Lisbon

Two of Portugal's greatest UNESCO World Heritage monuments side by side in Belém — the Jerónimos Monastery is a breathtaking Manueline masterpiece built on the proceeds of the Age of Discovery, and the Tower of Belém is Lisbon's most iconic landmark.

Walk up through Alfama's Moorish alleyways to the hilltop São Jorge Castle for extraordinary views over Lisbon and the Tagus estuary. The castle grounds are worth exploring, but the real magic is the labyrinthine medieval neighbourhood below.

The famous yellow tram 28 climbs through Alfama, Mouraria, and Graça — a scenic ride through Lisbon's oldest and steepest neighbourhoods. An iconic Lisbon experience, though popular with pickpockets.

A converted 19th-century industrial factory complex in Alcântara hosting independent restaurants, shops, bookshops, and a food market. The Sunday market is extraordinary — artisan food, vintage clothes, and some of the best coffee in Lisbon.

Lisbon's famous food hall in the historic Mercado da Ribeira — 35 of the city's best chefs and restaurants under one roof. An outstanding way to try multiple Portuguese classics in one place.

The finest seafood restaurant in Lisbon — enormous tiger prawns, Percebes (gooseneck barnacles), and the freshest clams, served at marble-topped tables. Always a queue but it moves fast. A Lisbon institution.

Chef Kiko's extraordinary ceviche restaurant in Príncipe Real — a fusion of Portuguese seafood with South American technique. The octopus ceviche and the tuna tataki are exceptional.

A tiny tasca in Mouraria serving the best petiscos (Portuguese tapas) in Lisbon — extraordinary value at about €8 for a full meal of marinated sardines, alheira sausage, and piri-piri chicken.

The original pastel de nata (custard tart) bakery, operating since 1837 — the secret recipe is known to only three people. The tarts are eaten warm with cinnamon and powdered sugar. An essential Lisbon pilgrimage.

A rooftop bar hidden atop a 1970s multi-storey car park — take the elevator up and emerge onto a stunning terrace with 360-degree views across Lisbon. The best sunset drinks location in the city.

The most extraordinary bar interior in Europe — every surface of this 19th-century palace bar is covered in antique collectors' items, toys, soldiers, and trinkets. Overwhelming, fascinating, and absolutely unique to Lisbon.

An authentic fado house in Bairro Alto — live fado performance with local wines and simple food. No tourist-show feel, just real Lisbon fado. Book ahead and arrive before the music starts at 21:30.

Lisbon's most famous literary café — Fernando Pessoa had his regular table here (there's a bronze statue outside). The bica (espresso) is excellent. A Chiado institution since 1905.

Lisbon's best specialty coffee in a beautiful azulejo-tiled space in Bairro Alto — excellent single-origin espresso and exceptional pastéis de nata baked in-house. A local favourite, quiet in the mornings.

Take the scenic coastal train from Cais do Sodré (30 min, €2.25) to the beautiful historic fishing town of Cascais — beautiful beaches, excellent fresh fish restaurants, and a charming old town.

The most popular beach near Lisbon — a wide, Atlantic-facing beach with reliable surf and clean water. Accessible directly by train from Cais do Sodré (25 min, €2.25).

Sintra is the most extraordinary town in Portugal — a UNESCO World Heritage mountain covered in fairy-tale palaces, including the extraordinary Pena Palace and the ancient Moorish Castle. Take the train from Rossio (40 min, €2.25).

The most efficient way to see all of Lisbon's seven hills and miradouros (viewpoints) — electric tuk-tuks navigate the steep cobblestone streets that defeat regular buses. The Graça and Santa Luzia viewpoints are the highlights.

The most spectacular natural coastline in Portugal — crystalline turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and almost no development. The best beaches in the country are here, virtually unknown to tourists.