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I loved Lisbon, it's stunning, with a unique charm that feels like Western Europe meets South America. Colorful houses, vibrant music, and piña colada stands on every corner create an authentic, joyful atmosphere.
Lisbon is built on hills, so there’s a lot of uphill and downhill walking. As a couple traveling with a baby, we needed to plan our days carefully. Even so, Lisbon is a walkable city, and exploring on foot lets you enjoy most of the highlights without relying on transport.
We spent five days in Lisbon, taking a slower pace to suit traveling with a baby. Generally, I’d say three days is enough to explore the city, with an additional day for a side trip to nearby Sintra.
Accommodation
Since we were traveling with a stroller, we prioritized staying in a central area with nearby restaurants for easy outings in the evening. We also wanted somewhere relatively flat, so we chose to stay at the junction of the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. It turned out to be a perfect location, right between the main streets and squares.
We stayed at Prima Collection - São Nicolau 119 Luxury Apartments, a spacious apartment with a bedroom, living room, washing machine, and fully equipped kitchen.
Getting Around
We mostly walked around the city, as Lisbon is pedestrian-friendly, and exploring on foot is a great way to absorb its ambiance. When we needed to go further, we took taxis (using the Free Now app) and trams, which are an experience in themselves.
Lisbon also has elevators to help reach higher areas without climbing on foot (more details in the points of interest section).
Points of Interest
Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s main square, built on the original site of the royal palace, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The square opens up to the Tagus River on the south and Rua Augusta Arch on the north.
Arco da Rua Augusta – An impressive arch in the main square, built after the 1755 earthquake as a monument to the destruction. From here begins Rua Augusta, one of the city’s main streets leading to Rossio Square.
Rossio Square – Also known as Praca de Dom Pedro IV, this is one of Lisbon's central squares, located in the heart of the Baixa neighborhood. It’s a lively meeting point for tourists and locals, with plenty of seating and two fountains.
Bairro Alto
A picturesque, bohemian neighborhood above Baixa, filled with colorful buildings, charming streets, many restaurants, cafés, and viewpoints overlooking the city.
Bica Funicular – An iconic tram built in 1892 that leads to Bairro Alto. With two stops, the funicular ends at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a scenic viewpoint over the city.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – A park and panoramic viewpoint.
Santa Justa Lift – A quick way to get from Baixa to Bairro Alto. The lift, built in 1900, is about seven stories tall and offers a ticketed ride up and down.
Praça Luís de Camões – A lovely square at the junction of Chiado and Bairro Alto.
Belém Neighborhood
About a 20-minute drive from central Lisbon along the Tagus River, this quiet area has some notable landmarks.
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) – Built in the 16th century, this iconic tower served as the city's maritime gateway. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, it’s a symbol of Lisbon.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) – A 15-minute walk from Belém Tower, this monastery is an outstanding example of Manueline architecture from the 16th century. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Note that tickets can be purchased online to avoid the long queue.
Alfama Neighborhood
One of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods, stretching along a hill that connects Saint George's Castle to the Tagus River. Alfama is known for its narrow streets, traditional houses, and stunning viewpoints.
Tram Line 28 – A recommended way to start your day in Alfama is by taking the famous tram line 28 to the top and walking back down through the streets.
Saint George’s Castle – Perched atop the highest hill in Lisbon’s Alfama district, Saint George’s Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. This fortress dates back to the 8th century and was a key defense point throughout Lisbon's history, from Roman and Moorish times through the age of Portuguese kings. Wandering through its stone walls and towers, you can explore remnants of ancient history, including medieval cannons, royal gardens, and a small museum with archaeological artifacts. The views from the castle's walls and courtyards are among the most stunning in Lisbon, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city.
Lisbon Cathedral – Known as Sé de Lisboa, this 12th-century cathedral stands as one of the few structures that survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, preserving its remarkable Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Inside, visitors can explore a mix of historical artifacts, chapels, and cloisters, each echoing centuries of Lisbon's religious and cultural heritage.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – Alfama’s highest viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Tagus River, the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and the sprawling neighborhoods below. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for enjoying Lisbon's natural beauty and iconic sunsets, which cast a warm glow over the cityscape. The surrounding garden adds to the appeal, making it an ideal place to relax, take photos, or even have a quiet picnic while watching the hustle of Lisbon from above.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia – This terrace offers a panoramic view of Lisbon, capturing the charm of the city from a unique vantage point. The overlook features blue azulejo tiles, traditional Portuguese ceramics, that add a local touch to the scenic views. With its classic architecture and calm ambiance, it’s a beautiful place to pause, take photos, and absorb Lisbon’s beauty.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol – For me, this is the most stunning viewpoint in Alfama and would be my top choice. This spot provides an unparalleled perspective over Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River, creating a picture-perfect setting. A beloved location for both locals and tourists, it’s a must-visit, especially around sunrise or sunset when the light transforms the landscape.
LX Factory
Located about 30 minutes from central Lisbon, the LX Factory is a vibrant complex built on the ruins of abandoned factories. This colorful, artsy spot is home to several dining areas, shops, and galleries, all adorned with creative graffiti and art installations. Its relaxed, trendy atmosphere is great for a day visit, and even more enchanting at night. LX Factory brings together Lisbon’s urban art and culture scene, making it a favorite hangout spot.
Day Trip to Sintra
Sintra is an ancient town, about 40 minutes from Lisbon, known for its palaces and historic buildings, each steeped in history. UNESCO has recognized Sintra’s cultural landscape as a World Heritage site. Dedicate a full day to visiting Sintra—no more is really needed. Getting there is simple, just take a train from Lisbon’s center to arrive right in the heart of Sintra.
Outside the train station, you’ll find an array of tuk-tuks and drivers offering day-long services, as well as buses that reach all major attractions. Note that tuk-tuks aren’t suited for families with babies, so buses or a car are better options. We arranged for local driver Andres (WhatsApp: +351934026619) to help us get around for the day, which made the experience easy and enjoyable.
Pena Palace – The most famous and striking palace in Sintra, Pena Palace, is a true fairytale landmark. Built in medieval times atop the hill overlooking Sintra, its colorful architecture stands out like something straight out of a storybook. The palace is very popular, with long lines beginning early in the morning. If you skip the palace’s interior and choose only to explore the gardens and courtyard, you’ll still get a fulfilling experience with significantly shorter wait times.
Quinta da Regaleira – This estate includes a palace, lush gardens, and the mesmerizing Initiation Well, a spiral staircase descending into a subterranean passage with a waterfall at the end.
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