Cocktail Bar with sea views
Lisbon is a city that must be conquered on foot—its hills remind you of that quickly—but it is by walking that it reveals itself. From Lapa, our neighborhood, three directions open up before you each morning: the river and Belém to the west, Chiado and the historic center to the east, and the Tagus and its revitalized riverside area to the south. Here are our three favorite itineraries, tested and re-tested by our team and perfected based on feedback from our guests.
Leave Lapa via Janelas Verdes and head down towards the river. Very soon, the Tagus widens before you and the 25 de Abril Bridge fills the entire horizon; the walk runs along the water, almost without interruption, to Belém.
Along the way, two stops are well worth it: Village Underground and LX Factory, a former abandoned industrial area that has become Lisbon's creative hub (with a spectacular bookstore, cafes, and craft shops), followed by the MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, whose white ceramic, wave-shaped structure hugs the riverbank.
In Belém, the order of factors is important: start with the Jerónimos Monastery as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds, then the Belém Tower, and finally the supreme reward: a warm custard tart at the Fábrica de los Pastéis de Belém, the historic shop from 1837. You can take the number 15 tram back if your legs are asking for a break.
This time, head east. First, make a stop at the Jardim da Estrela to admire the basilica and, afterwards, head down Rua de São Bento: there, the Palace of the Assembly of the Republic displays its neoclassical facade, and the street is full of antique shops and galleries.
Continue to Príncipe Real, with its Portuguese designer shops and century-old cedar tree providing shade, before heading to the Bairro Alto —quiet at this hour— and then to Chiado: the Livraria Bertrand, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world; the Café A Brasileira and its statue of Pessoa; and the historic theaters and pastry shops.
The return to Lapa can be made by taking the tram 28 at the end of the day or walking through Santos, with time for a snack stop along the way.
The most contemplative of the three. Walk down from Lapa towards Santos, the neighborhood known for its design atmosphere and art schools, and then follow the river east: make a stop at the Time Out Market to have a drink or grab a bite prepared by some of the best chefs in the city, visit Cais do Sodré and its Rua Nova do Carvalho with its pink facades, followed by a walk along the Ribeira das Naus, built on the site of the old naval shipyards.
Finish your walk at the Praça do Comércio at the precise moment the sun sets over the Tagus: the square shines with a golden light and you will understand why Lisbon always reveals its true character by looking towards its river. Allow thirty minutes to walk back to Lapa —or take a taxi if the night drags on.
- Leave early for Belém. The monuments open around 9:30–10:00; before 11:00, you will have everything almost to yourself.
- The tram is your best option for the return. Lines 15, 25, and 28 connect all these routes with Lapa; walk there, return on the rails.
- Rehydrate on a terrace. It's our favorite health tip: a kiosk in a garden, a lemonade or a glass of vinho verde, and you'll be ready to keep walking.
All itineraries start and end at your door if you stay in Lapa: that is the advantage of a neighborhood located between the city's two main hubs, the benefits of which we detail in our neighborhood guide.
Are these itineraries suitable on hot days? In summer, visit Belém in the morning and the Tagus riverside area in the late afternoon; the Chiado route, which is shadier, is better suited for the afternoon.
Is it necessary to book for the monuments in Belém? During peak season, booking online for the Jerónimos Monastery avoids long lines. Our reception can manage that for you.
All these walks start at the feet of Villa Dorothéa. Discover our rooms and explore Lisbon at your own pace, with the guide of locals recommended by the team in hand. Book now
Itinerary 1 — Heading to Belém, in the footsteps of the navigators
Distance: about 5 km · Duration: half a day, including visits · Ideal for the morningLeave Lapa via Janelas Verdes and head down towards the river. Very soon, the Tagus widens before you and the 25 de Abril Bridge fills the entire horizon; the walk runs along the water, almost without interruption, to Belém.
Along the way, two stops are well worth it: Village Underground and LX Factory, a former abandoned industrial area that has become Lisbon's creative hub (with a spectacular bookstore, cafes, and craft shops), followed by the MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, whose white ceramic, wave-shaped structure hugs the riverbank.
In Belém, the order of factors is important: start with the Jerónimos Monastery as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds, then the Belém Tower, and finally the supreme reward: a warm custard tart at the Fábrica de los Pastéis de Belém, the historic shop from 1837. You can take the number 15 tram back if your legs are asking for a break.
Route 2 — Heading to Chiado: a walk through the neighborhoods
Distance: about 2.5 km · Duration: 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace · Ideal for the afternoonThis time, head east. First, make a stop at the Jardim da Estrela to admire the basilica and, afterwards, head down Rua de São Bento: there, the Palace of the Assembly of the Republic displays its neoclassical facade, and the street is full of antique shops and galleries.
Continue to Príncipe Real, with its Portuguese designer shops and century-old cedar tree providing shade, before heading to the Bairro Alto —quiet at this hour— and then to Chiado: the Livraria Bertrand, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world; the Café A Brasileira and its statue of Pessoa; and the historic theaters and pastry shops.
The return to Lapa can be made by taking the tram 28 at the end of the day or walking through Santos, with time for a snack stop along the way.
Itinerary 3 — The Tagus River along the riverside area
Distance: about 3 km · Duration: 2 hours · Ideal for the end of the dayThe most contemplative of the three. Walk down from Lapa towards Santos, the neighborhood known for its design atmosphere and art schools, and then follow the river east: make a stop at the Time Out Market to have a drink or grab a bite prepared by some of the best chefs in the city, visit Cais do Sodré and its Rua Nova do Carvalho with its pink facades, followed by a walk along the Ribeira das Naus, built on the site of the old naval shipyards.
Finish your walk at the Praça do Comércio at the precise moment the sun sets over the Tagus: the square shines with a golden light and you will understand why Lisbon always reveals its true character by looking towards its river. Allow thirty minutes to walk back to Lapa —or take a taxi if the night drags on.
Tips from someone who walks around Lisbon
- Make sure to wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. The beautiful Portuguese cobblestone is polished like marble and is slippery when wet.- Leave early for Belém. The monuments open around 9:30–10:00; before 11:00, you will have everything almost to yourself.
- The tram is your best option for the return. Lines 15, 25, and 28 connect all these routes with Lapa; walk there, return on the rails.
- Rehydrate on a terrace. It's our favorite health tip: a kiosk in a garden, a lemonade or a glass of vinho verde, and you'll be ready to keep walking.
All itineraries start and end at your door if you stay in Lapa: that is the advantage of a neighborhood located between the city's two main hubs, the benefits of which we detail in our neighborhood guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to explore Lisbon entirely on foot? Mostly, yes, provided you choose your starting point well. From Lapa, both Belém and the historic center are within walking distance, with the tram available as an alternative option.Are these itineraries suitable on hot days? In summer, visit Belém in the morning and the Tagus riverside area in the late afternoon; the Chiado route, which is shadier, is better suited for the afternoon.
Is it necessary to book for the monuments in Belém? During peak season, booking online for the Jerónimos Monastery avoids long lines. Our reception can manage that for you.
All these walks start at the feet of Villa Dorothéa. Discover our rooms and explore Lisbon at your own pace, with the guide of locals recommended by the team in hand. Book now
