Lisbon is the westernmost capital city on mainland Europe and sits along the mighty Tagus River. It has a rich and diverse history and is believed to be the second oldest European capital behind Athens. Over the course of its history the city changed hands between Muslim and Christian rulers several times, which has resulted in a stunning and unique architectural style. The city itself is littered with iconic red roofs and colorful buildings making it one of the most photogenic cities anywhere in the world. In this article I will cover some of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
Places to Visit
Lisbon is a historic and beautiful city that has so many great places to visit that it’s impossible to see it all in just one visit. These are 7 places that are absolute must-sees when you come to Lisbon. Fortunately you need just 2 days to hit all these spots, although you should definitely stay longer to check out some of the awesome day trips you can take from Lisbon.
1. Comercio Square
Address
Nearest Metro Station
Terreiro do Paço (Blue)
Opening Hours
24/7
Price
Free
About
Comércio Square, Praça do Comércio in Portuguese, is the most iconic square in Lisbon. This was originally the site of the royal palace, which stood here for about two centuries before being destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city.
Once turned into a square, it became a center of commerce for the city. Today it is a stunning city square surrounded on three sides by beautiful yellow buildings and on the fourth side by the banks of the Tagus River.
The main entrance to the square is marked by the Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the earthquake. In the center of the square is a large statue of King Joseph I of Portugal riding a horse.
This square is one of the most iconic locations in Lisbon and no visit to the city would be complete without coming here. It is a great place to take photos, people watch, or find a seat to just enjoy the atmosphere.
How to Visit
The closest metro station to Comércio Square is the Terreiro do Paço station, which is on the Blue metro line and is located at the southeast corner of the square. It is also no more than a ten minute walk from the Cais do Sodré (Green), Baixa-Chiado (Green/Blue), and Rossio (Green) metro stations.
I recommend starting at Rossio station and walking down Rua Augusta to get to Comércio Square. Rua Augusta is a wide pedestrian road with beautiful tiling that is lined with lots of shops and restaurants, making it an easy and enjoyable walk down to Comércio Square that also takes you under the Arco da Rua Augusta.
As it is a public square, Praça do Comércio is open all day and there is no fee or ticket for entrance. Do be aware that this is a common place for tourists to be targeted by the common fake drugs scheme. If you are approached by someone appearing to offer drugs (they’re fake), just say no and walk away and they’ll leave you alone.
2. St. George’s Castle
Nearest Metro Station
Rossio (Green), Terreiro do Paćo (Blue)
Opening Hours
9am – 9pm (Summer)
9am – 7pm (Winter)
Price
€15 (Adults)
€12 (Seniors)
€7.50 (Youth)
Free (Children under 12)
About
St. George’s Castle is an ancient and impressive structure that sits high up on a hill, overlooking the city of Lisbon. Fortifications have been built here since Lisbon was ruled by Rome, dating back to at least the 2nd century BC. It was once the royal Moorish residence and even though it was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, reconstruction efforts have restored its impressive structure.
Its location on one of the highest hilltops in Lisbon provides one of the best views over the city. Inside the various buildings within the complex are museum exhibits with a variety of artifacts from the castle’s history.
In addition to the great views and museum, you may also be accompanied on your visit by wild peacocks that live in and around the castle grounds.
How to Visit
During the summer between March 1st and October 31st, the castle is open 9am – 9pm, and during the winter it is open 9am – 7pm, with the last entry being 30 minutes before closing time. The museum portion of the castle closes at 6pm during the winter, while the rest of the complex remains open until 7pm. The castle is also closed for holidays on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Tickets are free for children 12 and under, €7.50 for youths aged 13-25, €15 for adults, and €12.50 for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, and tickets are free for Lisboa Card holders.
