Tiles, Trams and Custard in Lisbon

Lisbon's oldest neighborhood — the one part of the city that survived the 1755 earthquake, so it kept its tangled Moorish street plan and 17th-century sailors' houses. Narrow cobbled alleys, fado drifting out of tiny bars, and viewpoints (miradouros) over the Tagus River. Genuinely magical if you get lost early morning before tour groups and cruise crowds hit; can feel touristy and pickpocket-prone at peak hours. Wear real shoes — the hills and stairs are relentless.

A vintage 1930s wooden tram winding through Alfama, Baixa, and Graça, hitting tight turns and steep hills modern trams can't handle. Genuinely charming and photogenic, but queues can hit 1-2 hours in peak season at the Martim Moniz terminus. Board early morning or at the quieter Prazeres/Campo de Ourique end for a real shot at a seat. Watch belongings closely — it's a known pickpocket hotspot.

I wouldn’t say this is a must do in Lisbon but if you are shrewd you can work it into your planned itinerary in relatively painless fashion without having to join ridiculous queues anyway. We planned a day exploring the Bairro Alto, finishing at the Basilica Estrella & then we decided to walk the extra half mile to the Campo Ourique stop at the western end of the Tram 28 route. It paid off because we got a seat no problem at around 5pm on a June weekend. Our accommodation was two stops from the eastern end of the route at Martim Moniz, so we got a nice 40 minute tram ride back through the city to our accommodation at the end of a hard day walking around Lisbon.

One of my favourite ways to see Lisbon vintage style. So quaint. It's a soulful experience. Easier to hop on at stops beyond Martim Moniz to skip the queues. Also great to catch the Castello bus up to Sao Jorge Castle and then walk a short way down to a beautoful Miradpura (viewpoint) to catch the tram 28 back in the other direction again. Worth visiting and spending time at Jardim de Estrela (and the Basilica there) if you're going that way.

Great experience, but the waiting lines are huge! I really loved the ride on Tram 28! It’s a classic, beautiful experience and a great way to see the historic streets of Lisbon. However, the downside is the extremely long waiting time to get on. The queues at the main stops are massive. It is definitely worth doing, but make sure to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds!

We had to wait over an hour for Tram 28 because of a public transport strike. Although the delay was frustrating, it turned out to be worth it. The strike affected tram services, making the wait much longer than usual, but once aboard, we understood why Tram 28 is so famous. As one of Lisbon's historic tram routes, operating since 1914, it offers a unique journey through the city's oldest neighborhoods in charming vintage trams dating from the 1930s. The ride took us through narrow streets and past beautiful landmarks that cannot easily be seen any other way. We also enjoyed the lively street entertainment and, most of all, the warmth and kindness of the local people. Despite the long wait caused by the strike, the experience became one of the highlights of our visit.

What a fantastic ride! I hopped on at 930 am. Maybe like 10 people in line. Not bad at all. I got on at the “start” at Prada Martin Moniz. The day was sunshiney and not hot yet. I was able to snag a seat on the right side (I think I had seen this rec on IG). It was perfect. All the windows were open, a nice breeze. Streets do get narrow so “keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times” should’ve been plastered inside the tram. Maybe it was and I just didn’t see it or understand the language, haha. Captured some great videos. I hopped off after 10 minutes at a great spot for panoramic views - Miradouro de Sao Vicente. Which is a very short walk to two other great spots - Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Worth the fare, even for the short ride.

A curated food hall inside the historic 19th-century Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré, bringing together some of Lisbon's best restaurants and chefs under one roof — from traditional Portuguese seafood to burgers, sushi, and pastel de nata. Genuinely great variety and a fun communal-table vibe, though it's touristy and gets loud and packed at peak hours. Arrive right at 10am opening or after the dinner rush to beat crowds and long stall queues.

