Lisbon is a captivating port city known for its narrow cobbled streets, relaxed sidewalk cafés, iconic wooden trams and pale limestone buildings with Moorish influences. With roots reaching back to pre-Roman times and a legendary link to Ulysses, Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, contributing a substantial portion of the nation’s economy.
Avenida da Liberdade leads into the historic core. The Baixa district, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, showcases grand Enlightenment-era architecture. Belém is home to some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, such as the 16th-century Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the expansive Presidential Palace. The Coach Museum holds the world’s largest collection of ceremonial coaches and royal vehicles and is well worth a visit. Also notable are the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral and the Archaeology Museum, set within the remains of a Gothic church.
Lisbon’s vintage 1930s trams and three funiculars are excellent ways to traverse this city of seven hills. Take a tram to Chiado, an elegant shopping and café district, and then ride a funicular uphill to Bairro Alto, known for its vibrant nightlife.
As evening falls, experience fado, Portugal’s soulful folk music, performed in intimate bars and cafés throughout Bairro Alto, a prime spot for people-watching and late-night atmosphere.
Info to Go
Portela Airport (LIS) connects to central Lisbon via the Aerobus. TAP Portugal offers non-stop flights from Newark (EWR). An Aerobus ticket (around $5) is valid on public transport for one day. Typical taxi fares to the city center are about $13; to avoid surprises, consider buying a taxi voucher at the airport (approximately $24).
Traffic congestion and limited parking are common—using the Metro is often faster. Single subway tickets cost about $1, while a one-day pass that covers trams and other public transport runs around $5. The classic yellow trams remain a beloved symbol of Lisbon.
Numbers to Know
U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Avenida das Forças Armadas — tel: +351 21 727 3300
Emergency: 112
Dining
A Casa do Bacalhau
Set beneath an 18th-century domed ceiling, this restaurant specializes in cod with about 20 different preparations. Rua do Grilo 54 — tel: +351 21 862 0000.
A Travessa
Known for traditional Portuguese cuisine and fresh seafood, especially mussels. Travessa do Convento das Bernardas 12, Bairro da Madragoa — tel: +351 21 390 2034.
Fortaleza do Guincho
Chef Vincent Farges offers French-influenced cuisine with Portuguese touches in a 17th-century fortress overlooking the coast. Estrada do Guincho, Cascais — tel: +351 21 487 0491.
Lodging
Lapa Palace
A historic luxury hotel dating from 1870, noted for its gardens, attentive concierge service, refined dining and views of the Tagus River. Rua do Pau de Bandeira 4 — tel: +351 21 394 9494.
Lisbon Marriott
Located about ten minutes from the airport, this hotel offers a business center, fitness facilities and executive floors. Avenida dos Combatentes — tel: +351 21 723 5400.
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
A recently updated hotel in the business district featuring a spa, wireless internet and executive-level accommodations. Rua Latino Coelho 1 — tel: +351 21 312 0000.