The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places To Visit in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 2nd century BC. It has long been an important port and trading center, and it was once the capital of the mighty Portuguese Empire. Today, this vibrant city is the capital of Portugal, and it is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. With its stunning architecture, stunning natural scenery, vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Lisbon is home to over 500,000 people, making it the largest city in Portugal. It’s located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, meaning it enjoys a mild climate year-round and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a major cultural center, with many museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

When it comes to sights and attractions, Lisbon is filled with plenty to see and do. From its iconic landmarks such as the Torre de Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery to its lively nightlife and numerous festivals and cultural events, Lisbon has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something to do during the day or something to enjoy at night, there’s plenty to explore in this charming city.

In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best places to visit in Lisbon. We’ll discuss its top attractions, where to find the best food, how to get around and much more. So, let’s get started!

Historic Landmarks

Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s most impressive historic landmarks. One of the most iconic is the Torre de Belém, a 16th-century tower located on the banks of the Tagus River. This tower served as a defensive fortification during the Age of Exploration and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other must-see landmarks include the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed 16th-century monastery built in honor of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India; Castelo de São Jorge, an 11th-century Moorish citadel perched atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills; and Elevador de Santa Justa, a 19th-century wrought-iron lift that connects lower and upper parts of the city.

Cultural Attractions

For those looking for a more cultural experience, Lisbon has plenty to offer. The city is home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, dedicated to European and Asian art; the National Museum of Ancient Art, which houses Portugal’s largest collection of antiques; and the Gulbenkian Planetarium, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Other cultural attractions include the National Pantheon, a neoclassical church containing the tombs of some of Portugal’s most famous figures; Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most famous avenue; and Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s largest public square.

Food & Drink

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious cuisine. Portuguese food is known for its simple yet flavorful dishes such as caldo verde (a hearty kale soup), bacalhau (salted codfish), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Be sure to try some of Lisbon’s famous seafood dishes such as caldeirada (a fish stew) and arroz de marisco (seafood stew with rice). For dessert, try some of the city’s delicious pastries such as bolo de arroz (rice cake) or pastel de feijão (bean tart).

For those looking for something to drink, Lisbon is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with plenty of bars and breweries offering locally crafted beers. The city also has an emerging wine scene, with many wineries producing some excellent wines. Don’t forget to try some traditional Portuguese tipples like port and aguardente (brandy).

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Lisbon comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a more chilled evening with friends. Barrio Alto is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Lisbon, with plenty of bars offering live music and DJs playing a variety of music. Bairro Alto also has an excellent selection of restaurants for those looking for a quiet dinner. For those looking for something livelier, head to Docas de Santo Amaro, a former warehouse district which has been transformed into a buzzing nightlife spot with bars and clubs offering everything from funk to drum & bass.

Shopping

Lisbon is also known for its great shopping opportunities. The Baixa district is home to some of the city’s best shops and markets selling everything from handmade crafts to designer clothes. The Feira da Ladra flea market is also worth a visit, offering antiques and unique items at bargain prices. For something more luxurious, head to Chiado where you’ll find high-end boutiques selling designer clothes and accessories.

Day Trips

For those looking for something outside Lisbon itself, there are plenty of day trips available from the city. Sintra is a popular choice; located just 30 minutes away by train, this picturesque village is home to beautiful palaces and gardens such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Cascais is another popular day trip destination located just 20 minutes away from Lisbon by train; here you’ll find beautiful beaches and historic castles such as Cabo da Roca.

Getting Around

Getting around Lisbon is fairly easy thanks to its efficient public transportation network. The metro is the quickest way to get around the city; it covers most areas and there are several lines running through the city centre. Buses are also available for those looking to explore further out of town. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive; Uber is also available in Lisbon if you prefer not to use public transport.

Book a Lisbon Sightseeing Tour

If you’re looking for an easy way to see all that Lisbon has to offer, why not book a sightseeing tour? A guided tour can take you around all of Lisbon’s highlights in one day – from its iconic landmarks such as Torre de Belém and Jerónimos Monastery to its lively nightlife spots – with an experienced guide providing you with all the information you need along the way. Tours usually include transportation between each attraction so you don’t have to worry about planning your own transport or missing out on any of the sights!

Book a Lisbon sightseeing tour today to make sure you don’t miss out on any of Lisbon’s top attractions!

Book an Evening Food Tour

For foodies looking for an authentic taste of Lisbon, why not book an evening food tour? On these tours you’ll visit some of Lisbon’s hidden gems as you sample delicious Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted codfish) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). You’ll also get to sample some of Portugal’s finest wines as your guide takes you on a culinary journey through historic neighborhoods.

Book an evening food tour today for an unforgettable experience in Lisbon!

Book an Urban Art & Street Photography Tour

Lisbon has become known in recent years for its vibrant street art scene; colorful murals can be found all over the city depicting everything from political messages to portraits of local celebrities. If you’re interested in exploring this side of Lisbon, why not book an urban art & street photography tour? On these tours you’ll explore some of Lisbon’s iconic street art while learning tips on taking great photos with your camera or phone.

Book an urban art & street photography tour today for an unforgettable experience in Lisbon!

Conclusion

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities; from its stunning historic landmarks to its vibrant nightlife scene there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for something cultural or something more adventurous there are plenty of things to do in this charming city. With this guide we’ve looked at some of Lisbon’s best attractions so you can make sure you don’t miss out on anything! So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!