Definitely a must try for a food heaven experience! Love the concept of Time Out Market to bring the best of a city all under one roof. Bring a hearty appetite or prepare to spend all day here with the endless choices. My visit was only for dinner so I could not eat all that I wanted. However, the meal from Henrique Sa Pessoa was amazing! I tried the cod over chickpea mash and was blown away at how smooth that mash was without any graininess. It honestly resembled mashed potatoes rather than chickpeas. The sardines were balanced with delicious pickled veggies bursting with flavor and the octopus and potatoes was such a fresh dish. There is such a wide variety of food to eat from savory to sweet so it is sure to please everyone’s palate. It can be harder to find a table with a large group since it’s shared counter seating throughout the hall, but it is such a unique and fun experience while in town.

This market offers a little bit of everything: olives, wine, cheese, pastries, flowers, fresh produce, seafood, and more. It’s overall a fun place to wander around and get a glimpse of local products all under one roof. That said, many of the stalls felt a bit overpriced compared to what we found elsewhere in Portugal. The pastries were just average or even below, and while the seafood was decent, it didn’t quite justify the premium prices. However, the real highlight for me had nothing to do with the food. There’s a piano on the second floor! Some of the keys were a little worn and softer than others, but the piano was still very playable. I played four pieces,m and attracted a small audience. A few people stopped to listen, and I even received some applause at the end. Definitely not the experience I expected when walking into a market, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the visit.

A really great place! What a fabulous selection of really good food! Prices are very reasonable and the quality is very good! All locally owned. It is mostly self service in the main hall however behind each row of restaurants is a quieter hallway where there are counters that you can sit at for each individual restaurant if you want an individual experience with a particular restaurant. I highly recommend you pay a visit here.

Nice here, loud, mainly voices, part of the vibe. Finding a seat can take a while, yep it’s that popular yet seams to cope. I’ve been twice this week, so you know it’s good. Good choice, process okay. Beer limited, but lots of the same. Other drinks in abundance. Food tasty. Cakes tasty. Tables cleaned efficiently, although your ment to take your finished tray to a trolley point. Toilets adequate, could be better but maybe it’s the turnaround of people that go through them that’s the problem.

Time Out Market was one of our favourite places in Lisbon. The variety of food options was incredible, with everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine and desserts. Despite how popular it was, there was plenty of seating available, making it easy to find a spot and relax. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and it was a great place for everyone in our group to find something they loved. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Lisbon.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belém, built starting 1501 to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, and now home to his tomb along with poet Luís de Camões and King Manuel I. The two-story cloister is the true highlight — one of the most exquisite examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal, rivaling even Lisbon Cathedral's cloister in scale and detail. Church entry is free, but the cloisters (the part worth paying for) cost around €10-18. Lines get brutal by mid-morning, especially wi

A beautiful monastery and definitely worth visiting. I highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance, as entry is based on time slots. We had tickets for 3:30 PM, but since we arrived almost an hour early and were at the front of the queue, we were allowed to enter at 3:00 PM. At the moment, part of the exterior is fenced off due to restoration work, so you can't fully appreciate the building from the outside. Even so, it's still very impressive, and I'm sure it will be even more beautiful once the restoration is finished☺️

I was really impressed by the incredible architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery. The craftsmanship is simply outstanding—every wall, column, and carved detail shows an amazing level of skill and artistry. It's hard to believe how much work went into creating such a beautiful place centuries ago. Whether you're interested in history or just appreciate remarkable architecture, this is definitely a must-visit when in Lisbon.

A must-visit landmark in Lisbon! • The Architecture: It is absolutely stunning, and every corner of the cloisters makes for a great photo. The details in the stone carvings are beautiful. • Size: While it was incredibly gorgeous, the overall size of the main cloister area was a bit smaller than I had expected. • Tip: It’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance and visit early to beat the crowds. It lives up to its reputation and is definitely worth seeing!

​The building we got to see was absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit. However, we found the experience to be too expensive for what you actually get. You'll be done in 30 minutes ​Why we were disappointed: ​Ongoing Renovations: Half of the building is currently under construction, yet you still have to pay the full admission price. ​Missing Audio Tour: We paid extra for an audio tour that turned out to be unavailable. We essentially paid for a service we never received. ​It is a lovely place to look at, but under the current conditions, it does not offer good value for money.

