San Francisco has its cable cars, London has its red double-decker buses and Lisbon has its trams. Tram 28, which extends from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique, in particular takes riders on a tourist-friendly route. Not only does it pass through some of the city's most notable neighborhoods, including Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, but it also travels by popular attractions, such as St. George's Castle and Alfama. Along with a scenic route, the cars themselves are also considered to be part of the experience. Many of Lisbon's trams, including some used on the Tram 28 route, are the same that were used in World War II, so don't expect air conditioning or a smooth trip up and around the area's hills. But don't worry, recent travelers said it's all part of the tram's charm.

Some visitors recommend taking the tram up the steep Alfama hill and then walking back down to explore the neighborhood. Due to the tram's popularity, the tram cars tend to get crowded quickly, so make sure to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the long, midday lines. Others suggested hopping on the tram in the middle of its route, such as the Se Cathedral stop, to avoid the long lines at either terminus. Also, because of the tram's popularity with tourists, it's a target for pickpockets. Remember to keep an eye on your belongings, especially cameras.

The waterfront Belém is a historic neighborhood that houses some of Lisbon's most important monuments, museums and one very popular Portuguese tart cafe, the Pasteis de Belém. Here you'll find the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Palace (the official residence of Portugal's president), the Coleção Berardo Museum as well as a number of scenic gardens.

As the Discoveries Monument beautifully illustrates, Belém is important in that it was a popular departure point during the Age of Discoveries. Some notable adventurers that have embarked from Belém include Vasco da Gama, who was the first person to sail directly from Europe to India, and Ferdinand Magellan, who was aboard the first ship that successfully circumnavigated the world. In addition, Christopher Columbus also made a stop here on his way back to Spain from the Americas.

Tiny Cabo de Roca (or Cape Roca) isn't just the westernmost point on mainland Europe. It offers beautiful views of nearby Sintra and the coastline, as well as scenic hiking trails. About 400 years ago, there was a fort here; today, there is little indication of its existence, just a lighthouse and a few associated buildings. To escape the region's throngs of tourists, follow the challenging trails to beautiful beaches like Praia da Ursa and Praia da Adraga. Then grab a coffee or souvenir and head back to Lisbon.

Recent visitors use words like "breathtaking" and "gorgeous" to describe this natural area. Many were enchanted by the 250-year-old lighthouse (which is still staffed by a person), while those disinclined to hike said a quick stop here was all they needed. Several reviewers also said they visited the area on a guided tour. Companies like The Cooltours and Inside Lisbon received high praise. 

Some tourists choose to take Tram 28 through the Alfama neighborhood because it's so hilly, but whether you choose to burn some calories or contend with the tram crowds, a visit to the picturesque Alfama is a must. With a history that dates back to the Moors, Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops, cozy restaurants and traditional Fado clubs, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Popular city attractions like St. George's Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and Feira de Ladra are also located in Alfama.

Travelers come in droves to bear witness to the neighborhood's famed charm (and some street art), and say this is the best place to get to know Lisbon. Visitors also say this isn't a district to breeze through, but rather take your time with and get lost in. Ditch the map and let yourself wander the colorful streets, grab a drink alfresco in an alleyway, or seek out one of the neighborhood's many vantage points, including the popular Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

For some sweeping views of Lisbon – particularly Rossio Square and the Baixa neighborhood – you might want to take a ride on the Elevador de Santa Justa, or the Santa Just Lift as it's more commonly known. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard (a former student of Gustave Eiffel – creator of the Eiffel tower), this neo-Gothic elevator is more than a century old and used to be powered by steam. The structure is more than just a means to meet a vista's end, but rather a convenient shortcut for commuters looking to get to Bairro Alto without having to work up the sweat climbing the hill. While the exterior is almost entirely wrought iron, inside visitors will find two old-fashioned wood cabins that take riders up to the nearly 150-foot-tall vantage point.

Although visitors were more than pleased with the views, some visitors found the attraction to be a rip-off, especially since are so many free viewpoints throughout Lisbon thanks to the city's many hills. Travelers also complained of the long lines throughout the day and suggested going either very early in the day or very late at night, but even that isn't a guarantee. Plus, because the elevator's capacity is limited, lines move slow.

Sturdy Lisbon Cathedral is perhaps more imposing than your average medieval religious site. With very few windows, it resembles a fortress nearly as much as a cathedral. This 1147 building survived the devastating 1755 earthquake. St. Anthony was baptized here in 1195. While parts of the cathedral are nearly 900 years old, it has been heavily altered during that time. Today, interior and exterior demonstrate that with a mix of styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements can be spotted.

Visitors were awed by the outside of the cathedral – most recommend going in, although several felt it was not a "must-see." Travelers enjoyed exploring the various parts of the building, from the altar and choir to the cloister and treasury. Visitors who had seen many other European cathedrals were less impressed, noting its smaller size and lack of English interpretation of the building.

