For a city as famed for its hills as Lisbon is, you would think that it’s not a place that you would want to do a lot of walking. So when planning a trip to Lisbon, at some point you’ll probably wonder “Is Lisbon walkable”? You just may be surprised at the answer.
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IS LISBON A WALKABLE CITY?
Yes, Lisbon is a walkable city. If there was ever a city that was made for walking it’s the Portuguese capital. The main part of the city is fairly compact and easy to move from one neighborhood to the next. You can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time and see some cool things along the way.
Lisbon is a prime example of “it’s the journey, not the destination”. While the city has some wide boulevards the charm is in the many narrow streets lined with beautifully aged and constructed buildings. Not only are the buildings decorated in splendid European architecture, but the streets are as well.
Throughout the city, you’ll notice the omnipresent tiles or azulejos covering the buildings, streets, sidewalks, and plazas. The intricate designs are a marvel to see and make any walk through the streets of Lisbon that much more delightful.
The hills, add greatly to the city’s unique aesthetic, though they can pose a challenge while making your way through the city on foot. The views are magnificent when you combine some of the narrow streets, the azulejos, and the hills of the city.
You can best experience this when walking through Lisbon.
Despite the charms of walking through the city, there are downsides. Those aforementioned artistic tiles can be a bit slick to walk on when dry. When wet, it can pose a bit of a problem if you’re not careful.
WHAT SHOES TO WEAR IN LISBON
You of course want to look fashionable on your European vacation, but if the idea is to do a lot of walking when in Lisbon (and it should be if possible) then you’ll need something practical as well as comfortable.
This is because like many other European cities, there are places in Lisbon where there are cobblestones. The streets and sidewalks aren’t all smoothly paved.
For a nice combination of fashionable, comfortable, and practical you could try these shoes for women.
If you want something a bit more casual, these are great.
For men, a dressy casual sneaker like this one has a great look goes well with nearly everything and is comfortable.
Or to achieve a more casual look, these are nice but are very comfortable as well.
Kids need something comfortable also. These Adidas sneakers come in a variety of sizes and colors.
WALKING TOURS
One of the best parts of visiting Lisbon is wandering around its streets and delighting in its charm. But if you would like to try something a bit more structured, there are several walking guided tours. These tours will likely increase your appreciation of this wonderful city.
There are a variety of tours to choose from. They include food tours and tours that focus on particular areas of the city, such as Alfama. It’s always nice to get a local perspective of the city as well as a bit of history and insider info.
WHERE TO WALK IN LISBON
If you’re ready to strike out on your own, you’ll be happy to know that there are many places to walk in Lisbon that will leave you fascinated. Check out a few of the routes that you must take.
Avenue da Liberdade to Plaza Restauradores
This shaded, wide boulevard is the home of some of the biggest name brands in the world. Among the names are Armani Exchange, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Omega, and Versace. This is the preeminent luxury corridor in Lisbon.
It’s also a beautiful tree-covered street with benches and lampposts lining its azulejo-covered walkways.
It feels like you’re walking through a garden in the middle of the city. The street starts at Praca Marques de Pombal and continues down to Praca dos Restauradores.
Rossio Square to Arco da Rua Augusta/Praca do Comerico – Rua Augusta
This pedestrian street commences just off of Rossio Square and ends up dramatically at the Arco da Rua Augusta which leads into Praca do Comerico. What makes this street so special is that you won’t find any cars along the way.
What you will find is an intricately tiled street with numerous shops and restaurants, some of which provide dining space with tables and umbrellas in the middle of the walkway. You can see the magnificent arch from far away. Start your walk at Rossio Square and make your way down to the arch.
Avenue Ribeira das Naus
Bordering the Tagus River, the walkway is the perfect place to come for a view of the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Across from the Praca do Comercio is the Cais das Colunas. This structure previously served as the entry point to the Praca do Comercio from the river.
The views from the avenue are remarkable and expansive. This walkway contains broad steps, a beach, a grassy area, and a bike path.
Rua da Conceicao in Baixa up to Lisbon Cathedral
This street goes through the heart of Baixa and up into Alfama. Once you cross Rua da Madalena it turns into Largo Madalena and then into Largo Santo Antonio da Se. You’ll be following the path of the famous Tram 28 so expect to see it making its way up and down the narrow streets.
Starting from Baixa you’ll be making your way up a hill, but it’ll be worth it as you pass the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon, and then the Lisbon Cathedral.
Start your journey at Rua Nova do Almada or start further west where Rua Vitor Cordon turns to Calcada de Sao Francisco.
Path near Miraduoro das Portas do Sol down through Alfama
There are so many great parts of Alfama that it would take days to adequately enjoy them all. But there is a nice convenient path, almost like a secret walkway near the Miraduoro das Portas do Sol. This path takes you down into the labyrinthine streets and alleys of Alfama.
It’s here that you’ll see the legendary colorful homes and aesthetics that Lisbon and especially Alfama are known for. Allow enough time to wander through these passageways and enjoy the beauty that is Alfama.
USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
While Lisbon is highly walkable, its iconic hills and steep streets can be challenging, especially after a long day of exploring. To make the most of your visit, consider pairing your walking tours with the city’s excellent public transportation system.
Lisbon’s trams, like the historic Tram 28, offer a convenient way to navigate steep inclines while providing a scenic ride through charming neighborhoods.
Funiculars, such as Elevador da Glória, are perfect for tackling the city’s hills with ease. The metro is another efficient option for covering longer distances quickly.
By combining walking with public transport, you can explore more of Lisbon’s vibrant streets without exhausting yourself.
WALKING AROUND LISBON
Despite its notoriously steep hills, Lisbon is just the type of city that you want to get out on foot and explore. You’ll enjoy walking around Lisbon and seeing all of the great things that this city has to offer.
When your feet get tired, you can still make use of the metro, bus, and tram systems that are convenient and easy to use. Once you decide to visit and walk all over the city, you have to decide how many days you need to see Lisbon as well as what else to pack for your trip. Begin planning your Lisbon adventure today with our comprehensive guide and be prepared for an awesome trip to Lisbon.
