I arrived in Lisbon from Fuerteventura and stayed in an Airbnb apartment. The city is quite hilly, so it’s important to choose your accommodation well if you don’t like walking on steep streets.

And most importantly: it’s worth spending at least four days here, as a full day is needed for the Sintra-Cabo da Roca-Cascais trio, which can be visited in a circular tour. (I only managed to visit Sintra this time.)

Exceptionally, I won’t write much now, let the pictures speak for themselves!

Lisbon

A must-do: ride the tram through the city center.

One of Lisbon’s most iconic buildings, the Belém Tower. It’s worth taking a walk in the area and having a coffee in an open space:

Nearby is the Jerónimos Monastery, whose church houses Vasco da Gama’s tomb. There’s always a long queue, so I didn’t go inside.

For me, one mandatory museum was on the agenda, the Azulejo Museum. Beautiful tiles everywhere and the church inside is an incredible sight:

Besides the trams, you should also try the funiculars. There are three lines, all in the city center. But don’t expect a long ride, it’s more of a fun experience:

There are several viewpoints in the city, with St. George’s Castle in the background:

A night view from another viewpoint:

If you want to visit a park, let it be the Eduardo VII Park:

Lisbon’s famous bridge is the 25th of April Bridge, which resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The best view is from the Christ statue on the other side of the Tagus:

And this is how they liven up Lisbon’s atmosphere:

Sintra

Outside of Lisbon, if there’s a place you must see, it’s Sintra. There are many beautiful buildings, palaces, and gardens within the town, and it’s easily accessible by a half-hour train ride.

What you absolutely can’t miss is the Quinta da Regaleira. The castle and its park are a beautiful sight, and the underground passages make the visit even more exciting:

Another popular spot is the castle towering above the town, the Castle of the Moors. You can walk along the walls built by the Moors, with spectacular views everywhere. The most beautiful part is at the very top, where you can see the yellow and red Pena National Palace opposite:

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Best museums in Lisbon

National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)

Also known as the „Green Window Museum”, it’s one of Lisbon’s most significant museums with numerous artworks.

Its main focus is painting (e.g., Dürer, Bosch), but sculptures, metalwork, and antique furniture are also on display. Its sculpture collection is impressive, especially in Portuguese and Flemish works. Additionally, African and Asian art sculptures receive special attention.

The most famous piece is the Saint Vincent Panels by an unknown artist, which experts consider to be of the highest quality.

The metalwork collection is also significant. The cross from Alcobaça Monastery, made from gold brought back by Vasco da Gama from his Indian voyage, is kept here.

The building itself is magnificent. The Alvor Palace bears the marks of Baroque and Rococo styles. The building also has a beautiful garden with a great view of the Tagus River.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take bus 713, 714, or 727 to the Rua das Janelas Verdes stop.

National Archaeological Museum (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia)

This is one of the country’s largest archaeological museums. It’s located in part of the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) building.

One of the most important parts of the museum’s collection is the Roman-era artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, jewelry, and everyday objects. The mosaics from the ancient city of Conimbriga are particularly outstanding.

The museum has a significant prehistoric collection with stone tools, ceramics, and other artifacts. There are also beautiful Egyptian, Celtic, and Islamic collections.

All information can be found here!

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

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

Hearing the museum’s name, one might dismiss the idea of going to look at tiles. But I encourage everyone to visit!

The museum was founded in 1965 to preserve and showcase Portuguese azulejo art. This is a type of painted, glazed ceramic tile that is one of Portugal’s most well-known and beloved art forms, and has been part of the country’s cultural heritage for centuries.

The location itself is unique, as the museum is housed in the Manueline-style Madre de Deus monastery and church. Its interior garden is also very beautiful.

Its specialties include large panoramic images depicting significant historical events, mythological scenes, or everyday life. Particularly noteworthy is the 23-meter-long 18th-century panorama of Lisbon.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take bus 718, 742, or 794 to the Igreja Madre Deus stop.

Maritime Museum (Museu Marinha)

Since Portugal has been a major naval power for centuries, it’s no wonder there’s a museum dedicated to the subject.

It was established in 1863 at the initiative of King Louis II of Portugal, who placed great emphasis on preserving and presenting Portuguese naval traditions. Along with many excellent exhibited items and ships, you can learn about the history of Portuguese navigation.

