Back in 2018, I took a trip with my family to Alaska. We booked a 10-day cruise that included 3 days on the ship and the rest on land. While on land, our group was led by a tour guide. We covered a lot of ground in a short period, so we didn’t have much time to explore each stop in depth.

At each stop, our tour guide handed us a pamphlet with information about the city, including a checklist of must-do activities, like a highlight reel. I loved this idea. Instead of wandering aimlessly trying to figure out what to do, we used the checklist to guide our adventure. Inspired by this concept, I’m excited to share a similar checklist for Lisbon. Here are the five things we love about Lisbon and the five things you must do in Lisbon to truly experience the city and its culture.

#1: Wander the Streets of Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district and the part of the city that survived the great earthquake of 1755. The streets are narrow, winding, and incredibly hilly. When they say Lisbon is the city of seven hills, you truly experience it while walking through Alfama. And that’s the best way to get to know this district—just walk and wander.

Every street in Alfama is rich with experiences. Around every corner, you’ll find a cozy restaurant or a bar, each offering something unique. The tiny storefronts create a bustling atmosphere, making it feel like everything is whizzing past you as you stroll. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. If you’re not in the mood for food, there are plenty of little shops selling tourist trinkets or beautiful homes adorned with decorative tiles. The details everywhere you look are intricate and captivating, creating a chaotic yet charming vibe.

When we visited, it was around 80 degrees, and the locals had their doors and windows wide open. Without screens or bars, you could see people living their lives, pouring into the streets. The only thing separating the strangers outside from the lives inside was often just a sheet hanging in the hallway. This openness gives Alfama a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit district in Lisbon.

#2: Try at least three pasteis de nata from different pastry shops

Now I am a sucker for dessert. I love a good baked good or a pastry especially if cinnamon is involved. So when I tried a pasta de nata for the first time I knew it was a match made in heaven.

What is a pastel de nata? Pastéis de nata are traditional Portuguese custard tarts that are delightfully rich and indulgent. Each tart features a flaky, crispy pastry shell filled with a creamy, smooth custard center made from egg yolks, sugar, and cream. The custard is baked until it achieves a slightly caramelized top, creating a perfect contrast between the crispy pastry and the velvety filling. Dust this little pastry with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar and you are tasting one of the best things in Lisbon.

You can find pastéis de nata everywhere in Lisbon, and each place has its own unique recipe. The best approach is to walk around and try one from a few different spots to decide which is your favorite.

The most famous pastéis de nata come from Pastéis de Belém, which is said to be the original recipe started by monks in the early 18th century. However, our favorite is from Manteigaria. I’ll let you be the judge!

#3: Hike up to Sintra Castle

Sintra is a day trip that everyone will mention when you plan a visit to Lisbon. It’s famous for its eccentric red and yellow castle perched atop a hill. That’s the main reason for going there, and it was our primary mission. There are two ways to explore Sintra: by foot or by public buses and taxis. We prefer walking, so we did everything on foot. If you’ve been there, this might seem a little crazy, but for us, it was the best way to immerse ourselves in the city.

We walked up the hill to downtown Sintra, had a decent breakfast, grabbed some water, and made our trek up to the castle. There is a hiking path that is beyond gorgeous—thick and enchanting, like a fairytale forest, with random stone structures and breathtaking views that figuratively and literally take your breath away. It’s a workout, but it’s so worth it. It’s also easy to get lost and wander through a beautiful lake garden area. But the views and the beauty of nature are worth it. You’re on vacation anyway, so take your time soaking up the area.

The Sintra castle is the main attraction—quirky, eccentric, and bold, standing loud and proud. From our research, we heard a lot of advice to skip going inside the castle, so we didn’t. Instead, we walked the exterior and especially the wall walk. Do not miss this! You get a 360-degree view of Portugal, including the Atlantic Ocean. I was obsessed with this view, and you will be too.

#4: Take a shot of ginja at A Ginjinha Bar

Ginja, the beloved Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Portugal. Ginja has this unique sweet and tart flavor, offering a refreshing and indulgent taste of traditional Portuguese hospitality. Served in small glasses and often infused with cinnamon and other spices, this liqueur is a symbol of conviviality and celebration in Portugal’s rich culinary culture.

While doing my research for Lisbon, I watched the Lisbon episode of “Somebody Feed Phil,” where he stopped at a place called A Ginjinha Bar for a shot of ginja. Since Phil went there, we figured it would be a good place to go, and we were right. It became one of our favorite stops.

#5 Walk the plaza at the Discoveries Monument

Lisbon’s obsession with tiles is next level – they’re literally everywhere, from streets to buildings. It’s what gives the city its unique charm! And you know where you can see some of the best tiles? The Belem neighborhood, especially around The Discoveries Monument.

Picture this: you’re wandering around Belem, checking out the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, and suddenly, you stumble upon The Discoveries Monument. It’s this massive thing surrounded by these cool wavy black and white tiles. Trust me, it’s like stepping into an art gallery! And with the monument overlooking the river, it’s a view you won’t forget in a hurry. Lisbon’s tile game is seriously on point!

Honorable Mention: Take a sunset walk through the Park Eduardo VII

One day in Lisbon, my husband and I found ourselves casually strolling down the main shopping boulevard towards a park that caught my eye on the map. It wasn’t initially a top priority, but as we entered, we were in for a delightful surprise.

The park’s entrance boasted a towering monument at the center of a roundabout – nothing out of the ordinary. But as we ventured further in, we were greeted by a vast expanse of lush greenery. People were scattered everywhere, lounging on the grass with friends or enjoying the company of their furry companions. We traversed the entire length of the park, eventually stumbling upon a marble or limestone terrace where a local street performer serenaded us with his guitar. The atmosphere was incredibly laid-back and enchanting, as if we had stumbled upon the heart of Lisbon itself.

However, the real magic happened when we turned around. Before us lay a meticulously manicured maze of shrubs, drawing our gaze to the far end of the park and beyond, where the Tagus River sparkled in the distance. It was, quite simply, the epitome of Lisbon captured in one breathtaking view.

Summary

After my recent trip to Lisbon these are my top five best things you must do in Lisbon to get a taste of the city and the culture. Honestly it’s hard to narrow it down because there are so many fun things to do and see. Hopefully with this list you can get started on your trip to this beautifully eccentric city!