Are you planning a trip to Portugal and you wonder what to see in Lisbon? In this guide we will show you the 15 essentials that you cannot miss if you visit the Portuguese capital. Whether for a weekend or several days, here you will find the list of the most iconic places, such as the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) or Alfama neighborhood. We also suggest some excursions in case you have more days and want to know what to see near Lisbon. At the end of the article we share with you a map, video of our visit, with Top restaurants, tips and recommendations on where to stay. Here we go!
15 things to see in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a city full of history and life, with a perfect combination of the old and the modern. From its historic neighborhoods to its panoramic views, we share with you below 15 things to see and do in Lisbon. If you have several days to explore, you will also find other recommendations near Lisbon what to see at the end of the list.
1. Belém Tower, a must-see in Lisbon
La Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) It is one of the most emblematic monuments what to visit in LisbonBuilt in the 16th century, its original function was to defend the city from the tagus riverIt has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and offers some spectacular views, being one of the most photographed places in the capital. One of the Things to do in Lisbon most popular is a Boat ride along the Tagus passing under the 25 de Abril bridge to Belém and you can book at this page (it has very good reviews from other travelers).
- ⏰ Belém Tower Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €8 (50% discount reduced).
2. Monument to the Discoveries
Nearby we find another of the few places to see in Lisbon. If you walk along the seafront avenue next to the Tagus you will reach the Monument to the Discoveries. This monumental structure pays tribute to the Portuguese navigators who played a fundamental role in the Age of Discovery. You can climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the river and the city. In the background you can also see the majestic April 25 Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Europe.
3. Monastery of the Jerónimos
El Monastery of los jeronimos is another of the things to see in lisbon just a few meters from the Monument to the Discoveries. In fact, it's on your way if you're going to the pastry shop in Belém. This gem of the Manueline architecture houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama and was also declared a World Heritage Site. Don't miss its architectural details and its impressive church and cloister.
- ⏰ Belém Tower Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €12 (50% discount reduced).
4. Bethlehem cakes, things to do in Lisbon for foodies
After exploring these places to visit in Lisbon so iconic, You can't leave without trying the famous Pastel de BelémThis bakery is known for its custard tarts, served hot with a little sugar and/or cinnamon. They are a real delight and you can Eat them in your cafe or buy them to take away (they have very nice packaging and arrive perfectly after the trip). This is one of the souvenirs I would like to get from Lisbon hehe. By the way, As we show in the video at the end, Please note that there is a queue to buy takeaway and another to sit down and enjoy the pastries in their cafeteria.
- ⏰ Belem Pastries Schedule: open daily from 8:00 to 21:00.
5. San Castle Jorge
El Castle of Saint Jorge It is a fortress located on a hill in the city of Lisbon. As we show you below, the viewsThe views from here are impressives. In addition to the panoramic views, the castle has a rich history dating back to the time of the Moors. For all this, it is a Places to visit in Lisbon, especially if you have an interest in discover medieval Lisbon.
- ⏰ San Castillo Schedule Jorge: from 9:21 a.m. to 00:9 p.m. (March-October) and from 00:18 a.m. to 00:XNUMX p.m. (November-February). Admission is permitted half an hour before closing time.
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €15 (50% discount), children under 12 free.
6. Alfama neighborhood, the oldest to see in Lisbon
El Alfama neighborhood Is one of the most authentic places to visit in Lisbon, if not the oldest. It is also the oldest and you will be able to feel it yourself in its Narrow, steep streets, traditional houses and fado bars. It has several essential viewpoints such as Santa Lucía (the one in the photo at the beginning of this post), as well as that of Grace (next to the new Gracia funicular) and that of Portas do Sol (the one we show you in the following image). In Alfama you will also find numerous cafes (we recommend Copenhagen Coffee Lab) and Portuguese ceramics shops, as well as the markets and street markets that we suggest below.
7. Feira da Ladra Market or Santa Clara Market
If you like flea markets, the Flea Market is one of places to visit in Lisbon Yes or yes. It is the oldest in Lisbon and is celebrated outdoor Every Tuesday and Saturday. Here you can find antiques, accessories, illustrations, souvenirs, vintage or second-hand clothing and curious objects. As I show you in our video below, in the surroundings of the At the Santa Clara market there are several Portuguese ceramics shops where my friends bought some really cute things.
- ⏰ Celebration days and schedule: every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
There is a very nice old building that is part of the flea market in which they usually ride pop ups. When we went there were different stalls of local artisans and local food. By the way, there is a mistake in the final video (I thought they were two different markets / flea markets and it turns out it is the same one).
As you can see, this is one of the few places to visit in lisbon for free. We continue with the list!
8. Santa Justa Elevator, a must-see in Lisbon
El Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) is a neo-Gothic style elevator that connects the Baixo district with the Baixo Alto district. It was designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, and from its top, you will have spectacular views of Lisbon, the Tagus River and the Castelo de San Marco. Jorge.
- ⏰ Opening hours: from 7:00 a.m. to 22:45 p.m.
- 💵 Price increase/decrease 2024: €6, although you can walk up for free to get the view.
9. Tram 28, things to do in Lisbon if you have little time in the city
El tram 28 It is one of the most picturesque ways to tour the city, as it passes through the most emblematic neighborhoods, such as Alfama, Baixa and Graça. Therefore, if you are looking for What to see in Lisbon in one day This is definitely the quickest way to get an idea of the most important places. If you have time, you can take the whole route on the way there without getting off and on the way back make stops at the places you want to visit. We recommend going early/late in the day and being especially careful with pickpockets.