The Jerónimos Monastery is a must-visit in Belém, especially for the cloister. The Manueline stonework is breathtaking, with incredibly detailed maritime motifs and elegant arches that really showcase Portugal’s history. It’s a very peaceful space to walk through, and the craftsmanship is even more impressive when you see the carvings up close! A big heads-up on the logistics: I visited on a weekday around 11:30 AM, and even though I was solo and had pre-booked my ticket, I still had to wait about 45 minutes in line to get inside. It is a very popular spot, so definitely factor that extra time into your morning! The monastery complex itself is fairly compact, so the actual visit doesn't take very long once you're through the doors. While it’s smaller than it looks from the outside, the beauty of the cloisters makes it a worthwhile stop. It’s a great place for photos before heading off to explore the rest of the neighborhood!

The original home of the pastel de nata, baking since 1837 from a secret recipe once held by monks at the neighboring Jerónimos Monastery, now known only to a handful of master bakers sworn to confidentiality. Crispy, flaky pastry with a warm, caramelized custard center — the bakery bakes around 20,000-50,000 tarts a day, and they're always served fresh and warm. The queue outside looks intimidating but moves fast, and there's plenty of seating inside for dine-in service if you skip the takeaway

‼️If you have spent even five minutes researching what to eat in Lisbon on TikTok, Instagram, or through AI travel planners, Pastéis de Belém is undoubtedly the first place that popped up. It is treated like a holy pilgrimage for foodies. Having finally visited, I can say the experience is a textbook definition of modern social media hype. Don't get me wrong—the pastries are good. The custard is warm, creamy, and the puff pastry has that distinct, loud crunch that sounds amazing in an Instagram Reel. But let’s be completely honest: this place is no longer for the locals. It is a factory-scale tourist hub entirely fueled by algorithms, travel bloggers, and AI-generated itineraries. The queues outside are monumental. You will find yourself surrounded almost exclusively by tourists holding up their phones, trying to capture the "perfect shot." While the history of the bakery is undeniable, the atmosphere feels less like a cozy, authentic Portuguese pastelaria and more like a well-oiled theme park ride. The Reality Check: The taste is genuinely good, but is it uniquely mind-blowing? Not really. Lisbon has a booming bakery scene, and you can find Pastéis de Nata across the city (like at Manteigaria or Castro) that are just as delicious, served warm, and come without the hour-long wait or the aggressive tourist crow

I usually avoid highly touristy spots and was skeptical, but Pastéis de Belém completely won me over. The ordering line moves quickly, so make sure you know what you want before you get to the counter! Every single item I tried was delicious, so don't be afraid to order a variety. The pastel de nata here is quite different from what you get over in Lisbon, and I actually prefer this one. Absolutely delicious and lives up to its reputation!

What a treat Pasteis de Belem is! If you are from SoCal, this place reminds me of Portos Bakery. Its classic charm inside is worth a look if you are not staying for food. The pick up line definitely gets backed up, but the line to be seated inside moves pretty quickly. Once seated the staff will come take your order. So many varieties of pastries, meat pies, and of course the pastel de nata! This one has a thin crispy layer of pastry and is packed filled with gooey custard. If you are a fan of custard, then the bola de Belem is a fluffy donut like treat with a choice of filling inside or can be ordered plain. Aside from the egg tart, the queque is really delicious! Similar to a madeleine in texture. The croquettes and meat pies with duck or chicken are also worth trying! Sandwiches were decent. All in all, really a worth while tourist attraction to experience while in the area.

Had a great (and inexpensive) lunch here after visiting the monastery. Their pasteis de nata are delicious but we found their crusts to be a tad bit too hard for our liking. Still, the restaurant itself is huge (way bigger than it looks from the outside) so recommend grabbing a table versus just doing takeout. Sandwiches were delicious and bathrooms were beautifully decorated.

5 Stars — Amazing When Fresh and Enjoyed Inside We visited Pastéis de Belém twice — once in 2019 and again in July 2025. The first time, the place was packed, we ate our tarts cold in a nearby park, and we didn’t understand the hype. On our second visit, we arrived after 6pm, found a table inside, and enjoyed the tarts fresh from the oven. Warm, flaky, creamy, and absolutely delicious. My wife and I agreed they were some of the best egg tarts we’ve ever had. A must‑visit in Lisbon — especially when you can sit down and enjoy them properly.

