Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, is renowned for its vibrant music scene, delectable seafood, and stunning hills. There aren't many ways to summarize such a vibrant community in one simple vacation, however. You'll need to engross yourself in the beautiful sights, sounds, and tastes to truly learn about this rich and stunning European city.

If you're planning a first-time visit or want to observe everything that Lisbon has to offer, you'll want to make some noteworthy stops and try some fun and immersive activities.

Tour Historic Neighborhoods

While all of Lisbon has historic tales to tell, you can start with the very oldest neighborhood, Alfama. You'll see traditional architecture with wrought-iron balconies, grand cathedrals, and stunning backdrops through Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Visit a café for a quick pastel de nata (custard tart) and surround yourself with the friendly locals. 

Visiting Bairro Alto will enthrall you with vibrant street art, traditional cuisine, and passionate nightlife. Consider taking a guided tour to experience all the sights and sounds of Lisbon’s most iconic cultural and historic neighborhoods. Certain reputable Lisbon guides will help you learn and experience the town like a true local.

Ride Tram 28

If your time in Lisbon is more limited, or you simply want to ride through and catch a glimpse of some of the most iconic and historic sights quickly, consider taking Tram 28 through the city. You'll ride through famous neighborhoods like Chiado and Baixa. The charming historic tram will give you a front-row view of breathtaking churches and palaces. You'll catch glimpses of the entire city while you relax the whole way. You may even want to make some spontaneous stops at local cafes or art shops. 

As a bonus, the tram ticket lasts an entire day, so you can hop on and off at your pleasure and ride back to your lodgings once you arrive at the terminus. 

Stop By Local Museums 

Lisbon offers more than a few museums where you can delve deeply into the city’s culture and history. The Museo de Fado will help you learn about the iconic and passionate music of Portugal. The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) explores the city’s history through gorgeous tile artwork in stunning traditional architecture. Visit the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) to connect Lisbon’s past and present with contemporary art and science exhibits. 

Taste and Cook the Cuisine

Lisbon (and all of Portugal) is infamous for its seafood, particularly salted cod (bacalhau). Restaurants like A Casa do Bacalhau or Laurentian will give you a gorgeous atmosphere while you sample this famous dish. You can also try some sweet cherry liqueur (ginjinha) like a local. Consider taking some local cooking classes to gain a better understanding of the ingredients and cooking styles that go into preparing the city’s most beloved dishes (including those egg tarts!).

Experience a Beautiful Fado House

Fado is Portugal’s treasured music genre, deeply soulful, cultural, and historic, typically inspired by strong emotions such as longing, loss, and love. While you may hear fado played in any street or shop, visiting a fado house will immerse you in the beautiful guitar and artful rhythm while you dine. Clube de Fado or Tasca do Chico are some popular fado houses recommended by locals. Visit, try a locally recommended drink and snack, and feel the city’s pulse.

Visit a Local Event or Market

Lisbon boasts a lively and intricate culture, often showcased through numerous local events and festivals. Depending on when you visit, consider experiencing some of them, such as the June Santo António Festival, filled with parades and dancing. There are also cultural markets to explore year-round, from flea markets to art shows, even if you miss out on a summer visit.

Sightseeing in the Afternoon

In more intimate neighborhoods in Lisbon, it's not unusual to see smaller or traditional businesses close up shop for an afternoon siesta. Siesta marks the conventional practice of taking a mid-afternoon break to rest and spend time with family. A lot of Lisbon will still be active, but it's an excellent time to sightsee while some are away. There are numerous viewpoints (called miradouros) from Lisbon’s many rolling hills to offer a bird's-eye look at the seaside, gorgeous architecture, and sprawling vineyards. Take some photos and reminisce about the history you've learned from locals and museums. Try the Santa Catarina view to start; it offers beautiful coastal views of the city and its unique architecture.

There are tons to see and do in Lisbon. It takes many trips to truly live among the locals, but immersing yourself in the city's food, music, culture, and history is a good start. Take guided tours or Tram 28 to see many of the beautiful views, architecture, and street scenes. Listen to some soulful fado at an authentic fado house. Sample and cook local seafood. Discover Lisbon’s culture and history at some of its many museums. When you visit Lisbon to learn, you'll do far more than vacation.