ToursGaGa

Climb the tower of the Belém Tower

Situated on Tagus estuary, the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower (+351 21 362 0034; www.torrebelem.pt) was erected as part of the city's 16th century defences. For the views alone, the spiral steps up the tower are worth the exertion, but keep eyes keen and try to spot a rhinoceros in the stonework.

Ride the lift from street to sky

A steep city, Lisbon has some stylish ways to reach its summit. An evocative ride in an old-fashioned white and yellow tram will prevent any aching calves, but the beautiful wrought iron elevator, Santa Justa (www.carris.pt/pt/ascensores-e-elevador), shouldn’t be missed either. Designated a national monument, its wonderful skyline views are unrivalled.

Seek out the secret to the city's superb custard tarts

The humble custard tart should be a simple treat - not in the hands of Pastéis de Belém (+351 21 363 7423; www.pasteisdebelem.pt), Lisbon's finest purveyors of pastéis de nata. Though the insightful tour doesn't reveal their secret recipe, it does conclude with a tasty tart or two.

Take a trip to a hospital

For unloved toys, the Doll Hospital is a lifesaver (tel: +351 21 342 8574; www.hospitaldebonecas.com). Its glass cabinets are chockfull with a cacophony of spare arms, legs and heads. The curious and those with a camera should visit their museum of scary, dead-eyed dolls. To think: these are the ones they've saved.

Tour the trendiest treasures in the capital

Amassed by sharp-eyed collector Francisco Capelo, MuDe (tel: +351 21 888 6117; www.mude.pt) is a celebration of 20th century fashion and object design. Curated over three sections (Luxury, Pop and Cool), the stripped back interior of the exhibition space also makes MuDe one the most stylish museums in the city.