A pending candidate to become a World Heritage Site, Lisbon's downtown (the "Baixa Pombalina", or simply "Baixa") is a perfect example of anti-earthquake construction, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake by the famous Marquês de Pombal (hence its name). Its offer is vast: restaurants and cafes in Rossio and Restauradores, outlets and shops in the Áurea, Augusta, Prata and other famous streets, the imponent Praça do Comércio and its Arch, the luxury shops along the Avenida da Liberdade, this is the beating heart of the city center. The Baixa also grants easy access to trains leading to Sintra, the trams that go around the Castle hill, old neighborhoods or even take you to Belém, and Lisbon's traditional restaurants and cafes. Considering a visit to the Fashion and Design Museum (free entrance) and don't forget to try the famous liquor, "ginjinha"!

Enjoy a cocktail, discover a jazz club, hit the dance floor or simply grab a beer and catch up with your friends in the street: Bairro Alto, Bica and Cais do Sodré are the core of it all. Amazing rooftops, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, museums and theaters abound. Start off by admiring the river from the Santa Catarina belvedere, have a cocktail at PARK's rooftop bar, try a typical Portuguese steak, or the fresh grilled fish, at Príncipe do Calhariz, and later explore the dozens of streets full of bars and clubs! Whether you're visiting for a day or a whole week, make sure you visit Bairro Alto and its surroundings.

The traditionally trendy "Chiado" (literally, "squeak", the nickname of a 16th century poet) offers plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can stop for a cafe or cocktail, after exploring its streets, shops, art galleries, theaters, museums and viewpoints. It's also the home to the statue of the famous statue of portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, having is usual espresso at "A Brasileira" as he used to. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Lisbon from the Elevador de Santa Justa or the Carmo Convent, for example. A commercial neighborhood at its core, especially for its Garrett and Carmo streets, Chiado is to this day a mandatory visit in Lisbon.

Belém is the "capital of the Portuguese Discoveries" and a photographer's paradise. You can spend an entire day exploring this neighborhood: monuments (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries), museums (Coach Museum, Centro Cultural de Belém) and breathtaking views of the Tagus river will make your visit worth your time. Belém also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, namely the famous - and delicious - "Pastéis de Belém" (typical Portuguese custard tarts; make sure you buy an extra box of those!). Easily accessible from Lisbon's historic center, Belém is a must-do, especially if you're spending more than one day visiting the Portuguese capital.

Explore narrow streets and alleyways, small cafes and, of course, the internationally acclaimed Fado music. The earth-shattering Great Earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of the city but the contiguous neighborhoods of Mouraria, Castelo and Alfama remained standing to this day. These neighborhoods represent Lisbon at its historical best. The cool breeze of the Tagus river will take you up the hills to the sound of Fado, where you'll discover the best "tascas," eat delicious fresh fish and drink great wines. Discover hidden viewpoints and ancient traces of other civilizational ruins in the heart of the Portuguese capital. These are centuries-old neighborhoods that will welcome you to the very best of old Lisbon culture.

You can be thankful that most common travel guides don't mention Graça and São Vicente that often. Part of Lisbon's historic center and "Old Town", they feel like independent villages in the capital's center, and more untouched than Alfama. Amazing views, restaurants and parks, as well as important monuments like the S. Vicente Church and the National Pantheon, make this a spectacular option for those looking for a more tranquil walk-around in the center of Lisbon. Graça has been the choice of many younger people over the past years, both nationals and expats, given the cozy feeling of the neighborhood and its hidden secrets.

Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.

One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Home to art galleries and a historic monastery (Convento do Carmo), Bairro Alto is one of the busiest districts of Lisbon after dark. Locals and travelers pack its narrow streets to hang out outside the area’s countless bars. Try ginjinha, a local liqueur, as you listen to live fado music. During the day, you can stroll through the neighborhood's narrow streets and check out the quaint boutiques and cafes. To get to Bairro Alto, take the eye-catching Glória Funicular at Liberdade Avenue. It’ll drop you off at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, where you'll get commanding views of the city. – Tripadvisor

No expense was spared when they built this masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture in 1502, which was inspired by Vasco da Gama who is buried here with other great navigators of the past.

Standing proudly on Lisbon's highest hill, this historic castle offers panoramic views of the city all around it. The fort dates back to the Moorish times in the 11th century, and has served as military barracks and royal chambers. Currently, it's a national monument which is home to a museum and archaeological site, though most people visit for the fantastic views and gardens to relax in. There are free and paid guided tours available in the ticket, as well as regular free demos for the camera obscura which provides 360º detailed views of the city in real-time – Tripadvisor

A 16th-century tower which serves as a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery on both land and sea.

Time Out Market, created from scratch by Time Out Portugal, has all the very best under one roof in Lisbon. The market is home to top-notch restaurants, bars, a cooking school and a high-end music venue. Here, you can find some of the freshest fish, meat and fruit in town, try the tastiest local wine and dine at over 40 restaurants specializing in both Portuguese cuisine and food from around the world. Sit inside to enjoy the ambience of the century-old market or outside to bask in the Lisbon sun. You can easily reach the market with the Lisbon Metro. – Tripadvisor

Quake is a thematic experience that allows us to see and feel the Great Lisbon Earthquake. It is an invitation, in the form of a journey through time, to discover more about the 1755 Earthquake, about the Age of Enlightenment, about Lisbon and about seismic events. Being better prepared for a new earthquake is what Quake is all about. At Quake you will have the opportunity to relive this extraordinary earthquake - reproduced by a simulator in a safe environment, using video mapping and special effects. Through interactive stations you will also be able to learn more on the origin of earthquakes and tsunamis and better understand why Lisbon was so affected in 1755.

The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora (St. Vincent Outside the Walls) is one of the most important historical buildings in the city of Lisbon. It was founded by the first Portuguese king, in the 12th century. Over the centuries, several kings have introduced many changes, including the rebuilding in the 16th century. Today it is still possible to see the original cistern, as well as the cloisters, decorated with tiles from the 18th century, being of special interest the collection that depicts the fables of LaFontaine. The Monastery also houses the Pantheon of the last Portuguese dynasty, the Braganza, and a very well decorated Sacristy. At the end of the visit you can go up to the rooftop of the church and enjoy one of the best views over the Tagus river and the city.