Alfama
Wander down through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon. Linger in a backstreet cafe along the way and experience some local bonhomie without the tourist gloss.
As far back as the 5th century, the Alfama was inhabited by the Visigoths, and remnants of a Visigothic town wall remain. But it was the Moors who gave the district its shape and atmosphere. In Moorish times this was an upper-class residential area. After earthquakes brought down many of its mansions (and post-Moorish churches) it reverted to a working-class, fisherfolk quarter. It was one of the few districts to ride out the 1755 earthquake.
With narrow lanes of residential houses and grocery stores, it has a distinct village atmosphere; you can quickly feel like an intruder if you take a wrong turn into someone's backyard. Early morning is the best time to catch a more traditional scene, when women sell fresh fish from their doorways. For a real rough-and-tumble atmosphere, visit during the Festas dos Santos Populares in June.

Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife, although the Parque das Nações and riverside areas are now giving it a run for its money. There is no shortage of bars and clubs, in fact, your greatest problem could be keeping up with the resident party crowd, who start late and often continue till dawn. During the day see Lisbon life up close by exploring the picturesque streets and becos (staircased alleys) that wind up the area's steep hills.
Also look out for the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, atop the Elevador da Glória, for its commanding view of the city, and the ruins of the Convento do Carmo.

Baixa
Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, the Baixa's wide avenues and pedestrianised Rua Augusta are a great place to shop and have coffee. The area's highlight is the Elevador de Santa Justa. This imposing wrought-iron lift offers an easy ride up to the Bairro Alto, plus a rooftop cafe with views to kill for.
Built in 1902 by Gustave Eiffel follower Raul Mésnier du Ponsard, the lift has more than a passing resemblance to the Eiffel Tower.
Avoid the touristy umbrella-topped cafes below and save your coffee break for this still touristy but far more elegant architectural gem. Time your visit to enjoy a drink at sunset.

Belém
Portugal's caravels sailed off to conquer the great unknown from Belém, and today this leafy riverside precinct is a giant monument to the nation's Age of Discoveries.
First stop should be the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a Manueline masterpiece whose intricate decoration and peaceful spaces will leave you inspired.
A short walk away is the Torre de Belém, the much-photographed symbol of Portugal's maritime glory. The imposing limestone Monument to the Discoveries, also facing the river nearby, is shaped like a caravel and features key players from the era.
If you have time, look around the Centro Cultural de Belém, one of Lisbon's main cultural venues, which houses the Museu do Design, a collection of 20th-century mind-bogglers.

Cristo Rei
We would be remiss if we didn't tell you to visit the Cristo Rei, over the river in Cacilhas. A smaller version of Brazil's giant Jesus, this religious icon with arms outstretched has major kitsch value.
There is a gift-shop that is an Ali Baba cave of over-the-top gilt and bejewelled Cristo Rei everything. Do yourself a favour and don't miss this hotbed of religious craftsmanship. The views from the top of the monument aren't half bad either.

Sintra
If you're planning to make only one trip out of Lisbon, Sintra, just 28km (17.4mi) northwest, should receive top priority. Cool and verdant, it's also a worthwhile destination in its own right for several days of exploration or relaxation.
Situated on the northern slopes of the Serra de Sintra, Sintra's lush vegetation and spectacular mountaintop views have lured admirers since the times of the early Iberians, who found the ridge so mystical they called it the Mountain of the Moon and made it a centre of cult worship (some of its strange effects are actually caused by massive deposits of iron ore).
Sintra put itself on the international art map when this museum opened in 1997 in Sintra's neoclassical former casino in Estefânia. It's got some of the world's best postwar art (including a particularly strong selection of pop art). Among the 350 or so pieces displayed are works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, Pollock and Kossoff. Check out the top-floor cafe, too, with its open-air terrace and good views.

For Dutch speaking persons the following links are useful for more information about Lisbon: lissabon.startkabel.nl and portugal.startpagina.be.