15 Things You Won’t Want To Miss In Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities. This coastal capital is known for its beautiful architecture, colorful tiled buildings, rich history, and charming cobblestone streets. I spent 3 days in Lisbon and was surprised (and a little overwhelmed) by how much there was to see and do! I definitely wasn’t able to check out everything I wanted to see, but I was able to visit many of the city’s top sights. To help you narrow down your list of must-dos when visiting Lisbon, I’ve put together this list of 15 things you must do when in Lisboa!
Happy wandering!
1. Check out the view from São Jorge Castle
If you are looking for some of the best views in Lisbon, then you will definitely want to stop by the Castelo de São Jorge. This historic Moorish castle overlooks Lisbon and the Tagus river. Not only does the castle boast some of the best views in town, but it is also fun to walk around the ramparts and explore the castle grounds. You may even come across a peacock or two! The castle is one of Lisbon’s most well-known tourist sites, and the views truly are incredible.
2. Try to find Nemo at the Lisbon Oceanarium
The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in all of Europe. I’m not even a huge fan of aquariums and I was thoroughly impressed by my visit here, which is why I believe it is an absolute must-see when in Lisbon. There are over 450 species to observe in the oceanarium, including the oceanarium’s famous sun fish. I also loved seeing the penguins, otters, colorful starfish, seahorses, and even sharks! I spent several hours here and honestly can’t think of an aquarium I’ve visited that I enjoyed more.
3. Wander around the historic Alfama District
Be sure to save some time in your Lisbon itinerary to wander around the historic Alfama district. While Lisbon is a large city with different sections, the Alfama area is home to Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods and is filled with winding cobblestone streets and charming historic buildings. If you are looking to find the “Lisbon” you see often on Instagram or the travel channel, then this is the area to get lost in! Just be sure to bring a camera along!
4. Go gothic at Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of my favorite religious sites I visited while in Lisbon. This massive Gothic monastery dates back to the 16th century and is home to the tomb of the famous Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama. I was so impressed by the intricate details of the church, and definitely wished I had allowed more time to explore the monastery before closing time!
5. Ride a historic tram
Lisbon is famous for its historic streetcars that still operate within the city. In fact, there are over 40 historic streetcars operating throughout Lisbon. The most famous of these streetcars, however, is tram 28. This tram connects São Jorge Castle and Bairro Alto, passing through some of the most historic areas in town, which is why this particular tram is so popular among tourists. That being said, there are so many tourists who wish to try taking this historic route that you are sure to encounter long lines and a very crowded streetcar. I was so excited to do this particular route, but ended up waiting in line for ages only to have the ride marred by large numbers of tourists also on the tram! ( I was also visiting during summer-prime tourist season, which did not help!) If you are short on time, perhaps consider hopping on a less popular route, or settle for a picture of a tram instead.
6. See the Carmo Convent ruins
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While there are many beautiful churches in Lisbon, one of the most unique is the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The Convento da Ordem do Carmo was a Catholic convent originally built in the 14th century, and the convent was ruined during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. Today, the stunning ruins of the cathedral remain, creating a surreal and haunting space in the middle of bustling Lisbon.
7. Take a ride up the Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift or Elevador de Santa Justa is a historic elevator meant to make life in very hilly Lisbon a little easier for people walking around the city. The elevator was completed in…believe it or not…1902, and was certainly a feat of “modern”engineering! Amazingly, the elevator is still functional today. I personally opted not to ride the elevator, and instead decided to simply snap some pictures. The lines are incredibly long, and it costs 10.50 Euro to go up, when there are several free alternatives to arriving at the same point at the top. Whether you choose to ride the lift or not, it is definitely worth checking out either way!
8. Visit the Church of Santa Engrácia
This 17th-century church is now known as the National Pantheon and is the resting place of many important Portuguese figures. The dome of this building is quite massive, and one can get a great view of the National Pantheon from the nearby…
9. Discover the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
This 17th-century monastery was one of the surprising highlights of my visit to Lisbon! This monastery was lesser-known than many other religious sites throughout the city but is absolutely stunning. Another bonus? There weren’t many other tourists here, so I practically had the place to myself! Inside the monastery, you’ll find tons of gorgeous blue tile work, beautifully decorated tombs, intricately designed rooms, and a fantastic view of the National Pantheon from the top. An absolutely wonderful hidden gem!
10. Belém Tower
The 16th century Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in close proximity to the Jerónimos Monastery. Today, the tower rests just along the river, making for a great photo opportunity. Visiting the tower is a great way to learn more about Portugal’s historic significance in discovering the “New World,” and the important role Portugal played in maritime history.
11. Visit a museum (or 2 or 3)
A historic city like Lisbon is home to more than 1 museum worth checking out. I personally visited the Berardo Collection Museum which is filled with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art (including pieces by Picasso and Warhol!). Other notable museums and historic sites include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Coach Museum, Palace of Queluz, National Museum of Ancient Art, Navy Museum, and Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira among others. So much to see, so little time!
12. Listen to some traditional Fado music
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Fado music is traditionally linked to Lisbon and is definitely worth seeking out on a visit. Be careful to avoid going to a super touristy place to listen to some! My advice? Ask your hotel or a local for a recommendation on where to go-it is sure to be more authentic (and less expensive) than many of the resommendations you’ll find with a google search.
13. Head to the miraculous Lisbon Cathedral
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The Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, or Lisbon Cathedral, is often simply referred to as the Sé. This Catholic Cathedral is the oldest church in the city. It was originally built in 1147 and is famous for surviving many earthquakes, which some believe is a religious miracle.
14. Find the coolest tiles and doors in town
If you are as obsessed with Instagram as I am, then you won’t be disappointed by Lisbon. The city is filled with colorful tiles, unique doors, and other gems just begging to make it on your Instagram. Grap your camera, put on your best walking shoes, and enjoy simply wandering the city in search of the perfect ‘gram.
15. Take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais
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One of my biggest Lisbon regrets was not being able to visit Sintra, a colorful 19th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the night before I was supposed to go, I discovered that my Airbnb had bedbugs-yikes!-and I had to spend the entire next day stuck in a laundromat instead of exploring the colorful Pena Palace. If you have some extra time in Lisbon, be sure to plan a day trip to Sinta, or nearby Cascais if the beach is more your scene!
Which of these sites will you be heading to in Lisbon? Let me know in the comment section!
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