What to see in Lisbon
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Portugal is not just one of the countries that has the most beautiful beaches in the world or the best pastries or cuisine. So what to see in Lisbon, Portugal?
Portugal is much more than that. Portugal has history, scenery, and culture. It’s a way of living.
For such a small country that it is… Portugal offers an incredibly diverse range of visitor attractions.
If I could go back 21 years and think again if I wanted to leave the country then I would probably say no. But no matter! Maybe I can work something out in the future.
For now, I am going to try my best to list all the beautiful places you can visit in Lisbon and tips that could help you all from a local! Hope it helps!
I will also give you a few places where you can go outside Lisbon but not too far which are the top famous!
Getting to your Accommodation
From Lisbon Airport, several transportation options are available to reach your accommodation. The most common and convenient methods include taking a taxi, using the metro, or opting for the airport shuttle buses.
Taxis are readily available outside the airport and provide a direct but relatively pricier option for your accommodation. Alternatively, the metro is efficient, connecting the airport to various parts of the city, including the city center. The “Red Line” (Linha Vermelha) connects the airport to major stations, facilitating easy access to central areas.
Once in Lisbon, the city’s public transportation system is well-developed and includes trams, buses, and the metro, providing an efficient way to navigate the city. The historic tram 28 is a popular choice for tourists as it passes by many of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks. Additionally, walking around the central areas is highly recommended to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm and explore its vibrant neighborhoods.
Places to go in Lisbon
Outside of the shopping center, you have a really big area where you can:
- Eat
- Seat and relax with a view of the river
- Cycle with your family (they rent bicycles and Segway’s)
- Go to the Casino Lisboa and spend some money! You never know when you get lucky, I have won fair money there and spent it towards my time in Lisbon!
- Night Bars and clubs also available
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Praca Do Comercio
The Praça do Comércio (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpɾasɐ du kuˈmɛɾsju]; transl. Commerce Plaza) is a large, harbour-facing plaza in Portugal‘s capital, Lisbon, and is one of the largest in Portugal, with an area of 175 by 175 m. From the 19th century onwards, Praça do Comércio became
the seat of some of the most important Portuguese state departments, including the Ministries of Finances, Internal Affairs, Agriculture, and Sea; before the Carnation Revolution (1974) and the creation of a unified Ministry of Defence, it was also the location of the War and Navy Ministries, as well as the old Ministry of Colonies (up to 1967), and thus also became a metonym for the Portuguese central government. Also housed there is the Supreme Court.
In June 1910, just a few months before the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, Praça do Comércio was classified as a National Monument of Portugal.
Torre De Belém
Belém is the southwestern district of Lisbon. Far from the city center, but easily accessible, this neighborhood is located at the mouth of the River Tagus. Portugal’s various explorers set sail from this part of town to other parts of the world and brought back riches and their many discoveries.
Vasco da Gama left from these shores to India in 1497, discovering a new sea route to the East, and starting global trade as we know it. Years before, in 1493, Christopher Columbus stopped by on his way back from the New World. Everywhere you turn in Belém is a reminder of those times, and visiting this part of Lisbon is going on a journey through the history of the modern world.
Pastéis de Belém
Do not forget, I repeat do not forget to stop by this Patisserie. You can eat in or take out.
They sell the world-famous original Pastéis de Belém – They are also called and sold as Custard Cakes in the rest of the world but the taste is never the same as those ones!
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is famous for the nighttime experience, if you fancy bars and nightclubs this is the place to be at night. Barrio Alto is characterized by an orthogonal structure with parallel and perpendicular streets. Strolling around the area during the day or at night will give you two completely different feelings.
Here you can listen to several different types of music at the same time. The district is loved by youngsters, elders, the gay community, and all kinds of people to have a drink and stay until late at night. Lisbon is a city with a lot of hills and steep streets, to help people with the pain of walking so much we have 2 must-experience elevators!
Castelo de Sao Jorge
St. George’s Castle is probably the most famous attraction in Lisbon, and the queues can be very long. Consider getting in advance a skip-the-line ticket. Sao Jorge Castle Opening Hours: open from 9 am to 6 pm every day. Sao Jorge Castle Entrance Fee: €8.50. The family ticket costs €20 and allows access to 2 adults and 2 kids under 20.