Sitting at the highest point of the Graça neighborhood, this is widely considered the best viewpoint in Lisbon, with a sweeping 210-degree view stretching from São Jorge Castle to the Tagus Estuary. A small baroque chapel from 1796 sits on-site, on ground that's held a hermitage since 1147. No cafés here — just occasional pop-up drink stalls, benches, and shaded seating, making it far calmer than the busier Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia miradouros. Sunset is the best time to visit, especially in

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers one of the most impressive views in Lisbon and is definitely a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the city. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon’s historic character, with its red-tiled rooftops, charming neighborhoods, and the Tagus River stretching out in the distance. Especially at sunset, the atmosphere becomes truly magical, as the light falling over the city creates postcard-worthy scenery. The area is quite მშვიდ and peaceful. Compared to other tourist spots, it is less crowded, making it much more enjoyable to spend time here. There are benches where you can sit and take in the view, and the surroundings are well-maintained and clean. It’s also a great place for photography, offering stunning angles of the city. Although الوصول requires walking uphill, once you arrive, it is absolutely worth the effort. Whether you’re looking for a romantic moment or simply want to admire Lisbon from above, this viewpoint is an ideal stop. It was one of the most memorable places I visited in Lisbon, and I would highly recommend it.

The walk to the destination can really be a good workout. But the reward at the end may satisfy you. Pick a nice spot at the top of the hill and snap away once the sun sets. This is 1 of the more scenic views in Lisbon, so take your time to soak it in.

This is a must see location in heart of Lisbon. There are a ton of activities for adults and children. You can literally spend the whole day at this site and still see a lot of cool things. This is a must see site if you're in Lisbon.

Amazing views of the whole city and coastline. A bit of a trek up a few dozen stairs to get there, but well worth it! A few drink options at the top, and 5 mins for a little Main Street with lots of cafes and restaurants.

Best viewpoint of the city of Lisboa, romantic, great vibes and most of the time you'll be able to listen to live music playing for you! Its a Must stop if you're in Lisboa

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of forested hills dense with palaces, castles, and gardens, about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon's Rossio station. The highlight is almost always Pena Palace — a vivid, colorful Romanticist palace built in the 1840s by King Ferdinand II from the ruins of a hilltop monastery, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Quinta da Regaleira's mystical initiation wells and the Moorish Castle ruins round out the essentials. Timed entry tickets for Pena Palace sell ou

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of forested hills dense with palaces, castles, and gardens, about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon's Rossio station. The highlight is almost always Pena Palace — a vivid, colorful Romanticist palace built in the 1840s by King Ferdinand II from the ruins of a hilltop monastery, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles. Quinta da Regaleira's mystical initiation wells and the Moorish Castle ruins round out the essentials. Timed entry tickets for Pena Palace sell ou

Every evening, top singers and new-generation fadistas perform live in a historic space that whispers with royal history — dine on traditional Portuguese cuisine amid 18th-century tile panels while the music unfolds around you. The atmosphere feels more like a private gathering than a tourist trap — dim lighting, candles on every table, and singers close enough that you can see the emotion on their faces. Reviewers repeatedly call it one of their favorite Lisbon activities, praising both the aut

A great experience. You'll be at a sort of big private house hosted by André, with a cozy perfect decoration. It's very intimate and promotes random talking between guests. There are about 20 people from everywhere. You can feel everything has been perfected over time, it's really a very nice place to spend a unique night like this. I only have been for Fado nights with the amazing António and great invited guitarists, over the years. Food is good and with several options. The price is great if you consider you have a private concert and entrees, dinner and drinks. Most of all, these guys are wonderful and very welcoming. You wont regret. I went there again yesterday and consider going back very soon. Obrigado André e António, bestial como sempre.

A beautiful home in Chiado, delicious food with decent wines, and a cosmopolitan group of people (with a few even willing to get to know others). - And then, truly excellent fado! I love each and every part of this - but not so much their combination. To me, placing fado in such a ritzy setting smacks a bit of "let them eat cake".