Located about 20 miles northwest of central Lisbon, Sintra's praises have been sung in literature by the likes of British poet Lord Byron and Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões; Byron described it as a "glorious Eden." A veritable heaven on earth, the small city's rolling hills are clad with vibrant vegetation and fairytale-like villas separated by cobblestone streets.

The star of the show is the colorful Park and National Palace of Pena, which was built to be a romantic getaway for Queen Maria II and her consort. There's also the Sintra National Palace, whose azulejo-adorned interiors are more elaborate than its gleaming white exterior, the Monserrate Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira. What's more, the entire city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most notable aspects of Lisbon's alluring architecture is its vibrant ceramic tiles. You might find these Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, adorned on buildings during a walk about town (especially in Alfama), in gift shops (or at stalls at the Feira da Ladra), or within the walls of other top city attractions, including some of the palaces or villas that dot Sintra.

If you don't feel like spending time seeking out tiles on the streets, a visit to the National Tile Museum is the perfect alternative. The museum is filled to the brim with tiles of all colors and sizes, some of which date back to the 15th century. Some are simple, with individual tiles decorated with flowers or sailboats, while others are pieced together to create grand murals chronicling people or stories steeped with history. Not only that, but there is information spread throughout detailing how azulejos are made.

The seaside town of Cascais (kush-kaish) is about a 45-minute train ride west of Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station. Once a fishing village, Cascais became a popular respite for the rich and royal in the 1900s. Today, Europeans of all kinds flock to this beachy city for some low-cost fun in the sun. And since it's peppered with luxurious resorts and hotels, a weekend here may be an ideal end to your Lisbon vacation.

Don't be put off by its diminutive size – there is plenty to do here. Take a stroll around the colorful, cobblestone-lined old town, visit one of the area's many forts that helped prevent pirate attacks or relax on one of the area's many beaches.

Castelo de São Jorge, or St. George's Castle, is perched atop Lisbon's highest hill in Alfama, offering both excellent history and views of the city. The castle served as a fortification for the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors, who turned it into a royal palace before it was eventually taken by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The attraction has kept an array of relics, including canons, which are spread throughout, and 10 towers, one of which houses a camera obscura. There is also a restaurant on-site, gardens where peacocks frequently make appearances and an archaeological center.

Visitors gushed about the incredible views of the city and the sea. But although most were impressed with its quality preservation, many found the attraction to be lacking, as there isn't much to do on-site. If you'd like to get more out of the castle, consider visiting with an organized tour – the advice of past visitors who said there is little historical information posted throughout the site. Past travelers also advised future visitors to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll have to walk up a hill to reach the castle. To avoid long ticket lines at the entrance, reviewers suggest you buy your tickets online in advance.

What looks to be an idyllic mini castle seamlessly floating on the Tagus riverfront was originally a fort that served to protect Lisbon's port in the 16th century. It served as a departure point for explorers looking to travel the world during the Age of Discoveries. Today, the Manueline structure serves as a monument to that heyday and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Monastery of Jerónimos. Visitors can go inside and explore the interiors, whose rooms once served as royals quarters, a prison and a chapel, to name a few.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the Monument to the Discoveries, is just a short walk away, and equally stunning. The waterfront structure was reconstructed in the 1960s in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death. Although he wasn't an explorer himself, he was a prince who significantly supported a handful of important explorations during his time. The sail-shaped statue is lined with notable Portuguese figures throughout history, including other navigators, artists and King Manuel. Inside, visitors can climb to the top of the monument for greater views of the river.

Anyone who loves neoclassical architecture, decorative arts or history will enjoy a visit to the National Palace of Ajuda, or Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. This palace, built in the first half of the 1800s, is the only palace open to the public in Lisbon. It preserves both the original room arrangements and many decorations, including gold and silverware, jewelry, textiles, furniture, glassware and ceramics, and many forms of visual art. Monarchy in Portugal ended in 1910, when the building was closed down and the royal family went into exile. In 1968 the palace reopened as a museum.

Recent visitors found the site beautiful and engaging, calling it a "must-see." Many were intrigued, and enjoyed getting to see the royal family's real-life items, which were left behind here when they went into exile. Travelers praised the interesting and friendly tour guides – some are already planning their next trip back to the palace.

Lisbon is known for its historic sites perched atop rolling hills. LxFactory still brings old charm, with its 19th-century industrial warehouse setting. However, the feeling here is hip and modern. Housed within this spacious complex are trendy eateries, bars and shops (the quirky Ler Devagar bookstore is a particular favorite among visitors). The vibe here is artistic and bohemian – the area is easily traversed on foot, but has also been called "a city within a city."

