Lisbon attractions

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Lisbon is one of the most beautiful capitals, which I can confirm! Many attractions and a great atmosphere await tourists!

Lisbon is located on the western edge of Portugal, on the Atlantic coast. It is the westernmost capital of continental Europe. Similar to Rome, the historic districts were built on the city’s seven hills.

I visited Lisbon in 2023 and wrote a travelogue about it.

Lisbon attractions

Belém Tower

The Torre de Belém is a very significant Portuguese historical monument that played an important role in the country’s history, primarily in terms of wars and geographical discoveries.

The structure is a symbol of Lisbon and of Portugal as a strong power during the Age of Discovery.

The first efforts to preserve the Belém Tower began in the mid-20th century, and it has since undergone several minor and major renovations. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983.

The fortress stands on the northern bank of the Tagus River, dominating the waterway leading to the capital. The tower was built in the characteristic Manueline style, named after King Manuel I.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take tram 15 or bus 729 to the Largo da Princesa stop, then walk 500 meters.

St. George’s Castle (Castelo São Jorge)

St. George’s Castle is located on top of the Tagus hill and offers a splendid view of the city. It was here that Vasco da Gama was received upon returning from his voyage to India.

It’s also very popular among tourists, and in one of its towers – Torre de Ulisses – you can view the Portuguese capital and its wonders in 360 degrees with the help of a periscope.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take bus 737 (from Rossio metro station) to the Castelo stop.

Alfama

This is Lisbon’s oldest quarter, stretching from the castle hill slope down to the Tagus River. The previously mentioned São Jorge Castle is located at its top.

There are many churches here, but the cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) and the Igreja de Santa Engrácia stand out. The latter has been converted into a pantheon, it’s very beautiful inside and offers a great view from its dome.

Take a long walk in this district, believe me, you’ll love it among Lisbon’s attractions!

Baixa

This district can be considered more of a tourist-built area. There are many bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. But the Central Station, built in the Manueline style, is also here.

Be sure to visit the „A Ginjinha” bar, which is one of the main attractions in Lisbon! Here you can taste ginjinha, a local liqueur.

Miradouro de São Pedro

A very tastefully and beautifully designed garden that offers an excellent panorama of the downtown and St. George’s Castle.

In the garden a few meters below the topmost part, there are many busts depicting heroes and gods from Roman and Greek mythology.

How to get there: You can reach the garden by a funicular, the Glória Funicular, which starts from the northwest corner of Praça dos Restauradores square.

Tram 28

When we say Lisbon, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the yellow Tram 28. Similar to our home, this ancient yet very stylish tram is considered an attraction.

Its route is incredible, designed to run through the narrowest alleys. It passes through several districts, including Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Estrela.

Some people don’t like to travel inside, so they climb onto the back of the tram and jump off somewhere along the way.

If we have the chance, we should definitely get on it, as it’s an unmissable experience in Lisbon!

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

The Jerónimos Monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama and the discovery of India.

One of its most special parts is the Gothic chapel and the monastery, where we can find the tombs of many famous Portuguese historical figures.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take tram 15 or buses 728, 729 to the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Monument to the Discoveries depicts prominent figures of Portuguese maritime history. The „leader” and largest statue is of Henry the Navigator, with others behind him (e.g., Vasco da Gama).

The pavement in front of the monument represents a world map of former Portuguese colonies.

Inside the monument, there’s an exhibition hall, and it offers a good view of the Tagus River and the 25th of April Bridge.

All information can be found here!

Easily accessible on foot from the Jerónimos Monastery.

Praça dos Restauradores

Perhaps Lisbon’s most famous square, where an obelisk commemorates the successful independence from Spain in 1640.

How to get there: Blue metro line to Restauradores stop; green metro line or tram 28 to Rossio stop.

King Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII)

The city center’s most well-known park, offering a beautiful view towards the Tagus from its northwestern end.

The hedges in the park look almost like a labyrinth, and it’s a popular meeting place in the city.

How to get there: Blue metro line to Marquês de Pombal station.

Vasco da Gama Bridge

At 17.2 km, it’s Europe’s longest bridge including viaducts.

The Vasco da Gama Bridge has an expected lifespan of 120 years and is designed to withstand winds of up to 250 km/h. It’s also capable of surviving an earthquake about 4.5 times stronger than the historic 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which is estimated to have been 8.7 on the Richter scale.

To the right of the bridge’s base is a park with a pleasant promenade offering the best view of the bridge.

How to get there: Red metro line to Moscavide stop, then 800m on foot; or bus 26B to Rossio de Levante stop.

Christ the King Statue (Santuário de Cristo Rei)

The statue stands in the Almada district on the other side of the Tagus, offering a beautiful view of the city and the 25th of April Bridge.

The statue is 28 meters high, making it one of the tallest structures in Portugal. Its pedestal is 82 meters high with an observation deck at the top.

How to get there: Bus 753 to Portagem stop, then about 800 meters on foot.

Feira da Ladra

This flea market, operating since the 12th century, is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can buy many things here; it’s worth immersing yourself in the bustle.

How to get there: Blue metro line to Santa Apolónia stop, then 700m on foot; or bus 734 to Mercado de Santa Clara stop.

Mercado da Ribeira

If you’re in the mood for a market, this is the place to go!

It’s a large hall with two sections. One is for traditional market vendors (fruits, fish, etc.), while the other is a food court area. You can eat not only local but also international cuisines here.

How to get there: Green metro line or tram 25 to Cais do Sodré stop.

Bairro Alto

Want to experience the atmosphere of Portuguese bars? This central district is the winner! There are about 250 (!) bars in this area, so if you can’t find a suitable one, the problem is with you! 🙂

Tram 28 passes through the district; it’s worth exploring this area with it.

Elevador de Santa Justa

The Santa Justa Lift is unique in that it connects the Baixa district with the higher Carmo Square. It’s the city’s only vertical lift built for public transportation.

The metal, 45-meter high lift consists of a tower, an observation deck, and a walkway. It’s seven stories high and has two cabins carrying passengers in both directions.

From the top, there’s a beautiful view of the downtown and the castle hill opposite.

It’s free to use with a 24-hour ticket!

How to get there: Blue or green metro to Baixa-Chiado stop, then 200m on foot.

Oceanarium

Did you know it’s considered the world’s second-best aquarium?

There are countless special fish here, offering a truly wonderful spectacle. The aquariums contain 5 million liters of water.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Red metro line to Oriente stop.

Teleférico de Lisboa

The cable car runs parallel to the waterfront, offering a great view. Its southern terminal is at the Oceanarium. It requires a separate ticket.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Red metro line to Oriente stop.