Free walking tours in Lisbon and what to see

Must-sees

Lisbon is explored on foot and by tram, up and down its hills. Start in the Baixa, the district rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, where Rua Augusta and its arch open onto Praça do Comércio, beside the Tagus. From there, the Santa Justa lift or the slopes of the Chiado take you up to the Bairro Alto and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.

On the other side lies Alfama, the oldest quarter, with the cathedral, São Jorge Castle at the top and viewpoints such as Santa Luzia and Graça. Tram 28 runs through much of these neighbourhoods. In Belém, by the river, you will find the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, as well as the custard tarts the district is named after.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours of the centre, which usually link the Baixa, the Chiado and the Bairro Alto, and others devoted to Alfama alone, with its alleys and the story of fado. They are a good way to get your bearings on the first day and find out which trams and viewpoints are worth it.

Among the paid activities, the highlights are boat trips on the Tagus combined with Belém and day trips to Sintra and Cascais, with the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca. There are also guided visits to the Jerónimos and evening tours with fado.

How long to spend

Three days let you see the main sights without rushing: one for the Baixa, the Chiado and the Bairro Alto, another for Alfama and the castle, and another for Belém. With four or five, spend one in Sintra and leave time for LX Factory, the Oceanário or an afternoon on the beaches along the Cascais line. Wear comfortable shoes: the cobbles are slippery and the hills never stop.

Where to stay

The Baixa and the Chiado are the most practical for a first visit: flat, well connected by metro and within walking distance of almost everything. The Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real are livelier at night, and Alfama suits those looking for charming streets, even if it means climbing. For longer stays or with a car, Avenida da Liberdade and the area around Marquês de Pombal offer roomy hotels and good connections.