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at LxFactory. Travelers marveled at the wealth of dining options, and particularly enjoyed strolling the area in good weather. Despite its removed location (it's located in the Alcântara neighborhood), visitors found a stop here more than worth it for the vintage and handmade items. One reviewer mentioned that on Sundays there is an added market full of individual vendors. Crowds form, so go early on Sunday (by 10 a.m.) to enjoy it fully. Several visitors recommended pairing a visit to LxFactory with a stop in Belém.

Less than 75 years old, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses a world-renowned collection of art. The late Calouste Gulbenkian, a former oil tycoon and distinguished art collector, amassed 6,000 works of art in his lifetime, donating it all to Portugal upon his death. The diverse selection on display includes art of all kinds from all over the world, including Egyptian statues, European paintings from masters Rubens and Rembrandt, and Chinese porcelain, to name a few.

Recent travelers enjoyed perusing the museum, with many saying the 20-minute trip from the city center was worth it. Visitors not only appreciated the museum's diversity of art, but some were delightfully dumbfounded it all came from one person. Others were pleased with the size of the museum, saying it was large enough to fill a few hours of the day, but still manageable. The architecture and gardens received equally favorable reviews.

The Monastery of Jerónimos or the Jerónimos Monastery, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Lisbon's Belém district. Exemplifying Portugal's Manueline style – a highly ornate style of architecture named after the king of the time (Manuel I) – the monastery was built during the Age of Discoveries. Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal at the site before embarking on their famous journey to India in 1498. During the 17th century, the structure served as a monastery for monks, whose job was to comfort sailors and pray for the king. It eventually became a school and orphanage until 1940.

Today, visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace while admiring the detail of the intricately carved pillars, cloisters and vaulted ceilings. Tourists can also stop by the Chapel of St. Jerome and the tombs, which contain notable Portuguese people in history, including a handful of royals and Vasco da Gama himself. Travelers found the attraction's unique architecture to be stunning, and recommended a visit for that reason alone. However, some travelers complained of long entrance lines, even for those who purchased tickets online in advance. Some reviewers suggested planning your visit for after 2 p.m., when the morning tour crowds have dispersed. Other suggested skipping the monastery altogether and instead suggested spending time in the chapel, which is free to visit.

The Oceanário de Lisboa is not just an aquarium, but considering its size, a world in and of itself. The Oceanarium, as it's also often referred to, is the world's largest saltwater oceanarium, holding more than 450 species of sea creatures. Four permanent exhibits represent different habitats that hold the likes of various types of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Here, visitors will find the likes of sharks, penguins, rays and sea otters and everything in between. Along with a peek into life under the sea, the Oceanarium also offers a variety of activities, from guided tours to a sleepover with sharks and even a Fado show.

Visitors were blown away by how impressive the aquarium was and suggested stopping by if you need a break from the city's many historic sites. Several reviewers in particular loved the large, central tank, and said the attraction could easily be enjoyed by all ages, and not just children. Travelers advised setting aside at least half a day to see the attraction and warned of large afternoon crowds.

If you're searching for a unique souvenir to take back home, you might want to try your luck at the Feira da Ladra flea market. Located in the Alfama district and spread out across Campo de Santa Clara, the contents of Feira da Ladra can be trash or treasure, depending on what kind of traveler you ask, or what kind of week it is. Either way, you're likely to find some souvenirs, antiques, azulejos (Portuguese tiles), art and a number of second-hand/vintage goods. But the Feira da Ladra isn't your run-of-the-mill flea market. The market is rumored to have been around since the 12th century, with some of the vendors known for selling stolen goods, hence the name ladra, which translates to "thief" in Portuguese.

Some visitors said the market was only worth a stop if you happen to be in the Alfama area, with some likening it to a car boot sale. Others were pleased with the vintage wares they were able to score.

Carmo Convento is actually a ruin of a 14th-century convent that was destroyed by an infamous earthquake and fire. On Nov. 1, 1755, one of the deadliest earthquakes of all time shook Lisbon. Buildings throughout the city collapsed, including this one. Tens of thousands died – the disaster exacerbated by fires spread by candles lit for All Saint's Day. Today, the ruins stand in the city center as a remembrance of the tragic day. From this darkness – the earthquake was felt far beyond Lisbon, though the city was hit particularly hard – much philosophy and art emerged. Additionally, the event inspired new building in area that is considered to be some of the world's earliest seismically sound construction.

In addition to the convent ruins, the site is also home to the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which was founded in 1864 and was the first museum of art and archeology in Portugal. It displays artifacts from the pre-historic era through the Middle Ages, in addition to a collection of medieval religious and heraldic items. Past visitors were particularly impressed with the mummies and the fact that almost all of the exhibits are labeled in English.