Navigating Lisbon: How to Reach the Main Attractions by Public Transport

Lisbon, with its picturesque hills, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant culture, is a city best explored at a leisurely pace. Luckily, its public transportation system is both efficient and extensive, making it easy for visitors to access the city’s main attractions. In this guide, we’ll explain how to reach Lisbon’s top sights using buses, trams, and the metro.

1. Baixa and Praça do Comércio

Start your exploration in the heart of Lisbon at Baixa, the city’s downtown area, and Praça do Comércio, the grand square facing the Tagus River. To get here:

• By Metro: Take the Blue Line (Linha Azul) to Baixa-Chiado or the Green Line (Linha Verde) to Rossio. Both stations place you right in the middle of Baixa.
• By Tram or Bus: Tram 15 or bus 728 will drop you close to Praça do Comércio. Disembark at the Praça do Comércio stop for a quick walk to the square.

2. Alfama and São Jorge Castle

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, known for its winding streets and traditional charm. São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views over the city. Here’s how to get there:

• By Tram: The iconic Tram 28 is the best way to reach Alfama. Board it at any of its stops in the city center and get off at Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Portas do Sol for Alfama. To reach São Jorge Castle, continue walking uphill or take the Tram 12, which also stops nearby.
• By Metro: The closest metro stations are Santa Apolónia on the Blue Line or Martim Moniz on the Green Line. From either, it’s a short walk into Alfama’s narrow streets.

3. Belém District

The Belém district is home to several of Lisbon’s most famous monuments, including the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

• By Tram: Take Tram 15 from the city center (starting at Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio) directly to Belém. The tram stops near all the major attractions in this district.
• By Bus: Bus routes 727, 728, 729, and 751 also serve the Belém area. Get off at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop for the monastery and the surrounding attractions.
• By Train: You can also take the suburban train from Cais do Sodré station to Belém station, a short walk from the main sights.

4. Bairro Alto and Chiado

These two neighborhoods are known for their lively atmosphere, with Bairro Alto famous for its nightlife and Chiado for its elegant shops and cafes.

• By Metro: The closest metro station is Baixa-Chiado (Blue and Green Lines). From here, it’s a short walk up to Chiado and a bit further uphill to Bairro Alto.
• By Tram: Take Tram 28 to the Chiado or Carmo stops, and then walk up to explore Bairro Alto.
• By Elevator: The Santa Justa Elevator, located near Rossio Square, provides a direct lift to the upper part of the city, connecting Baixa to Bairro Alto.

5. Lisbon Oceanarium and Parque das Nações

The Parque das Nações area, located along the eastern waterfront, is a modern district home to the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

• By Metro: Take the Red Line (Linha Vermelha) to Oriente station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Oceanarium and other attractions in Parque das Nações.
• By Bus: Several bus routes, including 708, 750, 759, and 782, serve the Oriente area, providing easy access to Parque das Nações.

6. LX Factory and the 25 de Abril Bridge

For a taste of Lisbon’s creative side, head to LX Factory, a hub of art, food, and culture set in a converted industrial complex. The nearby 25 de Abril Bridge offers impressive views of the city and the river.

• By Tram: Take Tram 15 towards Algés and get off at the Calvário stop. From there, it’s a short walk to LX Factory.
• By Bus: Bus routes 714 and 727 stop near LX Factory. Disembark at Calvário or Santo Amaro for easy access.

7. Sintra and Cascais

Although not technically in Lisbon, the towns of Sintra and Cascais are popular day trips for visitors.

• To Sintra: Take the Sintra Line train from Rossio Station in central Lisbon to Sintra. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
• To Cascais: Catch the Cascais Line train from Cais do Sodré Station to Cascais. This scenic route along the coast takes about 40 minutes as well.