It has a rich collection of various nautical maps, navigation tools, including astrolabes, sextants, and other instruments that were essential during the age of maritime discoveries.

One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of ship models and miniatures, which showcases ships from different eras in detailed elaboration.

All information can be found here!

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

National Coach Museum (Museu Coches)

This tourist-favorite museum is located in the Belém district and houses one of the world’s richest collections of coaches and carriages. Another interesting fact is that it’s located in the former riding school of the Portuguese royal family.

More than 70 coaches are on display, with the oldest dating back to the 16th century, while the „newest” one was used by Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1958.

The collection includes various ceremonial coaches that were used for special occasions such as coronations and ambassador receptions. You can see coaches not only from Portugal but from other European countries as well.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take tram 15 or bus 714, 727, 728, 751 to the Belém stop.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Although I’ve listed it last, it’s still one of the city’s most popular museums!

This is a private collection of about 6,000 pieces, founded by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, a businessman of Armenian birth. He was one of the richest men of the 20th century and passionately collected artworks throughout his life.

This eclectic exhibition showcases artifacts from various eras (from ancient times to the early 20th century) and regions. One of its specialties is Armenian and rare bookbinding works.

It has two buildings, one housing older paintings and the other modern collections.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take the red or blue metro line to the São Sebastião metro station.

Berardo Museum (Museu Coleção Berardo)

The museum is located in the Belém district, in the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) cultural center, and houses one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art.

It opened in 2007 and is based on the art collection of Portuguese businessman and art collector Joe Berardo. Berardo passionately collected artworks since the 1960s and donated his collection to the Portuguese state.

The collection includes significant works of Cubism, Surrealism, Dadaism, and Constructivism. Notable representatives of these movements include Picasso, Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, and Mondrian.

In addition, you can see works from Expressionism, Pop Art, and Postmodernism.

All information can be found here!

How to get there: Take tram 15E to the Centro Cultural Belém stop.

Best museums in the world

There are many great museums in the world. Here are some of the best!

Read More

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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.

Best museums in Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is famous for its museums, among which there are some interesting ones. I’ll introduce a few museums in Lisbon that are worth visiting.

Read more

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Having visited several times and in various places myself, I can also confirm the above statement. It’s one of the most pleasant countries I have been to.

Best places in Portugal

Porto

Although it’s usual to start with the capital, I’ll begin with Porto. Many consider it one of the most atmospheric cities in Europe.

Located along the Douro River, this city is the center of Portuguese wines. When visiting Porto, don’t miss the Vila Nova de Gaia district, where wine bars and cellars line up one after another!

The Ribeira district captures the essence of Porto’s past. Its alleys hide many bars and cafés, transforming into a lively area at night.

And of course, the Lello bookstore is a must-visit! Not familiar with the name? Then you might not know the Harry Potter series. Hogwarts’ staircase was modeled after the stairs in this bookstore.

Porto attractions

Lisbon

Perhaps this capital city should be the first stop. The city is crisscrossed by charming, old-school trams that have become a tourist attraction, with their unique design becoming a symbol of Lisbon.

In the city’s famous districts (Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa), immerse yourself in the narrow, atmospheric streets, where numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés evoke the true Portuguese spirit.

Lisbon is permeated with the era of great maritime discoveries. The memory of these times can be seen in many places, which have become popular tourist destinations.

Lisbon attractions

Madeira

There is an island between the Azores and Canary Islands that is a mix of a jungle and a botanical garden.

For those who love active relaxation and hiking, Madeira is the perfect terrain. The outstanding routes are the levadas, where you can hike along lengthy water channels.

Wonderful vegetation, quaint villages, and beautiful viewpoints await those who choose this island!

Madeira attractions, hikes

Óbidos

This town near the capital is famous for its city walls and castle, which were originally built by the Moors in the 8th century.

The city walls were severely damaged in the earthquake of 1775, but fortunately, they were beautifully restored in the mid-20th century. You can walk along the high city walls.

Óbidos was the town of the Portuguese queens until 1833, being the personal property of the queens. Therefore, it was given special attention.

