Lisbon

Lisbon spills across seven hills above the river Tagus, all pastel façades, hand-painted tiles and rattling yellow trams. Europe's sunniest capital mixes faded grandeur with a fast-rising food and nightlife scene, and its compact historic districts are made for slow, scenic exploration.

Top Things to Do in Lisbon

Ride the historic Tram 28 through the old quarters, then get lost in the narrow lanes of Alfama, the city's oldest district and the birthplace of melancholy Fado music. In Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and the riverside Belém Tower are masterpieces of Manueline architecture — and the original pastéis de nata custard tarts are baked nearby.

The most popular day trip is to Sintra, where the candy-coloured Pena Palace sits among misty forested hills less than an hour from the city.

Tours Worth Booking

• Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais full-day tours
• Alfama food and Fado evening experiences
• Tuk-tuk tours up Lisbon's steep historic hills
• Tagus river sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to October bring warm, comfortable weather and manageable crowds. Summer is hot and busy, especially in June during the lively Santo António street festivals. Mild winters make Lisbon a good year-round destination.

Getting Around

The centre is walkable but very hilly — historic trams, funiculars and tuk-tuks help with the steep climbs. The metro is clean and cheap, and reaches the airport directly. For Sintra and Cascais, frequent suburban trains make easy half- or full-day trips.