Lisbon Travel Guide

Popular Attractions in Lisbon

Top 12 Must-See Attractions in Lisbon

Lisbon offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Here are 12 of the most popular attractions that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Lisbon:

• Jerónimos Monastery– A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style. Explore the elaborate cloisters, the church with its soaring ceilings, and the tomb of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer.

Jerónimos Monastery Lisbon

• Address: Praça do Jerónimos, 1400–200 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/publicacao/mosteiro-dos-jeronimos/

• Belém Tower– Standing guard at the entrance to the Tagus River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a formidable fortification. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction offering stunning views of the river and the city.

Belém Tower Lisbon

• Address: Av. Brasília — Belém, 1400–030 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/publicacao/mosteiro-dos-jeronimos/ (This website covers both the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower)

• São Jorge Castle– Perched atop a hill, this historic castle offers panoramic views of Lisbon. Explore the ramparts, climb the watchtowers, and learn about Lisbon’s rich history.

São Jorge Castle Lisbon

• Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo 11, 1100–129 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://castelodesaojorge.pt/en/

• National Tile Museum– Immerse yourself in the beauty of Portuguese azulejos (hand-painted tiles) at this unique museum. The collection spans centuries, showcasing the evolution of azulejo art and its use in Portuguese architecture.

National Tile Museum Lisbon

• Address: R. da Madre Deus 4, 1100–136 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/national-tile-museum

• Padrão dos Descobrimentos– This towering monument commemorates the Age of Discovery, a period when Portuguese explorers set sail to explore new lands. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of Belém and the Tagus River.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos Lisbon

• Address: Av. Brasília — Belém, 1400–030 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://journals.openedition.org/dynenviron/607

• Oceanário de Lisboa– Discover the wonders of the underwater world at this world-class aquarium. Journey through various marine habitats, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and come face-to-face with fascinating sea creatures.

Oceanário de Lisboa

• Address: Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990–007 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://www.oceanario.pt/en

• Santa Justa Lift– Take a ride on this historic elevator for a unique perspective of the city. The wrought-iron elevator ascends the slope of the Carmo district, offering panoramic views along the way.

Santa Justa Lift Lisbon

• Address: R. do Carmo 4, 1100–129 Lisboa, Portugal

• Tram 28 — Experience Lisbon like a local with a ride on the iconic Tram 28. This vintage tram rattles its way through the city’s historic neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into Lisbon’s charming streets and colorful houses.

• LX Factory– This trendy district is housed in a former industrial complex and is now a hub for creativity. Explore the shops selling Portuguese design products, grab a bite to eat at a trendy restaurant, or browse the art galleries showcasing local talent.
• Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 10, 1700–093 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://lxfactory.com/en/homepage-en/

• Bairro Alto– Lisbon’s bohemian district comes alive at night. Wander through the maze of narrow streets, stopping at traditional tascas (restaurants) for a taste of Portuguese cuisine, or sip on a glass of wine at a cozy bar and listen to live Fado music, a melancholic form of Portuguese song.

Bairro Alto Lisbon

• Ajuda National Palace — This opulent palace was once the official residence of the Portuguese royal family. Explore the staterooms, admire the collection of art and furniture, and step back in time to experience the grandeur of the Portuguese monarchy.
• Address: Largo da Ajuda, 1349–021 Lisboa, Portugal
• Website: https://us.trip.com/things-to-do/detail/48179975/

• Sintra– Take a day trip to the charming town of Sintra, located in the hills just outside of Lisbon. Explore the Pena National Palace, a whimsical romantic architectural masterpiece, wander through the lush gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira, or visit the Moorish Castle for stunning views.

Sintra Lisbon

• Location: Accessible by train from Lisbon

This top 12 attractions in Lisbon list provides a starting point for your Lisbon adventure. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, Lisbon has something to offer every visitor.

Public Transportation in Lisbon

Lisbon boasts a well-developed and affordable public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city.

Types of Public Transport:

• Metro: The Lisbon Metro is a clean, efficient network of underground trains that covers most of the city center. It’s the fastest way to get around, especially for longer distances.
• Buses: Lisbon’s extensive bus network reaches areas not covered by the metro. While generally slower, buses offer a more scenic way to experience the city.
• Trams: Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are a popular tourist attraction and a functional mode of transport. Particularly Tram 28 offers a charming ride through the historic neighborhoods, but be prepared for crowds.
• Trains: Commuter trains connect Lisbon to nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais. Consider these for day trips outside the city center.
• Ferries: Explore Lisbon from a different perspective with a scenic ferry ride on the Tagus River. Ferries connect key points across the river and offer beautiful views.

Reminders and Suggestions:

• Tickets: Purchase a reusable Viva Viagem card for the most convenient ticketing option. It can be loaded with various travel passes or used for zapping (pay-as-you-go).
• Zones: Lisbon is divided into zones. Purchase a travel pass that covers the zones you plan to visit for unlimited travel within the validity period.
• Validation: Always validate your Viva Viagem card upon entering the metro or boarding a bus/tram to avoid fines.
• Apps: Utilize public transport apps like Citymapper or Lisbon Metro for real-time schedules, route planning, and ticket information.
• Alternatives: Consider Lisbon’s funiculars (inclined railways) and Elevador de Santa Justa for short uphill journeys and a touch of historic charm.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available, especially in central areas. However, they can be expensive for longer trips. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also an option.

Suggestion:

Lisbon is a walkable city, especially the historic center. Consider walking or cycling for shorter distances to experience the city’s atmosphere and save money on public transport.