Compared to many other European cities, Lisbon had managed to keep a fairly low profile as a vacation destination. That is, until recently, as savvy travelers have found the Portuguese capital to be the safer, more affordable alternative to places like Paris or Madrid, while still offering up all the Old World charm they've come to expect.

And, what better proof that is truly on the upswing? The fact that Madonna herself has called the city home since 2017.

As Western Europe's oldest city, Lisbon appears very much the same as it has for centuries, offering magnificent views from the myriad balconies, rooftops, and vistas sprawled across its seven hillsides. Yet, despite its tumultuous topography, most areas of the city are quite walkable. However, moving from one neighborhood to the next often requires uphill travel on cobblestone. So bring comfortable shoes.

For especially challenging routes, Lisbon offers streetcars, funiculars (tram-like vehicles that take passengers up steep slopes), and a towering, 148-foot high Neo-Gothic elevator to help move people from one place to the next. In fact, the Elevador de Santa Justa (above), is one of the city's most recognizable structures and, since its construction in 1902, has provided direct access from the downtown Baixa area to the elevated Bairro Alto district.

Of course, you could always opt to eschew foot travel altogether and hire a tuk tuk driver to whisk you off to historic spots like the Castelo de São Jorge, with its outstanding views of the Alfama (Moorish) quarter and Tagus River.

As you meander the streets of Portuguese tiled buildings, be sure to stop in at some of the city's standout shops. In fact, be sure to visit the incredibly charming A Vida Portuguesa, a well-curated space that carries some of the most amazing and beautifully crafted local bath products, home accessories, and edibles you will want to take home as gifts. Downtown, on Rua de Madalena, take a peek into Lisbon Walker, a purveyor of both high-quality leather shoes and local wines (you get a bottle for free with the purchase of a pair of shoes.) And, for some truly authentic Portuguese fare to share with your friends back home, visit Loja Das Conservas for an art gallery of canned tuna, octopus, and sardines.

Meal Time

Speaking of seafood, you can expect to find a staggering assortment of fresh fish and other sea creatures on nearly every menu in town. Start your culinary experience off strong with a meal at Páteo, one section of the Bairro de Avillez multi-concept restaurant. Its group-friendly setting makes it the perfect place to linger with friends over shared dishes made with traditional Portuguese ingredients reimagined in spectacular ways.

For a slightly more formal dinner, Cervejaria Liberdade, located in the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel, serves fish and seafood sourced from along Portugal's entire coastline. For a truly authentic local dish, order the bacalhau á brás, or salted cod with angel fries and egg. And, when it comes time to get your red meat fix, reserve a table at RIB, along the Praca do Comercio, for dishes like steak tartare and meat croquettes with smoked onion sauce (below).

Nightlife

Like in other European cities, Lisbon's bar scene starts rather late on weekends, stretching well into the early morning.

Plan to spend at least one night carousing in the Bairro Alto. Here, a lively crowd of mixed ages, nationalities, and sexual orientations all pour out onto the music-filled street, cocktails in hand. Indeed, everyone seemed warm and welcoming—not to mention very attractive—which made meeting new friends and staying out late an easy thing to do.

For a more subdued experience, head to Sky Bar for its sweeping city views, full menu of craft cocktails, and superb people watching.

Start your exploration of the city's gay scene with a stop at Bar Tr3s, a popular spot where you can expect to find a room filled wall-to-wall with burly men socializing over drinks. If it's the dance floor you crave, check out the unfortunately named Trumps, Lisbon's most popular gay disco.

Where to stay:

The sophisticated and modern Pestana CR-7 Lisboa—a collaboration between the Pestana hotel chain and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo—attracts a young, hip crowd due to its attentive staff, lively lobby scene, and Baixa location.