Lisbon (called "Lish-boa" by the locals) is Portugal's capital city. It is nestled on and among seven hills (maybe you've heard of the Seven Hills of Lisbon?). This means a couple of things for tourists visiting the sun-soaked city...there will be a lot of hill walking AND there are a plethora of spots that offer stunning views of the beautiful city.
Lisbon seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. It has a complex and interesting history that is reflected in its architecture and monuments. Lisbon is visually appealing as the buildings are shades of yellow, blue or pink or they are covered with beautiful tiled facades. The sidewalks throughout the city are works of art themselves with tiled designs that mesmorize as you wander the winding cobblestone streets.
Lisbon is a destination that offers visitors a mix of history, culture and lots of adventure. And, if you are a foodie, you will enjoy all of the fantastic cuisine. Unfortunately, as a picky eater, I didn't fully appreciate this aspect of Lisbon, but my friends who are adventurous eaters were thrilled with all of the local specialities (including baked cod and grilled sardines).
I only had a short time in Lisbon, so this list highlights things to do if you only have a few days as well. If you are visiting Lisbon for a longer time, this list will get you started, but there are definitely many more adventures to be had.
Top Things to Do in Lisbon:
Take a Tuk Tuk Tour. When you first get to Lisbon, one of the first things you will notice are interesting motorized carts zipping up and down the hilly streets. They are called Tuk Tuks and they are a perfect way to get an overview of the city to get your bearings when you first arrive. Each Tuk Tuk is decorated differently and definitely have different vibes so look around and make sure to pick the right Tuk Tuk for a tour that matches your energy. In the video below, the third Tuk Tuk would be my choice!
Walk up to Castelo de São Jorge. I did not personally get a chance to do this, but before I arrived my friends trekked up the hill to the castle and were rewarded with panoramic views of the city. The castle has served many purposes over the years. It served as an important defensive military position as it sits atop the highest hill with clear views of the surrounding area and the River Tagus. It has also been the scene of many battles during Lisbon's history. Sunset is a very popular time to go to the castle. If you would like to experience this, plan for crowds and time your arrival accordingly to make sure you don't miss the main event. Even though I didn't make it up to the castle, I caught a nighttime view from the rooftop bar of our hotel and it was beautiful!
Nightime view of Castelo de São Jorge Explore the Al Fama Neighborhood. On your way up (or down) from the castle, take some time to wander around the Al Fama neighborhood. It is one of the oldest areas in the city. Get lost on the winding cobblestone streets and check out the quaint shops and local restaurants that line the streets. You may even stumble upon areas of Roman ruins from the period of Roman control over the area! The area is home to many different miradouros ("scenic viewpoints") that overlook the Tagus River. We stopped at the miradouro off of Santa Maria Maior for some great photo ops and even better Sangria!
Ride Historic Tram No. 28. No trip to Lisbon is complete without hopping on the famous Tram 28. This vintage yellow tram weaves through some of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods. It is a fun (and easier) way to see Lisbon's hills and iconic spots without having to trek up and down. The tram is popular so that means it gets crowded. Try catching it early in the day and board at the first stop in Martim Moniz.
Visit Belém and Its Historical Monuments. Belém is a district within the broader city of Lisbon. It sits right on River Tagus and is a little bit outside of the city center. We had a tour bus to take us to Belém, but you can Uber or catch public transportation to get to the Belém area. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the number of significant landmarks there are to see in this location.
Torre De Belém (Tower of Belém): The Torre De Belém was built in the 1500's to serve as the entry/exit point for Portuguese explorers coming in and out of city. It also served as significant coastal defense position. You can purchase tickets to go inside and climb to the top of the Tower for an expansive view over the River Tagus. We just explored the outside of the Tower.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos ("Monument of the Discoveries"): One thing I learned while visiting Lisbon is the incredible influence that Portuguese explorers had on the establishment of maritime trade routes and the resulting expansion of world commerce (known as the "Golden Age of Discovery"). To honor this contribution, the Monument of the Discoveries is a tribute to all of Portugal's historic explorers. It towers171 feet above the river's edge. I have to say it was one of my favorite spots in Portugal. The intricacy of the carving of the various explorers is breathtaking. Leading the ship is Henry the Navigator followed by a number of other great Portuguese navigators, including Vasco da Gama, who was the first person to circumnavigate the world. At the foot of the monument is an amazing marble mosaic that represents a compass with a world map in the center. The whole sight is incredible and definitely worth a stop!
Jéronimos Monastery/Maritime Museum: A visit to the Jerónimos Monastery is worthwhile if you are a fan of architecture. Construction commenced in 1501 and is considered a prime example of Portuguese architecture. It is the final resting place of several prominent Portuguese figures, including Vasco Da Gama. It is not a working monastery anymore, but is considered a UNESCO World Heritage sight. It was closed on the day we visited, but we did visit the Maritime Museum that is housed in the monastery so we got a chance to see a part of it. The Maritime Museum is interesting and worth a visit, especially if you are curious about the Portuguese contribution to world navigation.
Jerónimos Monastery
Walk Down Augusta Street to the Praça do Comércio. For people-watching, shopping, al fresco dining and history, take a stroll down Rua Augusta. If you stroll to the end you will find yourself at the Praça do Comércio, a large open plaza alongside the banks of the River Tagus. From that plaza you will have a great view of the Arco da Rua Augusta, an impressive arch meant to represent Lisbon's resilience in the wake of the 1755 earthquake that devastated the region. You will also have to doublecheck yourself as you will catch a glimpse of the April 25 Bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge so you may forget where you are for a minute!
Find a Place to Get a Pastel de Nata. You can't go to Lisbon without grabbing a Pastel de Nata, the quintessential Portuguese dessert of an egg custard tart in a flaky crust dusted with cinnamon. The origin of Pastel de Nata dates back to before the 18th century where they were created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. You can find them most places so maybe make it a quest to find the best one! If you visit Belém, you can make a stop at Pastéis de Belém which claims it has the original recipe and has been making them since 1837. I didn't get a chance to taste a Pastel de Nata from Pastéis de Belém, so let me know how it is if you grab one!
Take a Day Trip to Sintra. I am going to do a whole separate blog on Sintra that will go into detail about this charming village, but I include it on this short list of things to do if you visit Portugal because it is a must see! Sintra is located in the hills of Serra de Sintra and, as it was once a summer retreat for Kings and Queens of Portugal, it is home to several royal palaces. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will not regret taking the time to visit.
Moorish Palace on the Hilltop in Sintra 
View from Sintra Hilltop
So this is just a taster of the things you can see in Lisbon. There are so many other things to do and see in this vibrant city...this list is just the tip of the iceberg. But if you only have a few days, seeing these sights will give you a great overview of the history, culture and vibe of Lisbon.
Comments