I’d say yes — it’s definitely worth trying if you’re visiting Lisbon for the first time.
The city is absolutely beautiful but also pretty spread out, with some steep areas that can be a bit tough to walk, especially in the heat. I used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus on my first day there and it really helped me get a feel for the layout of the city. Plus, it stops at all the major attractions like Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Praça do Comércio — and you can get off whenever you want to explore.
What I liked most was that you can ride at your own pace, without rushing or worrying about finding your way around on public transport right away. You also get an audio guide on board, which adds a bit of context to what you’re seeing as you go.
I have a list of some of the best things to do in Lisbon — both popular sights and a few lesser-known spots, which made my trip even better.
So yeah, for first-timers, the hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient way to cover a lot of ground while still having the freedom to explore what interests you most.