The castle is about a 15-20 minute steep walk from Rossio (Green), Martim Moniz (Green) and Terreiro do Paço (Blue) metro stations, although the 737 bus line does have a stop near the entrance. This is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon so try to go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
3. Lisbon Cathedral
Nearest Metro Station
Terreiro do Paço (Blue)
Opening Hours
9:30am – 7pm (Summer)
10am – 6pm (Winter)
Price
€5 (Adults)
€3 (Children 7 -12)
Free (Children under 7)
About
St. George’s Castle is an ancient and impressive structure that sits high up on a hill, overlooking the city of Lisbon. Fortifications have been built here since Lisbon was ruled by Rome, dating back to at least the 2nd century BC. It was once the royal Moorish residence and even though it was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, reconstruction efforts have restored its impressive structure.
Its location on one of the highest hilltops in Lisbon provides one of the best views over the city. Inside the various buildings within the complex are museum exhibits with a variety of artifacts from the castle’s history.
In addition to the great views and museum, you may also be accompanied on your visit by wild peacocks that live in and around the castle grounds.
How to Visit
During the summer between March 1st and October 31st, the castle is open 9am – 9pm, and during the winter it is open 9am – 7pm, with the last entry being 30 minutes before closing time. The museum portion of the castle closes at 6pm during the winter, while the rest of the complex remains open until 7pm. The castle is also closed for holidays on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Tickets are free for children 12 and under, €7.50 for youths aged 13-25, €15 for adults, and €12.50 for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, and tickets are free for Lisboa Card holders.
The castle is about a 15-20 minute steep walk from Rossio (Green), Martim Moniz (Green) and Terreiro do Paço (Blue) metro stations, although the 737 bus line does have a stop near the entrance. This is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon so try to go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
4. Jerónimos Monastery
Nearest Metro Station
Mosteiro Jerónimos (Bus)
Opening Hours
9:30am – 6pm (Summer), 9:30am – 5:30pm (Winter) Closed Mondays
Price
€12 (Adult)
€6 (Youth/Senior)
Free (Children under 13)
About
This expansive gothic monastery is a lasting symbol of the power and wealth once held by the Portuguese empire. In it lies the tomb of famous explorer Vasco de Gama and it is built at the site where he and his crew spent their last night in Portugal before sailing to India.
Construction began in 1501 and took 100 years to complete. The monks who lived here famously created the recipe for Pasteis de Belém, which they did to avoid wasting the egg yolks that were left over after using egg whites to clean their laundry. Inside the monastery you’re able to visit the small chapel as well as the cloisters, which feature stunning gothic architecture.
How to Visit
The monastery is open 9:30am – 6:30pm during summer months between May and September. In the winter months from October through April it is open 9:30am – 5:30pm. The last time to buy tickets is 1 hour before closing.
Tickets to the monastery can be purchased online from the monastery’s website or GetYourGuide. You can also buy tickets in person outside the monastery, but you’ll save time by buying online. Do note that while buying online tickets allows you to bypass the ticket queue, you’ll still have to wait in line to enter the monastery. Regular tickets cost €12, tickets for seniors 65 and older or youths between 12 and 24 cost €6 and children 12 and under can get in free. Note that discounted tickets are only available directly from the monastery’s website. Free entry is available to all visitors on the first Sunday of the month as well as visitors who have purchased the Lisboa Card.
Jeronimos Monastery is located in the Belém neighborhood on the southwestern edge of the city. The normal metro line doesn’t go out this far, but you can take a train or bus from the Cais do Sodre (Green) metro station. The train is in the direction of Cascais and stops at Belém, or you can take the 728 bus towards Restelo and get off at Mosteiro Jeronimos. Tickets can be purchased from machines at the station, or you can ride for free with the Lisboa Card.
5. Belém Tower
Nearest Metro Station
Lg. Princessa (Bus)
Opening Hours
9:30am – 6pm
Closed Mondays
Price
€8
About
While you’re in Belém you can’t miss the famous Belém Tower. This defensive structure was built in 1515 to guard the entrance to the harbor and became a symbol of the city as it was the last thing sailors would see when leaving for a voyage, and the first thing they’d see when they returned.
