Lisboa (Lisbon) is Portugal's sun-drenched capital, a city of seven hills overlooking the wide mouth of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic. One of Europe's oldest and most atmospheric capitals, Lisbon blends Moorish alleyways, Manueline monasteries, baroque palaces, and cutting-edge contemporary culture into a tapestry of faded grandeur and vibrant renewal. The city's golden Age of Discoveries legacy is visible in every azulejo-tiled facade, and audible in the mournful strains of fado drifting from Alfama's cobbled lanes.
Lisbon has an excellent and affordable public transport network operated by Carris (buses and trams), Metro Lisboa (metro), and CP Comboios de Portugal (national trains). The city is hilly and compact — many attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other, but the steep terrain makes trams and funiculars essential for hillside neighbourhoods. Uber and Bolt (ride-hail) are widely available and typically cheaper than taxis.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy a reusable Viva Viagem card (€0.50/$0.54) at any metro station and load zapping credit or a day pass — accepted on all Carris buses, trams, metro, and most ferries
For Sintra and Cascais trains, the same Viva Viagem card works — just load the right zone credit
Avoid Tram 28E at peak tourist hours (10:00–17:00) if carrying a backpack or valuables — use Bus 737 instead (same route, less crowded)
The Lisboa Card includes unlimited transport on all Carris and Metro services plus free entry to 30+ museums — worthwhile for 2+ days of sightseeing
Night Buses (marked 'N') run from 00:30–05:30 when metro is closed — routes from Cais do Sodré