Elevador da Santa Gloria
The elevator was built in 1885 and it has been powered by electric current since 1915. It travels for 200 meters only but is always crowded with residents and locals who don’t feel like walking. It connects the Pombaline downtown (at the Restauradores Square) with the Bairro Alto (Garden/ Overlook of São Pedro de Alcântara), operated by Carris. The ticket costs around 3.80 euros.
Elevador da Bica
Elevador da Bica is also called as “Ascensor da Bica” and “Bica Funicular.” It serves the same purpose as Elevador da Santa Gloria but is currently closed as of January 2022 for approximately 6 months for restoration work.
Mario Soares Garden
SKY BAR and SEEN Lisbon
Drinks are reasonably priced and make sure you pre-book a table only to avoid disappointment; time is precious when we are on holiday!
Sky Bar Tivoli
The difference between this Sky Bar and the one I showed you before is minimal but it shows you a 360-degree view over the city as you can see it from both sides! If you are a photography lover you will definitely enjoy the scenery.
Alfama
The name “Alfama” originates from the Arabic word “Al-hamma”, which means “bath” and “fountain”. You will find many fountains while walking around Alfama. And it’s just a sweet sight for their eyes.
Carcavelos Beach
So are you going for a city break but you would fancy a little beach time as well? No problem! Lisbon has got you covered! Within just a few miles you can have a few awesome beach hours at the Carcavelos Beach. So close yet you will feel like you are at a different place altogether. Sun, sea and vitamin C what else do we want right?
I really hope you can make it to these places so far mentioned. At this beach, you can find rentals for sports, for Sun umbrellas, restaurants, toilets, lifeguards, and also parking if you are coming by car.In case you are wondering how to reach the beach with public transport then you can either take a taxi or a train from Lisbon.
UBBO – Dolce Vita Tejo
The biggest Shopping Centre in Europe is in Portugal! Yes, it is in Amadora and easily accessible by bus or car. It has all the brands you can possibly imagine. When I want to do some serious
shopping I always go there as I get everything I need or want in one place! Plus you can shop and your kids can stay at the kid’s play area where they will also have the time of their life! They rent buggies and kids small cars where you can take your kids for a ride too! Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking.Where to go outside of Lisbon
California Beach in Sesimbra
Sesimbra Castle
Castelo da Pena in Sintra
High Cross (Cruz Alta) in Sintra
Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rei)
The Sanctuary of Fátima
Obidos
Serra da Estrela
Read Also: What to eat in Portugal California Beach In Sesimbra
This beach is 1 hour drive from Lisbon and 1.45 minutes if you go by public transport.
I have been going to this beach since I was 6 years old, even with other beaches nearby my parents loved this one specifically and always made the effort to go there. We have seen this place grow from nothing to a 5* tourist area with 5* Hotels and restaurants everywhere you look while still preserving the beauty that is Sesimbra. You will understand why once you go there! Have a look at some pictures below!
Sesimbra Castle
After having your beautiful beach day you get to head to the Sesimbra Castle which is a 5-minute drive from the beach. It is free and offers breathtaking views over the whole of Sesimbra. Great for landscape pictures and all other kinds of videos and picture formats. The medieval castle stands in a dominant position on a cliff, over a cove that constitutes a natural harbor in the Setúbal peninsula between the estuaries of the Tagus River and the Sado River, a few miles from Cape Espichel. It was built on a site occupied in prehistoric times
Palácio da Pena in Sintra (Pena Castle)
The Pena Palace is a Romanticist castle in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.
This palace gives you that “WOW” feeling straight away. The colors, the environment, and the greenery around gives you a peaceful and happy feeling. You need 2 to 3 hours to look at everything around and outside of the Palace, with beautiful views everywhere. Do take comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot. To go up to the Palace you can either drive or take a Tuc-tuc (a traditional local “taxi”) When I visited I couldn’t drive to the top so I had to take the Tuc-Tuc. One of the best decisions because I would not be able to see the beauty of the roads and the mountains and the views overall if I was driving plus by going on a Tuc-Tuc you are helping someone get paid. A trip to the top and down it’s only 10 euros.