If you choose to go inside you can see the windows that used to hold cannons and the pits that prisoners were thrown in, you can also get a nice view from the terrace on the roof. Alternatively, you can just admire the architecture from outside while enjoying the sun and river breeze.
How to Visit
While you can admire the exterior of the tower any time you’d like, the interior is open 9:30am – 6pm daily except Mondays and holidays. The latest you can enter the tower is at 5:30pm.
Tickets to go inside can be purchased both online and in-person. To buy online you can purchase from the tower’s website or GetYourGuide. In person ticket sales are at a booth about 100m away from the tower. I’d recommend buying online ahead of time as tickets can sell out.
The Belém tower is a pretty easy 10-15 minute walk from the monastery depending on where you exit. If you’d like to go straight to the tower it’s about a 20 minute walk from the Belém train station, or you can take the 15E bus from Cais do Sodre in the direction of Algés, getting off at Lg. Princessa.
6. Miradouro da Graça / 7. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
About Miradouros
One word you definitely need to know before visiting Lisbon is miradouro, which is a Portuguese word that translates essentially to “viewpoint”. You’ll see signs to these throughout the city and if you’re not in a rush it’s usually worthwhile to take a quick detour to see them. Since Lisbon is built on a hill, there’s a lot of great places to get gorgeous views over the city, and these two are two of my favorites that you won’t want to miss.
I really recommend stopping at as many miradouros as you can make time for because they are such a unique feature of Lisbon. These two were our favorites when we went, and we visited them multiple times because you can never get enough great views of Lisbon. It is such a uniquely beautiful city and these viewpoints give you a great opportunity to relax and appreciate where you are.
Miradouro da Graça
Nearest Metro Station
Martim Moniz (Green)
Opening Hours
6am – 10pm
Price
Free
About
Miradouro da Graça is located in the Alfama neighborhood, roughly 10 minutes walking from the castle. It’s at the bottom of a cute park, and there’s a bar and plenty of places to sit and catch the view.
It’s particularly stunning, and popular, around sunset where you get panoramic views over the city. This is a great place to take in the view and just sit and relax for a while to give your legs and feet a well-deserved break from the hills and cobblestones.
How to Visit
The viewpoint is open essentially all day and doesn’t require any tickets to visit. Officially the hours are listed as 6am – 10pm but I’m not sure if there’s gates that actually close it off. Regardless, expect it to be open until at least a little after dark as it’s a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Miradouro da Graça is about a 15 minute walk from the nearest metro station, Martim Moniz, on the green metro line. There are several bus and tram lines that can get you closer, with the closest one being the Lg. Graça bus station, serviced by the 10B bus line.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Nearest Metro Station
Terreiro do Paço (Blue)
Opening Hours
24/7
Price
Free
About
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is also in Alfama, but is lower down and is about a 5 minute walk from the cathedral. Since it’s lower down on the hill you don’t have quite as expansive of a view as you do at Miradouro da Graça, but what I love about Miradouro de Santa Luzia is that it is covered in decorative blue and white tiles known as Azulejos. These tiles are a popular decoration found throughout Portugal and the combination of the tiles with the blue backdrop of the Tagus River make this a fantastic photo spot.
How to Visit
The closest metro station to this viewpoint is Terreiro do Paço on the blue line, which is about a 15 minute walk. There is also a Miradouro de Santa Luzia bus stop that is serviced by the 10B, 12E, and 28E bus lines.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is open all day every day and requires no tickets to visit. It’s a great spot for photos or a picnic meal. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the cathedral so I’d recommend visiting them both on the same day.
How to Visit
How to Get There
Lisbon’s airport is well-connected to destinations in Europe, the US, and the world, and flying to Lisbon is the easiest way to get there. It’s a great place to fly to from the east coast of the United States because the flight is shorter and often cheaper than other European destinations. The city is also reachable in about 8 hours from Madrid and 3 hours from Porto by train or bus.
