Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is known for its unique charm, its architecture, its vibrant culture and its historical sites, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With its winding streets, its picturesque neighborhoods, and its beautiful parks, Lisbon is a city that offers something for everyone.

Situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC. It was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, and served as an important port during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The city has experienced a turbulent past, with a catastrophic earthquake in 1755 and it was occupied by Napoleon’s army in 1807. After a period of decline, Lisbon is now firmly established as one of the most popular cities in Europe, with a diverse population of over 500,000 people.

In recent years, Lisbon has become increasingly popular with tourists from around the world. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, its many cultural attractions, its beautiful beaches, and its world-class restaurants. With its Mediterranean climate, its stunning views of the Tagus River, and its interesting mix of old and new architecture, it’s easy to understand why Lisbon attracts so many visitors.

To get the most out of your trip to Lisbon, it’s important to be familiar with some of the best attractions that the city has to offer. While there are plenty of attractions to choose from, here is a handy Lisbon attractions map that will help you discover some of the city’s must-see sights:

1. Belém Tower

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), or the Tower of St. Vincent, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in the early 16th century as part of a defense system for the Tagus River and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower is an excellent example of Portuguese Mannerist architecture and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaped lawns. Inside the tower is a museum that houses a collection of artifacts related to Portuguese maritime exploration.

2. Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is another stunning example of Portuguese architecture. Located in the Belém district of Lisbon, this monastery was built in 1502 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. It is an excellent example of Manueline architectural style, with intricate stonework and detailed carvings. The monastery also houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama and a collection of religious art and artifacts.

3. São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is another iconic landmark of Lisbon. It is one of the oldest castles in Europe and it dates back to the Iron Age. Located on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this castle offers stunning views of the city and it is surrounded by lush gardens and landscaped lawns. Inside the castle are several exhibits related to Portugal’s history, including weapons, armor, and artifacts from various periods in Portuguese history.

4. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa) is an iconic landmark in Lisbon that was built in 1902 by Gustav Eiffel. This 45-meter tall iron structure connects two parts of Lisbon’s city center and offers spectacular views of the city from its observation deck. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and it is a great way to take in some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights.

5. LX Factory

The LX Factory (Fábrica LX) is a unique shopping and entertainment complex located in Lisbon’s industrial district. This former industrial site has been transformed into an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, galleries, bars, and performance venues. It is a great place to explore Lisbon’s creative culture and to discover some unique local stores and eateries.

6. Time Out Market

The Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) is a food market located in Lisbon’s historic district. This market offers an array of food stalls, restaurants, bars, and cafes offering cuisine from all over the world. It is a great place to experience Lisbon’s culinary culture and to sample some of Portugal’s famous dishes.

7. Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) is an area in Lisbon that was redeveloped for Expo “98 – a world fair that was held in 1998. This area is now home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic attractions including the Oceanarium, Pavilhão do Conhecimento science museum, and the cable car that offers stunning views of the city from above.

8. Belem Cultural Center

The Belem Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Belém) is an arts center located in Lisbon’s historic center. This complex houses several museums, galleries, theaters, libraries, and other cultural attractions including a planetarium and an auditorium for concerts and shows. The Belem Cultural Center also hosts various festivals throughout the year that celebrate Portuguese culture and art.

9. Alfama

Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods and it has managed to retain much of its historical charm over the years. This area is filled with narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional houses and shops selling traditional goods such as pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and hand-painted tiles. Alfama is also home to Lisbon’s main Fado district where you can experience this traditional Portuguese music style at one of the many bars and restaurants located here.

These are just some of the many attractions that you can explore during your visit to Lisbon. To help make your trip even more special you can book a few activities or tours that will help you discover more about this unique city:

Example Tour #1: Lisbon Food Tour

Discover Lisbon’s culinary culture with this 3-hour guided food tour. You will explore some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods while sampling delicious local dishes at some of the city’s best restaurants. You will learn about traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as some more modern takes on classic dishes such as freshly caught seafood and local wines. This tour will give you an insider look into Lisbon’s food scene and you will get to sample some mouthwatering dishes along the way! Book a Lisbon Food Tour here.

Example Tour #2: Segway Tour

Explore Lisbon from a unique perspective with this 2-hour guided Segway tour! You will get to explore some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Belém while taking in stunning views of the Tagus River along the way. You will also learn about Portuguese culture, history, and architecture as you glide through these historic streets on your Segway! This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Lisbon in an exciting way! Book a Segway Tour here.

Example Tour #3: Walking Tour

Discover Lisbon’s historic center with this 2-hour walking tour! You will get to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and more as you take in stunning views of the city from above! Your guide will also provide you with interesting facts about these landmarks as well as anecdotes about Portuguese history. This tour is perfect for those who want to learn more about Portugal’s fascinating past! Book a Walking Tour here.

Whether you are visiting for a few days or longer, Lisbon has something for everyone! With its vibrant culture, its beautiful architecture, its delicious cuisine, and its many attractions, this city will delight even the most experienced traveler! So be sure to explore all that this fascinating city has to offer with these recommended tours!