'This underrated European city is now one of my favourite destinations.'

Picture this: You're wandering down sun-warmed cobblestone streets, each doorway painted in a different jewel tone, some framed by intricate azulejo tiles. A stylish crowd spills out from a tiny wine bar on your right, their laughter mixing with fado drifting from an open window. On your left, the irresistible aroma of fresh pastel de nata draws you toward a bustling bakery.

Welcome to Lisbon. Please, stay a while.

If this Portuguese city isn't near the top of your travel list, you need to do some urgent reshuffling. Trust me. I finally went last year, and it's safe to say, I've been plotting my return ever since.

Watch: Influencer shares cheap flight travel hack. Post continues below.

Eats.

Ah, the food scene — where do I even begin? Lisbon's culinary landscape is intoxicating. Its streets are filled with trendy wine bars and cute cafes. And don't even get me started on that unmistakable scent of buttery pastéis de nata.

Fabric, Neighbourhood and Comoba became our regular haunts — each cafe has its own personality; from minimalist Scandi vibes to Bohemian charm. For a unique experience, try Collect and Boavista Social Club, where dining blends with vinyls.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pastéis de Belém® (@pasteisbelem)

Park, a rooftop bar, deserves special mention for those golden-hour moments as you sip perfectly crafted cocktails. The sunset views alone are worth the visit.

While Time Out Market appears on every travel list, we discovered something more magical: those unassuming neighbourhood tascas that don't have Instagram fame but are even better. These hidden gems, often just a handful of tables tucked down narrow alleys, served some of our most memorable meals.

Trust your nose, follow the locals, and prepare for culinary magic around every corner.

See.

Pack your most comfortable walking shoes — Lisbon's nickname as the "city of seven hills" isn't just poetic licence. Your calves will definitely feel the burn by day's end, but trust me, it's worth every step.

Tram 28, that iconic butter-yellow beauty, tops every tourist bucket list. While we skipped the crowded ride, we discovered something better: wandering on foot lets you truly absorb the city's magic. Plus, you'll still get that perfect Insta shot as the vintage tram rattles past cobblestone corners.

Hello iconic yellow tram! Image: Mamamia.

Speaking of wandering around, the districts of Alfama and Bairro Alto are Lisbon's crown jewels. Picture narrow lanes where washing lines stretch between pastel-painted houses, their shutters thrown open to catch the breeze. Every corner reveals another Instagram-worthy doorway — emerald green, sunshine yellow, or deep terracotta — framed by intricate azulejo tiles that shimmer in the afternoon light.

In Alfama, climb to Miradouro das Portas do Sol — it's essentially one enormous balcony suspended above the ancient neighbourhood's terracotta rooftops. The panoramic view stretches to the Tagus River, where cargo ships look like toys from that height.

A short, winding walk brings you to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where traditional blue Portuguese tiles tell stories of old Lisbon beneath a pergola dripping with hot-pink bougainvillea.

The stairs are rough but the viewpoints are worth it. Image: Mamamia.

It's such a pretty city! Image: Mamamia.

For sunset magic, head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This 250-degree viewpoint transforms into an open-air party as golden hour approaches — street musicians strum guitars while pop-up bars serve ice-cold Super Bock, and the entire city glows amber below.

Don't miss the famous Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) for those iconic umbrella installations and bubble-gum pink pavement — it's Instagram gold. While many choose to spend their nights at the several bars lining the street, we found it a bit too touristy for our taste.

The pink street is busy but worth stopping by. Image: Mamamia.

If culture is what you're after, you have to experience fado in an intimate taverna. These haunting folk ballads, accompanied by Portuguese guitar, capture Lisbon's soul in a way no guidebook can describe.

When you need a breather from the hills, lose yourself in the botanical gardens. Here, exotic palms cast dappled shadows over gravel paths, and the only sounds are birdsong and distant church bells.

Shop.

If you're a Pinterest or TikTok lover like me, you'll know Lisbon girls are always impeccably dressed. I don't know what's in the water there, but damn, those women have serious style.

It would be rude not to explore the boutiques on offer. My advice? Just wander and duck into whatever catches your eye. We spent hours doing this and still didn't even come close to scratching the surface of what Lisbon has to offer. The streets are lined with tempting shopfronts selling everything from funky fashion and glossy coffee-table books to gorgeous ceramics.

LX Factory is worth a dedicated visit — this cultural hub transformed a mid-19th-century textiles factory into a hip creative precinct. Two streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for fuelling up before you shop.

Spend the day exploring LX Factory. Image: Mamamia.

Head upstairs into the main factory building to discover small makers, artisans and creatives renting studios. Don't miss Ler Devagar bookstore — chances are you've seen photos of this Instagram-famous spot before. It's worth the trip alone. Upstairs houses a second-hand vinyl store with over 2,000 jazz records, plus there's incredible street art throughout.

See what I mean? Image: Mamamia.

While you're in the area, pop down to see the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon's famous suspension bridge is just a short walk away.

Don't miss Feira da Ladra at Campo de Santa Clara, Lisbon's oldest flea market. Running Tuesdays and Sundays, it's where we lost hours browsing vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, artisan goods and antiques. Arrive early for the best finds.

There are so many treasures to explore. Image: Mamamia.

From cobblestone adventures to rooftop cocktails, Lisbon delivers on every front. Pack those walking shoes, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall head over heels for this Portuguese beauty.

Feature image: Mamamia.