Is Lisbon a walkable city?
- Micah
- Jul 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 8
Is Lisbon a Walkable City? Let’s Find Out!
Lisbon is like a giant playground for people who love to walk. The city has colorful buildings, tiny streets, and big squares where cars don’t go. But is it easy to walk everywhere? Let’s explore!
1. Lisbon’s Tiny Streets and Big Hills
Lisbon has streets so narrow that two cars can’t fit side by side. But that’s good for walkers! Most areas like Alfama and Bairro Alto are made for walking. I once got lost in Alfama’s maze-like streets and found a hidden café with the best custard tarts (pastéis de nata).
What makes Lisbon’s streets special:
Cobblestone paths with wave-like patterns (called calçada portuguesa).
Steep hills with staircases as shortcuts (try the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão!).
Flat areas like Baixa were rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755.
Tip: Wear shoes with thick soles. I learned this the hard way after slipping on rainy cobblestones!
2. Neighborhoods Where Everything is Close
In Lisbon, you don’t need a car to buy bread, go to school, or see a doctor. Most neighborhoods mix homes, shops, and parks.
Alfama: The Oldest District
Fish markets next to apartments.
Tiny grocery stores (mercearias) on every block.
Bairro Alto: Restaurants and Art
Dinner spots, tattoo studios, and bookshops share the same streets.
Walkability Score Table
Neighborhood | Walk Score (1-100) | Key Spots Within 10 Minutes |
Baixa | 98 | Praça do Comércio, Santa Justa Lift, Rossio Square |
Parque das Nações | 95 | Oceanário, Vasco da Gama Bridge, Cable Car Station |
Chiado | 95 | Carmo Convent, Bertrand Bookstore, Teatro Nacional |
Príncipe Real | 93 | Botanical Garden, Embaixada Concept Store, Praça das Flores |
Alfama | 92 | Castle of São Jorge, Sé Cathedral, Miradouro de Santa Luzia |
Campo de Ourique | 90 | Mercado de Campo de Ourique, Jardim da Parada Park |
Graça | 88 | Miradouro da Graça, São Vicente Church, Local Cafés |
Estrela | 87 | Estrela Basilica, Jardim da Estrela, Antique Shops |
Belém | 85 | Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Pastéis de Belém |
Alcântara | 82 | LX Factory, Ponte 25 de Abril, Riverside Cafés |
Mouraria | 79 | Fado Museum, Martim Moniz Square, Traditional Tascas |
Key Takeaways:
Baixa (98): Lisbon’s flattest, most central area with pedestrian-only zones.
Belém (85): Spacious but spread out; walking works if you plan stops
Parque das Nações (95): Modern, wide sidewalks are perfect for families.
Mouraria (79): Steep hills but packed with history and affordable eateries.
Alcântara (82): Industrial charm meets riverside walks (best for daytime strolls).
(Walk Scores are based on proximity to amenities, sidewalk quality, and pedestrian infrastructure.)
3. Trams, Trains, and Buses: Help for Tired Feet
Lisbon’s trams are like moving postcards. Tram 28 takes you up hills, so you don’t have to walk!
Public Transport Tips:
Buy a Viva Viagem card for buses, trams, and subways.
Use the metro (subway) to cross the city fast. The stations have cool art!
Fun Fact: The metro’s red line goes to the airport. I once met a musician playing fado songs at Campo Grande station!
4. Walking Tours: Stories and Secrets
Guided walks teach you Lisbon’s history. I joined a tour where the guide showed us a 500-year-old door hidden behind a grocery store!
Best Free Walking Tours:
Lisbon Chill-Out Tours: Covers downtown and hidden spots.
Street Art Tours: See giant murals in Graça.
5. Hills vs. Flat Areas: Where to Walk Easily
Lisbon has seven hills, but not all are hard to climb.
Flat Zones for Easy Walks:
Parque das Nações: Modern area by the river with wide sidewalks.
Baixa: Flat grid streets perfect for strollers.
Hilly Zones for Adventures:
Graça: Walk uphill to see the best sunsets at Nossa Senhora do Monte.
São Jorge Castle: Climb the walls for city views.
6. Safe Walking: Day vs. Night
Lisbon is safe, but some spots get dark at night.
Daytime Tips:
Watch for trams on tracks (they don’t stop quickly!).
Stay hydrated—summer temperatures hit 30°C (86°F).
Nighttime Tips:
Stick to lit areas like Avenida da Liberdade.
Avoid empty alleys in Alfama after midnight.
7. Shoes Matter: Surviving Cobblestones
Lisbon’s sidewalks are pretty but tricky.
Best Shoes for Lisbon:
Sneakers with grip (like Nike or Adidas).
Avoid flip-flops or smooth soles.
Worst Shoes I’ve Seen Tourists Wear:
High heels (they get stuck in cobblestones!).
Crocs (no support for hills).
8. Can Kids and Older Adults Walk Here?
Yes, but plan routes carefully.
For Families:
Use elevators like Santa Justa Lift to avoid stairs.
Visit Jardim da Estrela, a flat park with playgrounds.
For Older Adults:
Stay in flat areas like Baixa.
Use trams for uphill trips.
FAQs: Lisbon Walking Questions
1. Are Lisbon’s sidewalks slippery when wet?
Yes! Rain makes cobblestones shiny and slick. Walk slowly.
2. How long does it take to walk across Lisbon?
From Alfama to Belém: 2 hours. Use trams to save time.
3. Are there free maps for walkers?
Yes! Tourist offices give out paper maps. Or use Google Maps’ walking routes.
4. Can I walk to the beach from Lisbon?
Yes! From Cais do Sodré, walk 30 minutes to Carcavelos Beach.
Lisbon rewards walkers with surprises—a bakery around a corner, a view from a hill, or a friendly local pointing the way. Lace up your shoes and explore!
Micah has lived in Lisbon for 5 years and once walked 20 km in a day to test the city’s walkability. His favorite route is from LX Factory to Belém Tower.
PT NOW BONUS TIP:
You know how your grandpappy used to say, "I had to walk 2 miles in the rain uphill both ways to go to school." Well, he was probably from Lisbon. Many are well aware that Lisbon is a very hilly city with very, very steep streets and roads. Some streets are so steep the sidewalk turns into steps. While the city is laid out in a very walkable way, it takes a lot of energy to get around. A 2-mile walk on flat ground is nothing compared to the same walk on a 30-degree incline. This, paired with the slippery cobblestone streets, can make for a nightmare scenario when attempting to walk somewhere, especially if you are not physically fit. so please keep this in mind when planning your walks
tchau!
Micah