Reaching the city from the airport is very convenient as the metro comes all the way to the airport. You can buy a ticket at the station and be in the center of the city within 30-45 minutes.
Getting Around
Lisbon has a solid public transportation system that is helpful for saving your legs from the seemingly endless hills. There’s an underground metro system as well as a large network of iconic yellow trams and many buses.
The easiest way to ride is to purchase a 7 Colinas card (aka Viva Viagem card) for €0.50. This card can then be loaded up with additional money, either for single tickets, or a whole-day pass. Single tickets cost €1.50 and day passes are €6.40.
Where to Stay
Lisbon has several popular neighborhoods that each have their own characteristics to consider when picking a location to stay.
Alfama – The most traditional neighborhood in Lisbon known for its narrow, winding streets. It was traditionally a fisherman’s neighborhood and was the most preserved area of the city during the 1755 earthquake. As a result, it has the oldest and most original architecture in the city.
Baixa – The most central neighborhood in Lisbon that is filled with shops and restaurants and is frequently busy throughout the day. It was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and is now home to some of Lisbon’s most recognizable sites such as Comércio Square.
Chiado & Bairro Alto – These two adjoining neighborhoods are known for their culture and nightlife. Bairro Alto in particular is known for being an “alternative” neighborhood is and streets are often filled with graffiti.
Belém – This neighborhood is home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. It was originally a suburb of the city but the city expanded to the point that it includes Belém. This is one of the least central neighborhoods to stay in.
While you can’t go wrong with any of these neighborhoods, my personal recommendation is to stay in Alfama. I found the neighborhood beautiful and charming and it feels like the most authentic Lisbon experience. Simply walking the streets is a fun activity on its own.
What to Eat
Local Dishes
In my opinion, Portuguese cuisine is underrated and is one of the highlights of any visit to Portugal. They have great seafood thanks to their proximity to the ocean, excellent pastries and coffee, and it is all incredibly affordable. I don’t think I had a single meal there that wasn’t outstanding. These are some of the most notable local dishes to try when you visit:
Bacalhau: Salted codfish that is rehydrated and used to create a variety of local dishes
Bacalhau à Brás: The most iconic bacalhau dish which is made with shredded bacalhau mixed with onions, potatoes, and scrambled egg
Bifanas: A simple sandwich made with strips of pork seasoned with garlic and white wine, often served with mustard
Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas assadas): Fresh sardines cooked over a grill and seasoned simply with salt and lemon juice, only available during the summer months
Pastéis de Nata: Iconic custard filled tarts with a crispy pastry shell that are often topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar
Piri-Piri Chicken (Frango piri-piri): Chicken cooked over a charcoal grill with a piri-piri sauce, typically served by a style of take-out restaurant called a churrasqueira
Prego: A steak sandwich made with a cut of steak pounded thin with garlic served on warm bread
Seafood Rice (Arroz de marisco): A soupy risotto filled with a variety of different seafoods
Great Restaurants
Lisbon is full of great places to eat and many of them are easy on the wallet as well. Here are some of my favorites:
Cervejaria Ramiro: Famous seafood restaurant with tons of different shellfish options
Manteigaria: The BEST place to get pastéis de nata
Mister Tapas: Fun tapas truck perfect for a waterside meal or snack
Pastéis de Belém: The original spot for pastéis de nata (here they call them pastéis de belém)
Penalva da Graça: Authentic seafood restaurant with great seafood rice (pictured above)
Time Out Market: Food hall with lots of great local options
Tropical da Graça: Small local churrasqueira serving delicious grilled chicken for a low price (pictured above)
These are 7 of my favorite places to go when visiting Lisbon and you can easily get to all of them even if you only have a day or two. Lisbon is such an incredible city, if you get the chance to go you absolutely should; you will love it!
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