Heading to the City of Seven Hills anytime soon? Wondering about the best things to do in Lisbon? If so, here are some things you might want to consider doing — there’s something for everyone!

Stroll Along the Tagus River

No visit to Lisbon is complete without a walk along the Tagus, where navigators of yore first set out for distant lands. It’s well worth seeing Belém Tower (above), a 16th-century Manueline fortification from which Portugal’s explorers once set sail. The line to get in can be fantastically long, though — so if you want to go inside, get there early.

Continue wandering from here to the Monument of the Discoveries, which memorializes Portugal’s great age of exploration. If you want, you can take an elevator all the way up to the top.

Further inland along the river, you can visit the Steps to the Sea, or the Cais das Colunas Pier.

Noble guests used to enter Lisbon by walking up these steps; now everyday people (and birds) hang out on the steps on sunny days. Just behind is the impressive Praça do Comércio, where you can walk around, have a drink, and see what kinds of unusual things (like a giant panda) might be on offer.

Go to a Museum

As you might expect, Lisbon is home to many wonderful museums — and if it rains, this may be the best way to spend your time. One of my favorite options is the National Tile Museum, where you can learn about the history and art of Portuguese tile work. It’s an amazing place.

Make sure to keep an eye out for The Chicken’s Wedding (top left above), a truly bizarre and wonderful political allegory.

For a completely different experience, head up to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Mr. Gulbenkian was a British-American philanthropist who collected important art from around the world, amassing a collection that covered over 5,000 years of history. Here you’ll find European portraiture, Persian rugs, Chinese porcelain, Roman glass, Turkish velvet, and far more.

For other options, try the tiny musical Fado Museum or the Quake Museum (dedicated to the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755).

Explore a Church, Convent, or Cathedral

Portugal’s Christian roots are evident everywhere in Lisbon, and if the doors are open, it’s easy to stop by the religious institution of your choice. Two of the most obvious places to visit are the Lisbon Cathedral, which dates all the way back to 1147 (make sure to buy a ticket to go upstairs) …

… and the spectacular Manueline & Renaissance Jerónimos Monastery.

The monastery can get especially crowded, so as with Belém Tower, try to get there early if you can.

Take a Tram Ride

Lisbon’s trams are iconic, and riding them is a great way to get a sense of the city.

The yellow number 28 has the best scenic views, but the lines to take it from the start are fantastically long. Pro tip: get yourself somewhere higher up on the line and begin your journey midway. The tram returns along pretty much the same route, so you won’t miss much. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, lean out the window (but not too far…) and enjoy!

Walk Around the Parapets

Fortifications have existed up high on a hill in Santa Maria Maior since the 10th century, and although it was significantly damaged by the great Lisbon earthquake, the medieval Castelo de S. Jorge is still an impressive place.

You can visit a small museum and look at the peacocks milling about, but the real selling points here are the tremendous views from the castle walls. It’s amazing to clamber around and take in the sights.

Visit a Palace

Lisbon has been home to Portuguese royalty for centuries, so it’s no surprise that palaces are scattered hither and yon. I would argue that the best of the bunch are in Sintra, but if you’re staying in Lisbon proper, you might want to venture out to the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda.

The royal family moved into this Neoclassical gem in the mid-1800s, and you can still see exactly how the palace was decorated when the monarchy ended in 1910.

Ride Uphill

Lisbon is a super-hilly city, and in the late 1800s, the wise folks running the city’s transportation system decided to give people an easier way to get from point A to point B. So they built three funiculars — Glória, Lavra, and Bica — each of which runs straight uphill. They’re largely tourist attractions today, but they’re still fun to ride or watch.

Even more fascinating is the 1901 Santa Justa Lift. Built out of iron in an age when elevators were a new innovation, this seven-story tower was an architectural marvel at the time. As with the funiculars, it’s still mostly used by tourists, but it remains an impressive sight.

Eat Outdoors

Since Portugal has so many hills, there’s always a view to be had somewhere. If the weather cooperates, there’s nothing more delightful than eating out in the sunshine and looking out over the city. One great place to do this is the Afalma district.

Take a Walk in a Lisbon Park

Lisbon is not necessarily known for its parks and gardens, but I had a lovely stroll through the Parque Eduardo VII. Designed in 1945, it has an unusual set of box hedges and the largest Portuguese flag in the world.

The park is also home to the Carlos Lopes Pavilion, which was built for the 1922 Rio de Janeiro International Exposition.

Sample Pastéis de Nata

No trip to Lisbon would be complete without biting into a Pastel de Nata. I’ve tried many, and the best I’ve found is at the humble and off-the-beaten-path Bica e Água.

Book a Fancy Dinner

As you might expect from a major European city, Lisbon has some great fine dining options. One fun place for drinks and dinner is Mini Bar — try the tuna cones, and make sure to reserve ahead!

Wander the Streets of Lisbon

Ah, the streets of Lisbon. It’s a delight to walk around a city that isn’t afraid of a splash (or more) of color.

Much of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake — it was felt all the way in Morocco. Much of the subsequent rebuild saw a focus on Neoclassical architecture(with a bit of Rococo thrown in here and there). The city also rebuilt some areas in the highly pragmatic Pombaline style (Mr. Pombal tested for the earthquake resistance of new buildings by having troops march around town to mimic seismic waves).

Look for Street Art

I love a little bit of street art, and Lisbon even has some made out of tiles:

Watch the Sun Rise (or Set)

In a city with so many hills, it’s just a matter of finding the right spot to sit and watch the sky turn color. What a stunning place!

Bonus Option: Day Trips

You’ll want to give Lisbon plenty of time, but if you’re looking to see more of Portugal, visit Óbidos for medieval charm, Sintra for its palaces, or Évora to experience a city from Portugal’s golden age.