For chocolate lovers, the best time to visit is during spring. The International Chocolate Festival here is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Azores

There is an archipelago between Europe and America, which I think many people would like to visit. Often referred to as Europe’s Hawaii, it’s not an exaggeration to call it a paradise for nature lovers.

Each of the nine islands in the area offers something new. On one, you can find fantastic crater lakes, or calderas, on another, high green cliffs with cascading waterfalls. There are also volcanic caves, climbable volcanic mountains, and volcanic lava beaches.

In short, for those who want to explore a wild, beautiful landscape, the Azores are a perfect choice!

Azores attractions

Praia da Falesia

And while we’re in the Algarve region, we cannot miss out on a popular and fantastic beach, which rightly ranks among Europe’s most beautiful coastlines.

The beach between Albufeira and Quarteira is popular not just for its sand and turquoise water. Behind the beach, red cliffs rise, at the foot of which we can enjoy relaxation.

Lagos

One of the most beautiful cities in Portugal’s popular holiday region, the Algarve.

Lagos was the main starting point for Portuguese exploratory voyages in the 15th century. This is why the city’s promenade is called the Avenue of the Discoverers.

The city center is situated around a lagoon where you can stroll beside beautiful yachts. The city has a long, sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

However, its most famous part is not this, but Ponta da Piedade. It consists of several rock formations with caves. There’s a beautiful view of the ocean from above.

Sintra

West of Lisbon, there is a town famous for its colorful palace.

The palace, once the summer residence of the Portuguese kings, sits atop a hill offering fantastic views. The castle is seen in many colors, as each tower and balcony is painted differently.

Fortunately, it’s easily accessible by train from Lisbon, making it an unmissable attraction!

Évora

Located to the east of Lisbon, this city has a history spanning about 2000 years. It was a favorite residence of the Portuguese kings until the Spanish occupation.

Several architectural styles are noticeable throughout the city, easily discovered while walking around. It became a significant settlement during Roman times and later fell into the hands of the Moors. Évora’s historical quarter is part of UNESCO’s cultural world heritage.

Many consider the city and the Alentejo region to be the most beautiful part of Portugal.

Coimbra

If you’re traveling by train between Porto and Lisbon, it’s worth stopping for a few hours in this wonderful small town.

In the old town, on a hill, rises Portugal’s first university. The building, in Manueline style, was originally the palace of King John III. The university’s library (Biblioteca Joanina) is a popular attraction, with beautiful rooms to explore.

Immerse yourself in the hilly neighborhood of the old town, where charming little alleys hide great restaurants and bars.

Aveiro

Also found on the Lisbon-Porto railway line, this city is considered by many to be the most beautiful coastal town.

It’s not without reason that it’s called the Venice of Portugal. Although it might be a bit of an exaggeration, the canals, bridges, and boating do lend a certain similarity.

The city is great for a few hours of exploration, where you can also observe the famous Portuguese tiles, the azulejos, on the houses.

Braga

Located northeast of Porto, this city is home to nearly 300 churches, earning it the nickname „the Portuguese Rome„.

Its most famous church is the Bom Jesus Cathedral, a few kilometers from the city, which has been part of the cultural world heritage since 2019. In the city center, the Sé is the most imposing, with the Manueline style being the most prominent.

In addition, the city’s numerous historic streets and the remarkable Raio Palace all contribute to Braga’s unique atmosphere.

Mafra

This small town northwest of Lisbon is renowned for its magnificent palace, placing it among the most beautiful places.

The Mafra National Palace, a baroque building complex, served as a royal residence, monastery, and basilica. The palace and monastery boast a vast library, holding more than 36,000 volumes.

The town’s surroundings are also stunning, with the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra serving as a nature reserve, an ideal spot for excursions.

Sortelha

This village near the Spanish border is among Portugal’s best-preserved medieval settlements.

Medieval walls surround the village, situated on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Sortelha’s most distinctive feature is its well-preserved stone houses and narrow, winding streets.

Amarante

To the west of Porto, one can find a truly charming small town.

The town lies along the Tâmega River, famous for its picturesque beauty and bridges. Amarante is best known for the Church of Saint Gonçalo, with its exceptionally beautiful interior.

Additionally, it is a center for wine and gastronomy tourism, especially famous for its Vinho Verde wine, made from native Portuguese grapes, offering an authentic tasting experience.

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