Entrance Tickets
Once you reach the palace you need to buy the tickets to go inside the palace – there are several options, you can choose not to go inside the palace and buy the ticket to stay outside and walk but trust me it’s a one-time thing and it’s totally worth it. The furniture of the old King and Queen is still there, the old bathrooms, dressing rooms, and the decoration give you an insight into how they lived years and years ago.
A bit of history…This is the highest point in the Sintra Hills standing 528 meters in altitude and correspondingly providing the most wonderful views out over Lisbon and Cascais, to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the rural hinterland to the north. On this spot, a cross was erected at the order of João III (ca. 1522) but was later destroyed by a storm. In replacement of the original cross, Ferdinand II ordered the installation on the same site of a new cross that, in turn, was felled by a lightning strike in 1997.
In 2008, a new replica of the cross was carved from a single block of limestone. This new cross, standing 3.5 meters in height, 1.5 meters in width, and with a weight in the region of 1,700 kilos, imitates interweaving trunks and features various openings that made its execution and transport to the site a particularly difficult task but I went there in 2021 again it’s there so they did a good job! This place is around a 30 to 40-minute walk from the Pena Palace always going up. I have to admit it is a mission after spending hours in the Palace. But TOTALLY worth it.
Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rei)
The Sanctuary of Fátima
Three children named Lúcia Santos, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, saw the apparition of Virgin Mary first on 13th October 1917 in the Cova da Iria fields outside the hamlet of Aljustrel near Fátima, Portugal. Fátima has a beautiful history behind it, every year from 6 to 8 million pilgrims visit Fatima with a belief so strong that Fatima makes their deepest wishes come true if asked with a genuine and true heart. People light up candles on their visit for all their loved ones saying “Em Fátima rezei por ti” meaning At Fátima I prayed for you.
The shepherd kids were praying for people in need, souls who could be in hell and no one was praying for them. They were not being selfish and asking for themselves. There was grave pain around the world because of World War I and this was a Miracle of God. Once you reach Fátima, you will feel a complete sense of inner peace and transformation. Do take empty water bottles so that you can fill up the holly water from the taps available there. After visiting the Sanctuary of Fátima there are lots of restaurants nearby where you can eat. I recommend the ones next to the main roads because they have been there for years and have the true taste of Portuguese Cuisine. Fátima is a one hour and a half drive from Lisbon or you can also get there by train. Check prices here for public transport.Óbidos
From Lisbon it will tak
e you around 1 hour drive or 2 hours by public transport, do give it a search when you are travelling and wanting to visit Óbidos because they usually have a variety of fun fairs with food and activities that you could go to. Fancy more Castles? You can go to the Óbidos Castle! Yes…yes Portugal is a country of beaches and castles! It’s the perfect fairy tale land. Obidos is as old as it gets. Believed to have existed even before the foundation of Portugal, Obidos has been able to maintain its old-town charm very well. To get the most out of the old-town experience, read up on the fascinating history of the town to add meaning to the cobbled streets, architecture, and the significance of the village. If you manage to reach the town before the day trips start, walking up and down the hill would be pure bliss. Besides, one can walk on the fort walls and get a stunning bird’s eye view of the old town. Old churches dating to a hundred years and rock-solid stone rooms are converted into bookshops in Obidos, accommodating a humongous collection of books of all kinds. This is a good enough reason to spend days in the town reading through the stunning collection placed in the most exclusive setting. Besides, you could live in a hotel made of books when in Obidos! Look up the Literary Man Hotel which accommodates more than 50000 books, a stack at every corner you walk through.
Serra da Estrela (Star mountain)
Portugal might be home to some of the best beaches in the world but it’s also home to Serra da Estrela. A protected 888sqm (343sqm) park boasting the country’s highest mountain peaks. In this region,
Families take a trip to Serra da Estrela in those cold months when they see on the news that it snowed there. My family was one of those. We would start preparing everything for our trip including plastic bags to slide down the hills with a beautiful view.
Read Also: What to eat in Portugal
I am sure you are quite overwhelmed by all these places and confused about what you should really see on your next visit. If you need more help or advice don’t be shy and reach out to me! I will be more than happy to help out!
