Lisbon for many years, a deep connection to the city grew naturally over time. Here I share practical guides and local recommendations to help you experience Lisbon better.
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