Portugal is one of my absolute favorite countries in Europe. I absolutely love being in this city, strolling through the streets, and simply letting myself go. The capital has been the starting point for many of Bolle and Marco’s round trips across the country.
Lisbon (Portugal: Lisboa) is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and awaits you with great beaches, cool cafés and shops, as well as numerous cultural highlights. Today I’ll tell you about my favorite Lisbon sights and give you some tips and insider information for your own trip to Portugal.
What else you should know:
- Best time to travel to Portugal
- Portugal sights
- Porto Highlights & Tips
- the most beautiful beaches in the country
- What you should also know:
- Lisbon sights
- 1. Praça do Comércio
- 2. Bairro Alto
- 3. Eléctrico 28 – funicular
- 4. Castle of Sao Jorge
- 5. Alfama district
- 6. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- 7. Church of Santa Engrácia
- 8. Miradouros – 3 cool viewpoints
- 9. Christ Rei & Bridge 25 de April
- 10. Belem Tower
- 11. The cool LX Factory
- 12. Elevator de Santa Justa
- 13. Rossio or Praça de D. Pedro IV
- 14. Palácio Nacional de Queluz
- 15. Parque Eduardo VII
- Tours & Excursions
- Little Lisbon FAQ
Lisbon Sights
There’s so much to discover in Lisbon, you could spend weeks exploring all the beautiful corners of the city. I’ve marked the most important spots for you on the map below. If you have any other sights to recommend in Lisbon, please write them in the comments and I’ll add them here. Enjoy browsing.
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1. Praça do Comércio
One of the most important and therefore most visited squares in Lisbon is the Praça do Comércio, which measures 170 x 170 meters. This central square is located directly on the banks of the Tagus River, where you can experience a beautiful sunset in the evening.
Through the imposing triumphal arch, the Arco da Rua Augusta, you can reach the promenade and some of the city’s most important sights. The old Royal Palace used to stand on the Praça do Comércio, but it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. Today, it’s a tourist magnet all day long, offering a vibrant atmosphere alongside numerous cafés and restaurants.
2. Bairro Alto
Above Baixa lies the popular district of Bairro Alto. In the past, this area was primarily home to artisans and ordinary citizens. Today, this old part of Lisbon has developed into the city’s popular trendy and bar district. Especially late in the evening and at night, the pubs, cafés, and bars here are bustling. The streets and alleys are very narrow, which makes the whole place seem even more intimate and cozy.
Especially on warm summer evenings, people sit together on the streets and congregate in the narrow alleys. If you’re out and about in Bairro Alto during the day, this district seems rather sleepy. Take this opportunity to see the Igreja de Santa Catarina or stroll to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and/or Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint.
3. Eléctrico 28 – Funicular
Who hasn’t seen the nostalgic yellow tram in Lisbon? It’s definitely one of the city’s most popular postcard motifs. When in Lisbon, a ride on tram line 28 E is a must. In these historic cars, you can travel through the old town and pass Lisbon’s most beautiful squares.
The route passes through the districts of Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa, and Alfama. It’s best to take the tram early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The tram ride costs just €3 if you buy your ticket from the driver; with the Lisbon Card*, you can travel for free.
A better option is the 24-hour public transport ticket, which costs only €6.40 (including the Elevador de Santa Justa, Elevador da Glória, and rides on the E28). You’ll rarely get a seat unless you board directly at one of the starting points (Martim Moniz or Campo Ourique). Click here for E28 departure times.
4. Castelo de Sao Jorge
In the heart of Alfama, on a 110-meter-high hill, stands one of Lisbon’s landmarks, the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The imposing castle was built on the ruins of a 5th-century fortress. The climb itself is worth seeing, as it leads through Lisbon’s old districts and past beautiful viewpoints.
The castle is one of the most popular historical destinations and offers magnificent views of the city. The museum exhibits finds from past centuries, and the garden is ideal for a stroll or picnic.
5. Alfama District
Cobblestones, narrow streets, old houses, hills, and popular sights. The Alfama district, with its dense bustle, is home to several important historical buildings, such as the Se Cathedral, the Castelo de São Jorge, the Panteão Nacional, and the Igreja de Santo António. Due to its location on the hills, Alfama was spared from the earthquake. As a result, the architecture of the houses and the labyrinthine streets are still reminiscent of old Lisbon.
6. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Another building that was one of the few to be spared from the 1755 earthquake is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Hieronymite Monastery), which you can find in Bélem near the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) on the banks of the Tagus River. The monastery was finally completed in 1544 after a long 42 years of construction. The building is 300 meters long and the beautifully decorated facade is very impressive.
In 1983, the monastery, along with the Torre de Belem, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful monastery is open from October to April between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and from May to September between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission costs 10€ (children receive a discount), but is free with the Lisbon Card.
7. Igreja de Santa Engrácia
If you’re strolling through Alfama, you should definitely stop at the Church of Santa Engrácia. This beautiful baroque church offers a great view of the city, as its four unfinished towers are used as viewing platforms. It took almost 300 years to build this church, so you can admire the diverse influences of many architects.
The interior of the church is magnificent, with an impressive organ, beautiful decorations, and the national pantheon of Portugal. The church is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is €3. Admission is free on Sundays and public holidays. With the Lisbon Card, you can enjoy free admission here as well.
