Small food and drink stalls decorate Lisbon's sidewalks and parks. They offer perfect spots to have a quick coffee, a cocktail, or a bite while watching the world go by. You’ll find these located near famous landmarks such as the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) as well as along the riverside, in parks, and along main streets. A few kiosks also decorate the walkway along the fashion-forward Avenida da Liberdade; on some evenings these also offer music and dancing.

Lisbon is a city of hills, so it's also a city of viewpoints. One of the most famous is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which is located in the lively Bairro Alto district. Free to access, this famous meeting point offers spectacular photo opportunities. You also can see city views from one of Lisbon’s many rooftop bars, where you can enjoy a snack or a cocktail. Local favorites include Topo, on Martim Moniz Square, and Lost In Restaurante and Bar in the Príncipe Real neighborhood.

Walking through the city’s neighborhoods can offer a variety of lessons in Portuguese history and culture. Lisbon's street art and graffiti depict everything from historical moments like the Carnation Revolution to creative mosaics referencing fado (a local music style) and portraits of famous figures. If you really want to understand what you’re seeing, take the tram to the neighborhoods of Mouraria, Graça, and São Vicente, where you can see some of the best examples.

Trams connect numerous city landmarks in Lisbon and are easy to navigate for first-timers. Take line 28 to travel between Martim Moniz Square and the Campo de Ourique district, or line 15 to go from Praça da Figueira through the Belém district to the village of Algés, where you can escape the crowds and tuck into a meal at the local market.

Fado is as Portuguese as ginjinha (a cherry liqueur), cork, and canned sardines. This unique musical style is characterized by mournful lyrics and melancholic tone, intimate performances in local bars or cafés (a popular one being Clube de Fado), and singers accompanied by string instruments. There are plenty of established shows to choose from, including those held at larger venues or smaller, more intimate dinner affairs.

Baixa (meaning "lower") is Lisbon's energetic core, the heart of the city, and deeply historic. Take the subway to this neighborhood, known for its 2,000 years of history and Pombaline architecture. Begin in the middle of Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), which is bordered by a mix of restaurants, government offices, and museums on three sides. While here, be sure to walk through the majestic Rua Augusta Arch and enjoy views of the city from the top of the Elevador Santa Justa.

Bordering Baixa, you’ll find the Chiado neighborhood. Here, make a stop at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, then wander the city’s cobbled streets to see the stunning ruins of the Carmo Convent. And farther up the coast, just south of the Xabregas neighborhood, don’t skip the National Azulejo Museum, a hot spot dedicated to perhaps Portugal’s most picture-perfect global export—beautiful, handcrafted ceramic tiles.

Portugal is a food paradise. One great place to start exploring the dining scene is the Time Out Market, which has taken over the old Mercado da Ribeira. Here, you can enjoy food from dozens of different stands, all in one location. Pick one spot—like a stall run by chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, whose upscale restaurants have earned Michelin stars—or graze on dishes ranging from salt cod (bacalhau) to croquettes to a popular steak sandwich called prego.

Three of Portugal's 17 outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Lisbon. Two—the Monastery of St. Jerome and Belém Tower, both of which feature the country's elaborate Manueline architecture—are within minutes of each other. These landmarks honor the city’s maritime past, and the monastery is also the final resting place for several historical Portuguese figures, including world explorer Vasco da Gama.

Although you might think of Lisbon as a standard city break destination, it’s also on the Portuguese coast and surrounded by some stellar beaches. If you’re happy to travel out of town, head south to the Arrábida National Park, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the country, including Praia dos Galapinhos. Or, head to nearby Praia de Carcavelos in the Cascais district. It might be popular, but this large beach has plenty of room for everyone.