A pending candidate to become a World Heritage Site, Lisbon's downtown (the "Baixa Pombalina", or simply "Baixa") is a perfect example of anti-earthquake construction, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake by the famous Marquês de Pombal (hence its name). Its offer is vast: restaurants and cafes in Rossio and Restauradores, outlets and shops in the Áurea, Augusta, Prata and other famous streets, the imponent Praça do Comércio and its Arch, the luxury shops along the Avenida da Liberdade, this is the beating heart of the city center. The Baixa also grants easy access to trains leading to Sintra, the trams that go around the Castle hill, old neighborhoods or even take you to Belém, and Lisbon's traditional restaurants and cafes. Considering a visit to the Fashion and Design Museum (free entrance) and don't forget to try the famous liquor, "ginjinha"!

Enjoy a cocktail, discover a jazz club, hit the dance floor or simply grab a beer and catch up with your friends in the street: Bairro Alto, Bica and Cais do Sodré are the core of it all. Amazing rooftops, restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, museums and theaters abound. Start off by admiring the river from the Santa Catarina belvedere, have a cocktail at PARK's rooftop bar, try a typical Portuguese steak, or the fresh grilled fish, at Príncipe do Calhariz, and later explore the dozens of streets full of bars and clubs! Whether you're visiting for a day or a whole week, make sure you visit Bairro Alto and its surroundings.

The traditionally trendy "Chiado" (literally, "squeak", the nickname of a 16th century poet) offers plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can stop for a cafe or cocktail, after exploring its streets, shops, art galleries, theaters, museums and viewpoints. It's also the home to the statue of the famous statue of portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, having is usual espresso at "A Brasileira" as he used to. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Lisbon from the Elevador de Santa Justa or the Carmo Convent, for example. A commercial neighborhood at its core, especially for its Garrett and Carmo streets, Chiado is to this day a mandatory visit in Lisbon.

Belém is the "capital of the Portuguese Discoveries" and a photographer's paradise. You can spend an entire day exploring this neighborhood: monuments (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries), museums (Coach Museum, Centro Cultural de Belém) and breathtaking views of the Tagus river will make your visit worth your time. Belém also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, namely the famous - and delicious - "Pastéis de Belém" (typical Portuguese custard tarts; make sure you buy an extra box of those!). Easily accessible from Lisbon's historic center, Belém is a must-do, especially if you're spending more than one day visiting the Portuguese capital.

You can be thankful that most common travel guides don't mention Graça and São Vicente that often. Part of Lisbon's historic center and "Old Town", they feel like independent villages in the capital's center, and more untouched than Alfama. Amazing views, restaurants and parks, as well as important monuments like the S. Vicente Church and the National Pantheon, make this a spectacular option for those looking for a more tranquil walk-around in the center of Lisbon. Graça has been the choice of many younger people over the past years, both nationals and expats, given the cozy feeling of the neighborhood and its hidden secrets.

Explore narrow streets and alleyways, small cafes and, of course, the internationally acclaimed Fado music. The earth-shattering Great Earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of the city but the contiguous neighborhoods of Mouraria, Castelo and Alfama remained standing to this day. These neighborhoods represent Lisbon at its historical best. The cool breeze of the Tagus river will take you up the hills to the sound of Fado, where you'll discover the best "tascas," eat delicious fresh fish and drink great wines. Discover hidden viewpoints and ancient traces of other civilizational ruins in the heart of the Portuguese capital. These are centuries-old neighborhoods that will welcome you to the very best of old Lisbon culture.