8. Miradouros – 3 Cool Viewpoints
Lisbon is also called the city of seven hills, which means that on a walk through the city you’ll pass several beautiful viewpoints, the so-called “miradouros”. These are usually decorated with typical Portuguese tiles.
My three favorite places for a view of the city are the Miradouro da Graça, the view from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and, of course, the view from the Castelo de São Jorge. You’ll find many viewpoints by chance as you wander through the city.
9. Cristo Rei & 25 de Abril Bridge
An absolute eye-catcher, both from the city and from the riverbank, is the 25 de Abril Bridge, a 2,278-meter-long suspension bridge. The most beautiful view of the bridge can be enjoyed either on a boat trip on the Tagus River or from the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal.
The Cristo Rei statue is located on the southern bank of the Tagus estuary. Most visitors to Lisbon take a half-day trip here to enjoy a magnificent view of Lisbon from the 80-meter-high platform. The viewing platform is open daily between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. In winter, it closes at 6 p.m.
10. Torre de Belem
The Tower of Belem (Torre de Belem) was originally built on the banks of the Tagus to welcome incoming ships. It was built in 1521 when Portugal was a leading global naval power. The tower is 35 meters high and stands on the waterfront next to the Jerónimos Monastery.
Just like the monastery, it survived the earthquake of 1755 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower is one of the city’s landmarks and can be visited. In summer, the tower is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and in winter until 5:30 p.m. Admission: €6 per person.
11. The Cool LX Factory
The LX Factory is one of the coolest and hippest places in Lisbon. The charm of the old factory site makes this place so unique. Plenty of artists, studios, fashion, cafés, and bars await you here. In 2012, startups, young agencies, artists, and baristas arrived and turned the LX Factory into a hip place to hang out in the heart of the old city.
The many cafés and restaurants, which serve unusual and fresh dishes, are particularly popular. LXCheeseCake, A Meza, and Café Fábrica have made a name for themselves. In addition to delicious food, there is a flea market every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., where you can buy all sorts of vintage and old records and art. The LX Factory is open daily from 6 a.m. until late in the evening. Admission is free.
12. Elevador de Santa Justa
In the heart of Lisbon’s city center, very close to Rossio Square, lies another attraction you absolutely should see. You’ve probably seen the famous Elevador de Santa Justa elevator in photos before. This engineering marvel has been transporting people from the Baixa district to Largo do Carmo since the 19th century. You can climb 45 meters in height in the elevator and enjoy a fantastic view of the city from the platform above.
The elevator is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., only until 9 p.m. in winter. The ride up and down costs around €5. Your ticket also allows you access to the observation deck. If you just want to enjoy the view and not use the elevator, you only pay €1.50. My tip: The ride is included in the public transport day ticket. This ticket costs only €6.40.
13. Rossio or Praça de D. Pedro IV
Rossio Square is one of the largest and most important squares in Lisbon and has been the center of the city center since the Middle Ages. The statue of King Pedro sits enthroned in its center, and a French fountain babbles merrily.
While walking around Rossio Square, be sure to check out the beautiful mosaic floor. It is said to depict a large wave pattern, symbolizing the proximity to the sea and the importance of water in Portugal.
14. Palácio Nacional de Queluz
The beautiful National Palace is located northwest of downtown Lisbon, a bit outside the city (around 15 minutes). Two generations of kings have used the palace as their residence. The complex’s architecture, dating from the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical periods, is truly impressive.
Here you can marvel at a collection from the 18th and 19th centuries and transport yourself back to the time of the nobility, the court, and the kings. The palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission costs €10 (children receive a discount).
15. Parque Eduardo VII
Are you looking for a break and relaxation? Then head to the beautiful Parque Eduardo VII. It is located in the north of the city, not far from the magnificent Avenida Liberdad. From the park, you have a beautiful view of the Castelo and the Tagus River.
In addition to the many tropical plants in the park and the greenhouses, you can also discover several monuments. Enjoy the wide, open green spaces, have a picnic, read a book, and listen to music. Here in the park, you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The park is open 24 hours a day, and admission is free.
Tours & Excursions
Tuk Tuk Tour*
Price: €60 per group
On this tour, you’ll experience the historic old town and the picturesque heart of the city by tuk-tuk. How cool is that? It goes through Graça and Alfama, among other places, to the Castelo de São Jorge.
Lisbon Walking Tour*
Price: €45 per person
On this half-day tour, you’ll explore the city’s beautiful corners, historical buildings from bygone times, and various districts on foot. This tour will give you a good overview of the city.
Make Your Own Tiles*
Price: €100 per person
Portugal and tile art? They belong together! How about making your own tiles and learning more about Portuguese traditions? This tour makes it possible.
Tapas & Wine Tour*
Price: €43 per person
Do you love food and a good drink? This 2-hour tapas tour through Lisbon will delight your palate. Enjoy Portuguese wine, Ginjinha liqueur, and three delicious specialties.
Day trips to the charming little town of Sintra are also popular. Here you can marvel at the beautiful and colorful National Palace, built on a hill.
There’s so much more to experience in Lisbon. On GetYourGuide, you’ll find over 795 other activities, tours, and excursions. Check it out for yourself.
Little Lisbon FAQ
When is the best time to visit Lisbon? Are there beaches in Lisbon? How do I get from the airport to the city? Is Lisbon a safe city?