- 💵 Price per journey: 3,10€ (you can buy it on the tram). We have read that there is a 24h ticket to use public transport in Lisbon for only 6,80€. It includes the metro, the Santa Justa and Da Glória lifts and you can use tram 28 several times. To buy it you have to go to one of the machines in the metro.
10. Commerce Square, what to see in the center of Lisbon
La Commerce Square It is one of the most important squares in the city and, therefore, one of the places to visit in lisbon. Historically the gateway to the city for merchants and travelers arriving by sea. After an earthquake in 1755, the square was completely rebuilt and symbolizes the renovation and reconstruction of Lisbon. You will find it at the end of the Rua Augusta shopping street and on the banks of the Tagus River. It is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and government buildings. In addition, here you will find a taxi rank, tram and bus connections, as well as tuc tucs who will want to negotiate an excursion with you.
If it's your first time in the Portuguese capital, we recommend you take a look at this free tour of lisbon with very good reviews from other travelers. Being a very touristy city, you will find various options for guided tours in LisbonThis It lasts about 3 hours and goes through the city center.. Also, only You leave the tip you consider appropriate for the guide.
11. LX Factory, a modern area of Lisbon to see
For lovers of art and modern culture, the LX Factory is one of places to visit in lisbon. It is an old industrial complex converted into a zone of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is rather alternative and modern, different from the traditional Lisbon atmosphere.
And here ends our list of places What to see in Lisbon in 3 days or even 2 days, it all depends on the pace you like to take. Now, if you like, we will include more places to see in Lisbon and surroundings in 4 days or more.
12. Estoril, towns around Lisbon to see
Si vas a Visit Lisbon in 4 days or more and the weather is nice, Estoril is an excellent stop on the route. This coastal town is only about 25 km from Lisbon. It is famous for its beaches and history, as it was a meeting place for European royalty during World War II.
13. Cascais, what to visit near Lisbon
A few kilometers from Estoril, there is Cascais, another coastal destination near Lisbon what to see and, with a lot of charm! This Former fishing village is now a lively tourist town with beaches, shops and full of nightlife. Don't miss a walk through its old town and, if you have the chance, Rent a bike to cycle along the entire coast to Cabo do Inferno along its seaside bike path.
14. Sintra, excursions in Lisbon and surroundings
Finally, you cannot visit Lisbon without taking a trip to Sintra. This town, declared a World Heritage Site, is home to fairytale palaces such as the Palace of Pena and majestic gardens like those of the Quinta da RegaleiraIf you are short on time, there is a day trip from Lisbon that includes visit to Sintra, Cascais, the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. You have very good reviews from other travelers and you can reserve it at this page.
And here are our recommendations for those looking for What to see in Lisbon in 4 daysNow let's move on to the gastronomic recommendations, one of the main attractions of Lisbon.
15. Typical gastronomy, one of the best things to do in Lisbon
Know where to eat in lisbon It is not an easy task, as it is full of tourist restaurants. However, it also hides unique establishments where you can enjoy local cuisine such as its Exquisite seafood, sardines, cod, creamy cheeses, among others. Here are some recommendations:
- Cervejaria Ramiro: Famous for its fresh seafood. Try the prawns, clams and razor clams.
- Sea Me: A modern fishmonger where you choose the fish and they prepare it the way you want: sushi, grilled, tartare, etc.
- Seaside Restaurant (essential if you go to Sintra and have a rental car)
Also note these Lisbon's iconic sites to visit.
- Confeitaria Nacional, one of the oldest in Lisbon, founded in 1829. Although the coffee was nothing special, the sweets looked amazing and the place is beautiful.
- Santini Ice Cream Parlor, founded in 1949, won me over with its pistachio ice cream.
- Park Rooftop: a rooftop hidden above a parking lot, ideal for having a drink with views of Lisbon.
Map of places to see in Lisbon, Portugal
Below you can see a map with the main tourist attractions to see in Lisbon. This way you can better organize your tour and not miss any of the essential places.
Video of what to see in Lisbon in 2 days
If you have little time to visit the city, in the next video our YouTube channel I'll tell you in first person What to see in Lisbon in two daysI am sure it will help you to optimize your visit and discover the most important points of the Portuguese capital.
Where to stay in Lisbon
The city of Lisbon offers a Wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. However, keep in mind that Some of its neighborhoods are usually on hillsIf you want to avoid going up and down huge slopes, we recommend looking for a hotel in Lisbon in the Baixa area, which is also close to the main tourist attractionsHere are some recommendations ordered from lowest to highest budget:
- Hotel Worldwide. We stayed here, close to the Santa Justa elevator, Alfama and Barrio Alto. Breakfast with 360 views of all of Lisbon is unbeatable and the rooms are not bad.. We definitely think it offers very good value for money considering how expensive Lisbon is. It also has a rooftop – panoramic restaurant as we show you below.
- Lisboa Pessoa Hotel. This is another hotel where to stay in Lisbon center, also with its own rooftop and very good reviews.
- NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade. If you prefer a Spanish chain and you don't have a budget problem, this hotel has good references and a spectacular rooftop.
If instead of staying in a hotel, you prefer apartments or hostels, you can see all the options at Booking.com, I recommend you filter with a score of 8 or more to avoid scares.
Now that you know The best things to do in Malaga, I'm sure your trip will be unforgettable. Each of these sites tells a part of the city's history, and together they create a complete experience that you won't find anywhere else. If you liked this guide about what to see in Malaga, don't forget to share it and continue exploring more guides on our blog about Gran Canaria y other destinations so we can help you on your next trip.
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