Here’s an essential Portuguese word to learn before your trip to Lisbon: miradouro, which means “viewpoint.” Climbing to a miradouro can be a grueling exercise in this hilly city, but you’ll be amply rewarded by the view and the vibe. Popular places include the hilltop churchyard of Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and the inviting terrace of Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Looking out over the city’s rooftops and river at sunset with a drink in hand—what could be better?

Of course, the Portuguese capital has much more to offer visitors. Spend time strolling along the picturesque waterfront, tasting the wares of the city’s famous bakeries, and exploring its excellent museums, such as the new MAC-CCB (modern and contemporary art) and Underdogs Gallery (street art). This five-minute Lisbon travel guide highlights a few of the city’s best sights, hotels, and restaurants.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for Portugal

1. You don’t want to pay huge medical bills. If you have a medical emergency while visiting Portugal, prepare to pay out of pocket for your care. Payment is expected when you’re admitted to a private hospital, the U.S. Department of State cautions, and most healthcare providers won’t accept your U.S. health insurance. A travel insurance plan with emergency medical benefits and emergency transportation benefits can reimburse the cost of covered medical care.
2. Travel insurance can come to the rescue if you’re the victim of a crime. Lisbon isn’t a dangerous city, but crimes of opportunity are common. Pickpockets regularly target tourists, especially on public transportation, and thieves grab backpacks, electronics and luggage.¹ 24-hour assistance can help you report a crime and replace stolen documents, while your baggage benefits can reimburse covered losses.
3. Insurance is your best defense against travel chaos. Flight delays, flight cancellations, and other travel hurdles remain common in Europe, especially during the busy summer tourist season.² Travel delay benefits can reimburse you for eligible expenses, such as food and accommodations, during a covered delay. If your plan includes SmartBenefits®, you can opt to receive a fixed inconvenience payment of $100 per insured person, per day for a covered delay. You don’t need to provide any receipts—just proof of the delay!

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Portugal

1. OneTrip Prime is our most popular plan for international vacations. It provides generous emergency medical benefits plus all the benefits you need for overseas travel. Kids 17 and under are covered for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents)!
2. AllTrips Premier is a great buy for frequent travelers, as it covers every trip you take in 365 days. Chose one of four benefit levels for trip cancellation/interruption and enjoy a year’s worth of travel protection.
3. OneTrip Basic is designed for international travelers on a budget, with up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption benefits, and more.

See all our plan options and get a quote for your next trip.

3 of the best things to do in Lisbon

1. Hop aboard Tram 28. Lisbon’s bright-yellow tram cars seem like a delightful anachronism, but they serve a useful purpose: They can navigate hilly neighborhoods that aren’t accessible by metro. Route 28 is popular with tourists because it’s a fun and inexpensive way to see historic neighborhoods, churches, and other attractions. To avoid long lines, ride the tram first thing in the morning or later at night; or begin your ride at stop 13, Campo Ourique.³
2. Lose yourself in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon is a labyrinth of steep cobblestoned streets, white-walled houses, small shops and lively cafés. Here, you’ll find the Sé de Lisboa, a cathedral built in 1147, and the Feira da Ladra flea market, where you can find treasures on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
3. Visit the earthquake museum. In 1755, Lisbon was struck by a massive earthquake that ignited fires, caused a tsunami, and shattered much of the city. QUAKE: Lisbon Earthquake Center takes you back in time to see the city as it was, then lets you experience the event (virtually) in an earthquake simulator.

3 of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon

The Lumiares calls itself “a love letter to Lisbon,” and that’s exactly what it feels like. This high-end hotel in Bairro Alto, fashioned from a 17^th-century palace, offers both rooms and apartment-style suites. Soothe tired muscles in the sauna and steam room, then head up to the rooftop bar for an evening cocktail.

If you like to be where the action is, book a room at Hotel 138 Liberdade. This modern boutique hotel is located on Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard known for high-end shopping. Guests like the attentive staff, the big breakfast buffet, and the inviting terrace.

Conde Nast Traveller calls 1908 Lisboa Hotel “one of the nicest cheap hotels in Lisbon.”⁴ Expect spacious rooms in a renovated Art Deco building and friendly staff who are happy to recommend restaurants and things to do. Nearby nightlife can be noisy—but why not go down and enjoy it instead of going to bed early?

3 of the best restaurants in Lisbon

Lisbon is famous for its seafood, especially bacalhau (codfish), sardinhas (sardines), and amêijoas à bulhão pato (clams with lemon, garlic, cilantro and white wine). Other specialties include franco no churrasco (grilled chicken with piri-piri sauce), cozido (a stew of beef, beans and greens), and bifanas (pork sandwiches). 

Vegetarians, take heart: one of the best Lisbon restaurants is Arkhe, known for creative, veggie-centered fine dining. Choose the 5-course or 7-course tasting menu and enjoy a sequence of small but filling dishes guests repeatedly describe as “amazing.” “I wish I could eat here every day,” one online reviewer wrote.

For superlative seafood, try this hidden gem: Invicta Madragoa, a tiny, family-run restaurant where coins from all over the world are wedged into stone walls. Try the whole sea bream, the roasted octopus, the fish stew and anything else the owner recommends.

Don’t forget dessert! Most tourists flock to historic Pastéis de Belém to taste its take on the custard tart called pastéis de nata. While it’s undeniably good, the crowds can ruin your experience. Instead, try Pastelaria Aloma in Estrela, at the end of the Tram 28 line.

What do I need to travel to Lisbon?

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