Seven hills and tram 28, Belem and its UNESCO monuments, pasteis de nata, sunshine hours, views over the Tagus, surf and Sintra nearby, the airport metro and practical tips.
Lisbon is one of the few European capitals that sits on a wide river estuary, close to the Atlantic, with a light that many visitors remember first. This is an editorial guide for people arriving for the first time, on a holiday or a viewing trip. We list what visitors tend to notice and, where we could check it, the source behind the fact.
1. A city of seven hills
Lisbon is traditionally described as a city built on seven hills (a traditional description, not a measured fact). Whatever the count, the effect is real: streets climb steeply, and from many viewpoints (miradouros) you look over rooftops towards the river. Comfortable shoes matter more here than in most capitals, and the paving of many streets is traditional small stone, which can be slippery when wet.
2. Tram 28
The yellow tram 28 (Elétrico 28) runs between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique through Graca, Alfama, the Se cathedral, Baixa, Chiado and Estrela (route as described by guide sites; check the Carris website for current timetables). Many of the vintage-style trams keep wooden interiors, which is part of the charm. It is popular and crowded, and guides warn about pickpockets, so keep your bag in front of you. Many visitors take it early in the morning or ride only a section.
3. Belem and UNESCO monuments
The Monastery of the Hieronymites, begun in 1502, and the Tower of Belem were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1983. The tower commemorates the age of maritime discoveries, and the monastery church houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luis de Camoes. Belem lies a few kilometres west of the centre by tram or train and is worth half a day, including the riverside walk.
4. Pasteis de nata
The pastel de nata is the best-known Portuguese pastry. According to widely repeated accounts, it was created by monks at the Jeronimos Monastery; after the monastery closed in 1834, the recipe was sold and the Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem opened in 1837 and still bakes them, reportedly about 20,000 a day. They are best eaten warm with cinnamon. Almost every pastry shop in the city sells its own version, so you can compare.
5. Light and sunshine hours
Lisbon is known for bright skies. The IPMA climate normal for the Lisboa Geofisico station (1971-2000) gives about 2,793 hours of sunshine a year, with about 345 in July and about 135 in December. It is an older reference period and the values for recent years may differ, but it explains why light is a real feature of the city. See the IPMA climate normals.
6. Views over the Tagus
The city opens towards the Tagus estuary, so the river is a constant presence: from the Alfama and Graca viewpoints, from Cais do Sodre, from the Praca do Comercio on the waterfront and from the ferries that cross the river. Sunset is a popular time to be at a viewpoint.
7. Surf and beaches within reach
The Cascais line runs from Cais do Sodre along the coast. Carcavelos is about 25 minutes by train and is described by guides as one of the most consistent surf beaches near a European capital, with waves for beginners and for experienced surfers; Cascais is about 40 minutes. The Atlantic is cold and strong, so respect flags and lifeguard instructions.
8. A day trip to Sintra
The Cultural Landscape of Sintra was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995 as an early centre of European Romantic architecture. Trains from Rossio take about 40 minutes (guide figure), and the palaces and gardens are reached by local bus or taxi. Book timed tickets and start early in high season; Sintra is often cooler and misty compared with Lisbon.
9. The metro from the airport
The Red Line connects the airport to the city and to Oriente station. Travel to the centre takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes, depending on where you change lines (guide figures); passengers heading to the historic centre usually change at Alameda to the Green Line. It is the simplest way to reach the centre without a taxi.
10. Everyday practicalities
Public transport uses rechargeable cards; check the current tariff and card rules on the official metro and Carris websites. The currency is the euro. English is widely understood in tourist areas. Restaurants usually add small items brought to the table (bread, olives) to the bill; they are optional, so you may decline them.
11. Best months for a first visit
Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking the hills; summer is sunny and often hot in the city, while winter is mild but can be rainy. If you plan to see many neighbourhoods on foot, avoid the hottest afternoons.
12. Honest note: crowds and the hills
The most popular districts (Alfama, Belem, Baixa) are busy in summer, and the hills are tiring in the heat. Tourist-heavy areas are also where pickpockets work, as in any busy capital.
Practical tips for your first visit
- From the airport take the Red Line; change at Alameda for the historic centre.
- Wear shoes with good grip for polished stone streets.
- Go to Belem in the morning and try the pastries early, before the queue.
- Use the tram in the early morning or for a short section; guard your bag.
- For Sintra, book entrance tickets in advance and take a layer.
- Cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for small cafes.
- European emergency number: 112.
FAQ
Is Lisbon really built on seven hills? That is the traditional description; the city is definitely hilly, with many viewpoints.
How sunny is it? The IPMA 1971-2000 normal for one city station gives about 2,793 sunshine hours a year. Weather varies from year to year.
How do I get from the airport to the centre? By the Red Line of the metro (about 20 to 25 minutes, with a change at Alameda for the old town), by taxi or by bus.
Is Sintra worth a day? Many visitors think so. Trains from Rossio take about 40 minutes; plan the visit around the palace ticket slots.
Can I combine a city break with looking at property? Yes. Read how to plan a viewing trip, our guide to Lisbon and Cascais apartments and the Portugal property guide.
How we help
This article is editorial and is not legal, tax or investment advice. D.H. Realting is a trilingual platform (Russian, Polish, English). If your trip to Lisbon includes looking at homes, you can browse listings in Portugal and read the country page. We coordinate independent local lawyers and tax advisers for those who decide to buy. Please check current rules, opening times and prices on official sources before you travel.