I left Lisbon thoroughly aware of how small I am in the grand scheme of things, in the best possible way. It’s a city built on seven hills that offers stunning views and a prominent, unique blend of culture (Portuguese, Roman, and Moorish most predominately). My favorite way to get to know a city is by wandering around, and I walked probably 30 miles through Lisbon. Its hills and stairs can be tough on the legs, but each step ends up worth it when you see what’s next. Here are four things I hope you stop and soak in when you bump into them, and a list of some of the most common other activities in the city.

CITY VIEWS FROM LOOKOUT PARKS

Throughout the city on its hills, you will find parks that offer majestic views of the city, river, and ocean. While they don’t alway make the best pictures (so many of the houses are white and orange that it blends together), the views in person are breathtaking.

Some of the most famous lookout points are in Old City (and particuarly, Alfama). If you pay for entrance into Castelo de S. Jorge, it offers the highest views in Old City.

STARE DOWN PICTURESQUE STREETS

The narrow streets of Lisbon are stunning - with their light yet colorful painting, narrow tiled sidewalks, and beautiful tiles. As I walked, I stopped and savored hundreds of these little streets.

WATCH OUT FOR THE STREET ART

Lisbon’s streets are covered in art - from spray painted murals, to beautiful tile pieces, to sculptures. The city is like a living museum, and you can’t step far without seeing some feat of creativity worth celebrating.

ENJOY THE BAKERIES

Lisbon is absolutely packed with bakeries that offer delicious, cheap bread and pastries. I’m the type to stop on my walks and get a snack, and grabbing something from a bakery and eating it slowly in a park was a touchstone of my trip.

SOME OTHER COMMON TO-DOS

Here are some other common to-dos while in Lisbon:

• Drink Vinho Verde - A wine made in a region of Portugal

• Listen to Fado - A type of music that blend African and aboriginal Brazilian song and dance

• Take a Day Trip to Sintra (a city of palaces) or Obidos (a walled city)

• Visit Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower

• Go to the Beach

• Ride a Trolley

• Visit Carmo Convent - Medieval ruins from a large earthquake in Portugal that also has a museum and stunning views from its elevator and walkway.

• Go to the Alfama Street Flea Market - Open Saturday and Tuesdays