The Best Attractions To Explore in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and a few tips on what to visit in Lisbon won’t do any harm.
The country is full of amazing coastlines with some of the world’s biggest waves and intriguing history.
From the volcanic islands of Madeira to the scenic Algarve coast, Portugal has so much to offer.
Hotels in Lisbon (price and location)
Booking.comIn this article, we are focusing on the vibrant city of Lisbon. Being one of the oldest cities in the world with so much culture and history, Lisbon is Europe’s 2nd oldest capital city After Athens.
Visit in Lisbon Portugal’s Capital
Portugal’s capital is located at the mouth of the Tagus River.
With its rich architecture, beautiful old towns, and warm climate, Lisbon’s popularity grew massively over the past few years and is now anything but a hidden gem.
Currently, the city attracts more than 6 million tourists per year, drawn to its historical and cultural heritage, good transportation connections, and good touristic infrastructures.
So if you are planning your trip to Lisbon and you are wondering where are the best attractions and places to eat? Here are our suggestions.
Visit in Lisbon Praça Do Comércio
Perhaps the most famous public square in the city. After the great earthquake of 1755, much of Lisbon lay in ruin and needed some renovations.
As the city was built back up, the grand design for the new city of Lisbon included plans for this brand new Market Square.
The rectangular square and shape of U was reconstructed to open towards the Tagus River. Also, the buildings have galleries on the ground floor, and the arms of the U end in two large towers.
The Square has many great features and a beautiful centerpiece, Rua Augusta Arch. Finished in 1873, and standing 100 feet tall, the Arch commemorates the reconstruction of Lisbon.
You can venture up at the top and catch the sweeping bird’s-eye of the square and the city behind all for a small price it’s another historic place to visit in Lisbon.
Lisbon Story Center
Located within the square, this interactive museum gives visitors an overview of all the important moments in Lisbon’s history.
Inside the museum, you can learn more about the city’s founding, various conquests, its role in Arab discovery, and colonialism. Also, you can learn about the great earthquake and the new Lisbon which emerged from the ruins.
The story center is very informative yet simple. It is an option to consider in your trip if you have some extra time.
Visit in Lisbon Belem Tower
Belem Tower was built in the 16th century and used as a fortress to hard the city of Lisbon along the Tagus River.
It is one of the few buildings that survived the great earthquake and is now a treasured icon of the city. Although you can have access to the inside of the building, the line is usually pretty long during peak season.
It is best to go a little early in the morning before the tower even opens to capture breathtaking photos. Belem is famous for its palaces, promenades, and of course its pastel de nata.
When in Belem, you shouldn’t miss the UNESCO world heritage site called Torre de Belem. A 16th century fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers.
Padrão Dos Descobrimentos a monument to visit in Lisbon
A short walk along the river will lead you to the Monument of the Discoveries which celebrates the Portuguese age of exploration.
Built in 1939, Padrão Dos Descobrimentos is a tribute to Portugal’s seafaring past. Featuring statues of 34 important figures during the Golden Age of exploration and discovery.
You can climb to the top, at a small cost, for a vantage point over the neighborhood of Restelo and Ajuda and the river Tagus below.
On the ground in front of the monument, you will see a compass rose, a 50-meter tiled compass featuring Portugal’s navigation’s and discoveries.
Search the map for the best vacation rentals in Lisbon available for your next visit in Lisbon.
Booking.comJerónimos Monastery
Another suggestion to visit in Lisbon is located across from the monument to the discoveries. The monastery is grand in size and beautiful with many richly ornate decorations.
Historically, the monks in the monastery had the responsibility to pray for the king’s souls as well as the sailors who traveled towards new land.
You can enter the Chapel of the monastery for free. But to enter the cloisters side, the picturesque portion of the monastery, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
Santa Justa Lift
Built with the purpose of providing an easy connection between the Baixa neighborhood and the Bairro Alto district, this elevator is an architectural gem.
From the bottom of the elevator, the line up to get in is usually very long during the busy season. However, you don’t need to ride the elevator to visit the amazing viewing platform at the top.
You can walk up to the Carmo Convent, pay a fee, and enjoy the wonderful view that makes you feel like you are suspended above the streets of Lisbon.
Baixa District
Located at the heart of the city center, this elegant district features impressive square and boulevards, Baixa District is an example of the new Lisbon that was rebuilt after the great earthquake.
The city was rebuilt in great patterns and features gorgeous neoclassical buildings. Also, this is one of the main areas for dining and shopping in Lisbon.
Restaurants and cafes to go when you visit Lisbon
After a visit in Lisbon to so many monuments maybe you already need to take a bite.
The Time Out Market is the largest food market in the city where you’ll find dozens of different stalls offering all types of cuisine, including foreign and local.
This market has a huge international and tourist presence. The food there is delicious, however, the food price there is a little higher than your local restaurants.
To treat yourself to something sweet, you can grab some ice cream at Gelatos Santini, one of the most popular places to get ice cream in Lisbon.
Ramiro, one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the city. The food there is delicious and you might have to wait in line to get in. But don’t worry! Outside the patio, you can get a self-serve beer for just 2 euros while you wait to eat.
Zenith is a great spot to start your day in Lisbon. Here you can find a wide selection of breakfast options. Try to show up early to avoid waiting times.
Pasteis De Belem, the bakery where pastel de nata was invented by the monks who served in the monastery. Without a doubt the pastel de nata here has a delightful taste.
However, the bakery is super busy during the day. The Good news is, you can buy the tarts to go and enjoy your snack wherever you please.
Luxury hotels in Lisbon
The most luxurious hotels in Lisbon are Verride Palácio Santa Catarina, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel .
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