The Portuguese capital is called the “city of the seven hills,” but no worries—walking in Lisbon can still be one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city.

There are dozens of ways to explore Lisbon on foot, which usually include shortcuts through train stations, stores with escalators, and strategically located funiculars and elevators. We’ve spent a lot of time walking in Lisbon, and have come up with some pretty great itineraries (if we do say so ourselves). 

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer something touristic or off the beaten path; physically challenging or a bit less adventurous; urban explorations or sightseeing. Whatever your preference, we’ve got a route for you.

Self-guided walk route 1: Cais do Sodré to Torre de Belém 

The best-known walking trail in Lisbon takes you to Belém from Cais do Sodré on a marked path, decorated with excerpts of a Fernando Pessoa poem along the way. 

Your eyes will be fixed on the Tagus River to your left, and your mind on the Torre de Belém sunset that everyone told you is gorgeous. (Spoiler alert: it is.)

But walking this trail also allows you to see Lisbon’s landscape change. You’ll go from the gritty hipster hangout that is Cais do Sodré, through industrial Alcântara, and end up in the lush gardens and grand monuments to the Age of Discoveries in Belém. It’s like traveling back in time the further you go.

• See the route
• Length: 6.5 km (flat)
• Some sites you’ll see along the way: Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Alcântara Docks, Ponte 25 de Abril, MAAT, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Torre de Belém

Self-guided walk route 2: Martim Moniz to Areeiro

This route crosses one of the most culturally diverse parishes, or freguesias, in Lisbon. Home to people of nearly 80 different nationalities and rarely included on tourist guides, Martim Moniz is as off-the-beaten-path as it gets.

Avenida Almirante Reis, the main street of this itinerary, is lined with international restaurants, shops, cafes and buildings that at first look a little rough around the edges. It might not be your typical sightseeing route, but it’s perfect for urban explorers.

• See the route
• Length: 3 km (slightly uphill)
• Some sites you’ll see along the way: the heart of Mouraria, Largo do Intendente, Fonte Luminosa

Self-guided walk route 3: Alfama 

A self-guided walking tour of Alfama is like a Portuguese recipe for bacalhau: there are 365 ways to do it, and everyone adds their personal twist. 

Undoubtedly, it’s the route with the most things to photograph if you’re looking for all those postcard-perfect snapshots of Lisbon: blue and white tiles, terracotta rooftops, narrow medieval streets…you get the picture.

Alfama will make you get lost and put you back on track all at the same time, so following this route on a map is merely a formality. Don’t worry too much if you don’t follow the exact same path linked below—what matters, in the end, is how you experienced it. 

• See the route
• Length: 1.8 km (circular and hilly)
• Some sites you’ll see along the way: Campo das Cebolas, Museu do Fado, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Museu do Aljube, Sé de Lisboa (Old Cathedral)

Self-guided walk route 4: Baixa-Chiado to “The Triangle”

The shortest of the walking trails in Lisbon is also seemingly the easiest—it’s completely downhill. But that doesn’t mean it’s the gentlest on your legs. It’s quite steep, and the sidewalks are covered in the gorgeous-but-somewhat-dangerous calçada portuguesa (seriously, be careful not to trip!). 

For some tourists, this is a portion of the Tram 28 route that they’d never think of stepping out to explore. Others will stop for photos near the Bica funicular and be done with it. But it’s a chance to see a part of Bairro Alto that’s not just bars and tascas, and to discover the small triangular neighborhood-that’s-not-officially-a-neighborhood.

• See the route
• Length: 1 km (steep downhill)
• Some sites you’ll see along the way: Largo do Chiado, Praça Camões, Elevador da Bica (top), Tram 28, Museu-Atelier Júlio Pomar

Self-guided walk route 5: Santa Apolónia to Parque das Nações (Oriente) 

This is a route most people won’t do on foot. Most of the east side of Lisbon isn’t Instagrammable until you get off the train or the metro at Oriente station, but here at Devour, we’re all about uncovering the least obvious attractions.

The city is finally expanding eastward after most urban development plans were put on hold following Expo 1998. This walking trail will show you a more industrial side of Lisbon, but also the city’s capacity to reinvent itself, as neighborhoods like Marvila and Beato begin to attract startups and the digital nomad crowds. 

• See the route
• Length: 7 Km (mostly flat)
• Some sites you’ll see along the way: Museu Nacional do Azulejo, Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Oceanário, Pavilhão de Portugal

Update notice: This article was updated on February 27, 2024.

No matter how much time you have in Lisbon, there are certain things you can’t leave without seeing. On our Best of Lisbon Walking Tour, you’ll check all of them off your list over the course of one fascinating day. Get early access at the Jerónimos Monastery, enjoy a relaxing river cruise with spectacular views of the city, explore the heart of Lisbon’s neighborhoods, and savor some delicious Portuguese classics (including the original custard tarts!).