Hey Lykkers, let's be real about Lisbon. This city is built on seven hills, which means your legs are going to get a workout whether you like it or not. But here is the thing: every steep climb is rewarded with a view, a plate of something delicious, or a ride on a vintage yellow tram that feels like stepping into a time machine.

If you are starting your day on a tram rattling through Alfama, you are already doing it right. Here are six places to see that capture the soul of this sun-drenched city.

This is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and it survived the devastating 1755 earthquake almost untouched, which is why its maze of cobblestone streets still feels like a medieval time capsule. The best way to experience it is on the iconic Tram 28.

The ride takes about 45 minutes and winds through Alfama, Baixa, and Graça, squeezing through alleys so narrow you can almost touch the walls from your window. A practical tip: Board at the starting point (Martim Moniz or Campo de Ourique) early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the sardine-can crowds, and keep your bag zipped because pickpockets love this route. A single ticket is roughly US$3.50, or you can grab a 24-hour pass for around US$7. Once you are in Alfama, just wander. You will stumble across tiny taverns where elderly women sell shots of ginginha, a sweet cherry drink, from hole-in-the-wall counters.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Lisbon is called the City of Seven Hills, and this viewpoint sits on the highest of them all. It is a bit of a climb to get there, but the 270-degree panorama of the entire city, the Tagus River, and the red rooftops is absolutely worth the sweat. Locals and travelers gather here with a drink in hand to watch the sunset turn the city gold. There are benches, and often someone playing music, which makes it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like a neighborhood gathering spot. Entry is free.

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

You cannot come to Lisbon and skip Belém. This is where the Age of Discovery began, and the monuments here are massive. The Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, and the Belém Tower stands guard at the river mouth. Important heads-up: Belém Tower now caps entry at 900 visitors a day, and the monastery queue can swallow two hours if you do not plan ahead. Pre-book your timed entry online or you might not get in. The combined ticket for both sites runs roughly US$20–25 depending on the exchange rate.

Time Out Market

If you cannot decide what to eat, come here. The Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré is a massive food hall packed with vendors selling everything from sushi to local charcuterie to traditional Portuguese dishes. It is crowded, but it is the easiest way to sample a bit of everything without committing to a full restaurant. It is also a good rainy-day option or a place to grab a quick bite before catching a train or ferry. Entry is free, and a solid meal will run you around US$10–15.

Pastéis de Belém

Right down the street from the monastery is the bakery that started it all. Pastéis de Belém has been selling custard tarts from a secret 19th-century convent recipe since 1837, and they are genuinely different from the pastéis de nata you find everywhere else. The crust is shatteringly crisp, the filling is warm and cinnamon-dusted, and eating one fresh out of the oven is a deeply memorable experience. Expect to pay around US$1.50–2 per tart. The line moves fast, so do not be intimidated.

Bifana at As Bifanas do Afonso

Forget the fancy restaurants for a second. The bifana is the everyman sandwich of Lisbon: thin slices of savory meat tucked into a soft, puffy roll. As Bifanas do Afonso on Rua da Madalena is a legendary spot, and you will see the big pan of meat simmering in the window all day. It costs next to nothing, it is messy, and it is exactly what you need after a long day of walking hills. Expect to pay around US$3–5 for a sandwich that will fuel you for hours.

Final Thoughts

Lisbon rewards travelers who slow down and embrace the hills. The tram gives you the lay of the land. The viewpoints give you the sunset. The monastery gives you the history, and the tarts and bifanas give you the energy to keep going. Wear comfortable shoes, carry small bills, and do not be afraid to get lost in Alfama. The city is best experienced at a wandering pace.