We have collected the top 20 best things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It’s considered a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It’s a growing economical hub, and possesses one of the largest container ports in Europe. It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, older than even Rome, Paris and London. Because of this, the centuries-old architecture still remains next to the more modern ones, giving it a magnificent look. There are quite a lot of attractions worth seeing, so we have collected the top 20 best things to do in Lisbon.
- Lisbon Trams
The Lisbon Trams are to the city as cable cars are to San Francisco. They provide scenic routes throughout the city, going between many attractions. Even if they are old and have no air conditioning for example, it’s still part of the charm. Only a few lines are still working, but they are worth visiting, especially Tram 28 due to its route.
2. Alfama
The Alfama is a popular hilly neighborhood of the city. It can be accessed by Tram 28 as well, or even just by walking if you feel you are ready for the uphill walk. Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops, cozy little restaurants and traditional Fado clubs, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Attractions fill this place as well, due to its nature.
3. St. George’s Castle
St. George’s Castle is found on the highest hill in Alfama. It served as a fortification for the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors, the latter of which turned it into a royal palace before it was eventually taken by Portugal’s first king. The castle was left mostly the same as it was back then, with cannons, underground chambers and several towers still accessible. The castly not only provides historical information, but a beautiful view of the city as well. Going up to the castle is definitely one of the best things to do in Lisbon.
4. Feira da Ladra
The Feira da Ladra is a large flea market located at the Alfama. The goods you may find here can vary from trash to treasures, depending on what you are looking for. People have been coming here for centuries, so it has become a popular spot for buying souvenirs, vintage goods, art and much more. Of course, suspicious people selling stolen goods can appear here, but you shouldn’t worry, as these are easily recognized most of the time.
5. Lisbon Cathedral
Located at the Alfama, the Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. Since it has suffered damage from earthquakes throughout its history and has been modified several times, it is now unique for having multiple architectural styles. It’s a beautiful cathedral which is worth seeing for both religious and non-religious people.
6. Belém
Belem is another popular neighborhood of Lisbon. It is home to many famous attractions, like the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Palace (the official residence of Portugal’s president), the Coleção Berardo Museum as well as a number of scenic gardens. It was also a popular departure point during the Age of Discoveries, and people like Vasco de Gama started from here, but Christopher Colombus has stopped here as well on his way back to Spain.
7. Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery was built in Portugal’s Manueline style during the Age of Discoveries to honor explorer Vasco da Gama, as he and his crew spent their last night at this site before their famous journey to India. The structure served as a monastery for monks, whose job was to comfort sailors and pray for the king. Today people can visit this magnificent monastery and explore its different parts.
8. Belém Tower
The Belém Tower on the shores of the city served both as a bastion for the defence of Lisbon and a ceremonial gateway where explorers departed from during the Age of Discoveries, including Vasco da Gama. The tower was left standing there to commemorate this. It was built in a Manueline style and its rooms also once served as royals quarters, a prison and a chapel, to name a few.
9. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the Monument to the Discoveries is located near the Belém Tower. Just like its name suggests, it’s dedicated to the Age of Discoveries and the numerous Portuguese explorers and those who helped achieve these feats and discoveries. These people are featured on the monument as sculptures. It’s a beautiful and unique monument that is worth seeing at least once for everyone.
10. Belém Palace
The Belém Palace has been the official residence of Portuguese monarchs and, after the installation of the First Republic, the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic. It comprises five buildings which make up the residence. The Afonso de Albuquerque Square and the Albuquerque monument are located in front of it.
11. National Coach Museum
One of the most peculiar museums of Lisbon can be found at the Afonso de Albuquerque Square in Belém. The National Coach Museum houses numerous ornately decorated and beautiful carriages that were used by the royalty. The Neoclassical building is opulent, with balconies and fine works of many Portuguese artists lining the walls, making it the perfect setting to view these transportation artifacts.
12. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator in Lisbon, which more than a century old. It was built in a neo-gothic style, making it quite unique. It was powered by steam back in the day, and has since then served as both a lookout point and a shortcut between Baixa and Carmo Square, as a bridge above also awaits those who take the ride. Going up this tower is definitely high on the list of things to do in Lisbon, even if it comes with a price.
13. Sintra
While not technically in Lisbon, Sintra is not far away from the capital. It’s a town popular among both citizens and tourists thanks to its setting and the beautiful buildings themselves. The small town’s rolling hills are clad with vibrant vegetation and fairytale-like villas separated by cobblestone streets. The most popular building however is the the colourful and spectacular Pena Palace, which was built to be a romantic getaway for Queen Maria II and her husband.
14. National Azulejo Museum
You might notice it during your walks along the streets of Lisbon that many buildings and sites are adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles called azulejo. If you don’t want to seek these out, you can also go to the National Azulejo Museum. The museum is filled to the brim with tiles of all colors and sizes, some of which date back to the 15th century. These can be simple, or tell a whole story with giant murals.
15. Cascais
Cascais is a small seaside town near Lisbon. It’s frequently visited by the Portuguese people as well as tourists for its sunny beaches. Take a stroll around the colorful, cobblestone-lined old town, visit one of the area’s many forts that helped prevent pirate attacks, or lay back on one of the area’s many beaches. There are all kinds of beaches, which can cater to the different preferences of visitors.
16. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses a large art collection of at least 6000 works of art. The collection on display includes art of all kinds from all over the world, including Egyptian statues, European paintings from such artists as Rubens and Rembrandt, and Chinese porcelain, among many others. Not to mention the building itself, which also looks wonderful with the decorations on and around it.
17. Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium houses several large aquariums holding more than one million gallons of seawater supporting the lives of 8,000 sea creatures. Permanent exhibits provide different habitats that hold various types of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals, as well as animals like sea stars, penguins, puffins, sea otters, sharks and much more. Temporary exhibitions and other events are often available.
18. Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is a historical and religious building in Lisbon. Its church was ruined during the sequence of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which was left as it was back then. It’s a spectacular sight, albeit quite unfortunate. It’s a reminder of the sad disaster.
19. Electricity Museum
The Electricity Museum is located in the thermoelectric factory that once powered the entire city. In the 2000s the old boilers were polished up, the creaky machinery was refurbished, and the variety of exhibitions on display was expanded, turning the site into a museum. Interactive displays await visitors who are interested in electricity and such.
20. Bordallo Pinheiro Garden
The Bordallo Pinheiro Garden is a small, but beautiful garden in Lisbon. Scattered in huge and unlikely scenes amongst the trees, bushes and live peacocks are oversized snakes, lizards, toads, bees, shellfish, mushrooms, cats, all made out of china. These porcelain creations provide a great and unique sight to visitors.
