Lisbon is a city that has it all: history, culture, gastronomy and breathtaking views. If you are looking for what to see in Lisbon, get ready because here are 6 key points to make the most of your visit.
Known as the “City of Seven Hills”, Lisbon is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe, and its nickname is no coincidence as it is spread over seven main hills that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city. These hills are a distinctive geographical feature of Lisbon and have played a key role in its history, as many of the main areas of the city have been developed on them.
Lisbon is a city full of architectural treasures. From the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery to the imposing Belém Tower, you will find incredible places that you cannot miss to soak up the essence of this beautiful city.
Read on, because here we give you the 6 most interesting things to see in Lisbon along with tips on how to try the best local dishes and get the most out of this great southern European city.
Must-see sights
If you’re wondering what to see in Lisbon, get ready to enjoy neighbourhoods such as Alfama, known for its rhythmic fado, or the emblematic Belém Tower, with centuries of history and a multitude of curiosities.
Every corner of Lisbon is full of surprises, and if you are a fan of good experiences, this city has a lot to offer you. We encourage you to discover it with us! Let’s get to it.
1. St. George’s Castle
This is one of those places you can’t miss if you’re wondering what to see in Lisbon. It is on a high hill, so the views are spectacular.
You can walk along its walls, explore the gardens and feel like a real explorer. It’s also a super Instagrammable place, perfect for taking amazing photos of the city – ideal for enjoying Lisbon from above!
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Your second stop if you’re wondering what to see in Lisbon.
This impressive monastery, a World Heritage Site, is located in the Belém neighbourhood and is famous for its Manueline architecture, a style unique to Portugal.
Here lie the remains of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese navigator. Moreover, the place is so beautiful that simply strolling through its cloisters will make you feel part of history. If you’re a fan of historical monuments, this is one of the most impressive in Lisbon – don’t miss it!
3. Belém Tower
One of Lisbon’s most famous icons and one of the best things to see in Lisbon.
Built in the 16th century as a fortress to protect the port, this Manueline-style tower has incredible views of the Tagus River. As well as being an impressive monument, it’s a great place to stroll around and enjoy the history of the city.
Don’t forget to take a picture in front of it, it’s a perfect place to show off your visit to Lisbon!
4. Commerce Square
Situated next to the Tagus River, this huge square was the centre of political power in the city for centuries. It is definitely a must-see in Lisbon. It was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and today is famous for its imposing arch, the Arco de Rua Augusta, which gives access to the centre of Lisbon.
A curious fact: important historical events were held in Praça do Comércio, such as the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which put an end to the dictatorship in Portugal. In addition, in the surrounding area you will find historic buildings, terraces and plenty of cafes where you can relax while enjoying the view of the river. Another of our favourite places to see in Lisbon to immerse yourself in local life.
5. Santa Catarina viewpoint
This is another one of those places that are a must-see if you’re wondering what to see in Lisbon. This viewpoint offers one of the best views of the Alfama neighbourhood, with its narrow streets and distinctive rooftops, as well as a spectacular panorama of the Tagus River and St. George’s Castle.
It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Lisbon. You will often find local musicians playing Fado, which makes it even more special. If you want to capture the essence of Lisbon in a photo, this viewpoint is the ideal place to see in Lisbon.
6. Santa Justa Elevator
One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see if you’re looking for things to see in Lisbon. This iron lift, built in 1902, connects the Baixa district with Chiado, two of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Besides being a means of transport, the Elevador de Santa Justa is also a tourist attraction to see in Lisbon inspired by the Gothic and Modernist style. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.
Standing 45 metres high, it still works with the original system of steel cables and electric motors, and was declared a National Monument in 2002, a must-see in Lisbon.
Lisbon Gastronomy
If you’re wondering what to see in Lisbon, you can’t miss some of its most typical dishes. Here are three of the most delicious:
1. Bacalhau à Brás
Cod is the king of Portuguese cuisine, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most famous dishes in Lisbon. It’s shredded cod, mixed with fried potatoes, onion and scrambled egg – an explosion of flavour you can’t miss!
2. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Duck with cod)
If you like seafood, you can’t miss the amêijoas à Bulhão Pato. These clams are cooked with garlic, coriander, olive oil and white wine, and are a simple but flavourful dish that you will find in many restaurants in Lisbon.
3. Pastel de Nata
And of course, Pastel de Nata, which has become Portugal’s most famous dessert. This creamy pastry with a crunchy crust is perfect to enjoy with a coffee while strolling through the streets of Lisbon. If you’re looking for things to see in Lisbon, I can assure you that trying a pastel de nata at the historic Pastéis de Belém is an experience not to be missed.
15 Curious Facts about Lisbon
Finally, here are 15 interesting facts about Lisbon that you probably didn’t know. Did you know any of these? Get ready for a little marathon of curiosities that will surprise you:
- Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 3,000 years of history, surpassing cities like London and Paris.
- The 25 de Abril Bridge, inaugurated in 1966, is very similar to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, at 2,277 metres long.
- The Belém Tower was built in the 16th century as a fortress to defend the city and is now a World Heritage Site.
- Lisbon has 7 hills, which gives it a spectacular view from its viewpoints, such as the Mirador de Santa Catarina or the Mirador de Graça.
- Fado, a traditional Lisbon music, is mainly heard in the Alfama neighbourhood, one of the oldest in the city. You can find tickets for Fado concerts here.
- The Santa Justa Elevator was inaugurated in 1902 and connects the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods. Besides being functional, it has panoramic views of the city.
- The Jerónimos Monastery, founded in 1501, is one of Lisbon’s main monuments and Vasco da Gama’s tomb is there.
- Pastéis de Belém is one of the most famous pastry shops, known for its pastel de nata, a traditional Lisbon sweet.
- Lisbon is a very sunny city, with more than 2,800 hours of sunshine a year, making it a perfect year-round destination.
- Oriente Station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is one of the city’s main train stations and has a striking modern design.
- Lisbon’ s Oceanarium is one of the largest in the world and is home to thousands of marine species.
- Commerce Square, or Terreiro do Paço, is one of the largest squares in Europe and was the centre of power in Lisbon for centuries.
- Lisbon suffered a devastating earthquake in 1755, which destroyed much of the city. Subsequent reconstruction transformed it into what it is today.
- Lisbon has a historic tram system, with Tram 28 being one of the most popular, as it runs through the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods in its characteristic yellow colour.
- Praça do Comércio was one of the first areas to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and is now one of the busiest squares in the city.
We hope you liked our selection of “what to see in Lisbon”.
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