Activities you must do in Lisbon
Ride tram 28
Take a nostalgic tram ride on the famous Tram 28, which winds through the city’s historic neighborhoods and offers a unique view of Lisbon.
Enjoy Fado Music
Experience the soulful Fado music at a traditional Fado house, where heartfelt songs narrate tales of love and longing.
Explore LX Factory
Wander through this creative hub with art, design, and independent shops, along with vibrant street art and quirky restaurants.
Lisbon Oceanarium
Go to the Lisbon Oceanarium which costs about 16 euros for an adult and 11 euros for kids.
They are open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
Sample Local Wines
Take a day trip to the surrounding wine regions like Setúbal or Alentejo for wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Take a Lisbon Cruise
Experience the city from the water with a river cruise along the Tagus River, offering picturesque views of Lisbon’s skyline.
Go Karting
Yes, there are karting facilities in and around Lisbon, offering a thrilling experience for enthusiasts and visitors looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity. One such popular karting spot is Kartódromo de Odivelas, which is about a 20-minute drive from central Lisbon. It features a well-maintained track and provides an exciting karting experience for both beginners and experienced drivers. Additionally, other indoor and outdoor karting tracks are available in nearby areas, offering a fun and competitive racing experience.
Lisbon Zoo
Explore the zoo, home to a variety of animals and botanical gardens, perfect for a family-friendly day out.
Go to a Flea Market
In Lisbon, you’ll find various flea markets, locally known as “feiras,” where you can discover unique items and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here are a few with their typical opening times:
Feira da Ladra:
When: Every Tuesday and Saturday from early morning until early afternoon.
Where: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama district.
What: One of the most famous and oldest flea markets in Lisbon, offering a wide variety of items, from antiques to second-hand goods.
Mercado do Forno do Tijolo:
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from morning until early afternoon.
Where: Avenida Almirante Reis, Arroios district.
What: A market with a mix of goods, from clothing to household items, and a great place to find bargains.
Feira do Relógio:
When: Every Thursday and Sunday from early morning to afternoon.
Where: Avenida de Berlim, Parque das Nações.
What: A large market offering a wide variety of items, from electronics to clothing and more.
These markets are vibrant and offer an array of goods. The schedule may vary, so it’s advisable to confirm the operating times before planning your visit.
Taste a Ginjinha:
Try this traditional cherry liqueur at one of the local taverns. It’s a quintessential Lisbon experience.
Packing list for your Lisbon Trip
Here’s a comprehensive packing checklist tailored for an upcoming vacation in Lisbon, covering hygiene, clothing, miscellaneous items, and extras for water activities:
Clothing:
Lisbon’s climate is generally mild, so pack light and breathable clothes suitable for warm weather (t-shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts)
Evenings might get cooler, so pack a light jacket or sweater to layer over your daytime clothes
Swimwear for water activities
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals: Lisbon’s streets are hilly and cobblestoned, so comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must for exploring the city.
Flip-flops or water shoes for beach or water activities
Hat for sun protection
Rain gear: An umbrella or a compact rain jacket, especially if you’re visiting in the fall or winter.
Miscellaneous:
Adapter: Portugal uses the Europlug Type C and Type F outlets, so bring an adapter if your devices have a different plug type.
Daypack: A small backpack or daypack for carrying essentials while sightseeing.
Camera: Lisbon is incredibly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while on the go; you can refill it at many public fountains in the city.
Travel guidebook or maps: Handy for navigating the city and finding the best spots.
Comfort items: Any medications, travel-sized toiletries, and personal items you might need during your stay.
Hygiene:
- Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, moisturizer, suncream)
- Sunscreen (water-resistant if planning water activities)
- Lip balm with SPF
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel-sized tissues or wet wipes
Extras for Water Activities
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Dry bag for storing valuables
Snorkel and mask (if planning on snorkeling)
Rash guard or swim shirt for sun protection
Water shoes or aqua socks
Beach umbrella or portable shade if desired
Ensure to tailor this checklist based on the specific activities and preferences for your trip. Safe travels and enjoy your vacation in Lisbon!
Getting to your Accommodation
Places to see in and around Lisbon
Must do Experiences in Lisbon
Your packing check-list for Lisbon
