Lisbon Pictures

Portugal's capital city is a feast for the eyes and fortunately, less tourist heavy than its European counterparts.  Westend61 Getty Images

The tourist-friendly Tram 28 takes passengers from Central Lisbon up to St. George's Castle through the hilly Alfama district. Martial Colomb Getty Images

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Lisbon's most prominent attractions.  Max Bashyrov Flickr

Belém Tower was commissioned in the 16th century to be a defense mechanism along the Tagus River. It also acted as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. repistu Getty Images

The Moorish Castelo de Sao Jorge was used as a fortress to protect the city. Today, it's considered one of Lisbon's best lookout points. GoodLifeStudio Getty Images

The National Palace of Pena, located in Sintra, is considered to be the best expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. federic prochasson Getty Images

As one of the largest aquariums in Europe, there is no shortage of animals to see at the Oceanarium. johnnorth Getty Images

This diverse selection of art actually belonged to Calouste Gulbenkian, a former oil tycoon. When he passed, he left his entire collection to Lisbon, a city he called home for more than a decade.  Courtesy Gulbenkian Museum and Garden

Travelers say the lookout point atop St. George's Castle is unlike any other. There are many vantage points throughout the city, but few feature a look at the Golden Gate-like 25 de Abril Bridge. Lee Rogers Getty Images

Alfama's small-town charm may make you forget you're in Portugal's biggest city.  Westend61 Getty Images

Not only does the city sport a thriving nightlife scene, but shines brightly from its best vantage points. Sean Pavone Getty Images

What flamenco is to Spain, Fado music is to the Portuguese. A soulful form of song, you can find a high concentration of these clubs in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Kurt Johnson Flickr

This waterfront public square used to be the site of the royal palace until it was destroyed by the great earthquake. It also acts as the gateway to one of Lisbon's biggest shopping streets, Rua Augusta. Henning Leweke Flickr

These tiles can be found all over buildings in Lisbon. The larger images tend to depict events that have taken place in history, while others can also be merely decorative.   Westend61 Getty Images

The original Pastel de Nata, which can be found at Pasteis de Belem, comes from an secret recipe that originated in the Monastery of St. Jerome. J. Castro Getty Images

Just 40 minutes outside of Lisbon, the beach town of Cascais is an excellent respite for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a day. filip va Getty Images

Along with azulejos, some of Lisbon's buildings are adorned with some incredible street art. Street art is spread around the city, but Alfama is a good first stop. JeanneMenjoulet&Cie Flickr

Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sinta, is known for its well, inspired by the initiation practices of the Knights of Templar and Freemasons. Sean Pavone Getty Images

One of Cascais' most popular beaches is also the most remote. If you can make the trek 4 miles outside of the city center, travelers say its long shoreline and excellent views are worth the extra effort.  StevanZZ Getty Images

Recent travelers said that although Tram 28 is a must-do while in Lisbon, visitors should be prepared for thick crowds. Photography taken by Mario Gutiérrez Getty Images

Tram 28 runs a route from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique, and it passes by some of Lisbon’s top attractions. Xantana Getty Images

Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district and fills in the space between St. George's Castle and the River Tagus. Westend61 Getty Images

The Santa Justa Elevator dates back to the 19th century, when it eased the burden of slogging up the steep Carmo Hill. Now, it's predominantly a tourist attraction. Lingxiao Xie Getty Images

After a ride up the Santa Justa Elevator, visitors are transported to a platform, which offers awe-inspiring views of the city. Jorg Greuel Getty Images

In summer's peak season, the Santa Justa Elevator is prone to long lines. Photography taken by Mario Gutiérrez Getty Images

Sintra was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its "cultural landscape." © Marco Bottigelli Getty Images

You'll find the Oceanarium in the Parque das Nações area of Lisbon.
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Vasco da Gama and other important historical figures are entombed at Jerónimos Monastery. mifaimoltosorridere Getty Images

Lisbon's Monastery of St Jerome exemplifies Portugal's Manueline style – a highly ornate style of architecture. Sorin Rechitan / EyeEm Getty Images

Most visitors recommend viewing the exterior of the Belem Tower (for free) rather than shelling out an admission fee, for the lackluster interior. Tomekbudujedomek Getty Images

St. George's 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. SeanPavonePhoto Getty Images

The National Tile Museum is filled to the brim with tiles of all colors and sizes, some of which date back to the 15th century. Melosh Flickr

For a crowd-free photo op at Belem Tower, set your alarm clock early to catch the sunrise, then take a walk around the historic neighborhood. © Allard Schager Getty Images

Taste of Lisboa Food Tours is a hit with travelers thanks to its combination of delicious eats, interesting history and knowledgeable guides. Ayhan Altun Getty Images

For a different perspective of the city, consider a Lisbon ByBoat tour, popular among recent travelers. J.M.F. Almeida Getty Images

You never know what you might find at the Feira da Ladra market. Westend61 Getty Images

Cascais is a tropical paradise. Benoit BACOU Getty Images

Built in 1515, the Belem Tower is now a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Alexander Spatari Getty Images

The sail-shaped Discoveries Monument is lined with notable Portuguese figures throughout history, including navigators, artists and King Manuel. Apexphotos Getty Images

Enjoying the Tagus River waterfront is another way to take in Belem's charms. Alexander Savin Flickr

The diverse selection on display at the Gulbenkian Museum and Garden 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. Courtesy Gulbenkian Museum and Garden

The Ajuda National Palace served as the royal residence of King Louis and Queen Maria Pia. JoseIgnacioSoto Getty Images

Visitors not only appreciated the Gulbenkian Museum's diversity of art, but some were delightfully dumbfounded it all came from one person. Courtesy Gulbenkian Museum and Garden

Walking the ramparts of the Castle of the Moors in Sintra is one scenic way to burn calories. Marco Simoni Getty Images

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. Courtesy Gulbenkian Museum and Garden