Lisbon – Best Places To Visit

Lisbon is the colourful capital of Portugal, known for its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning architecture. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon has been an important port city since Roman times and a hub for trade and cultural exchange for centuries. It is a fascinating mix of old and new, where historic churches and iconic monuments stand alongside modern museums and lively bars. With its cobbled streets, tiled buildings and stunning coastline, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most captivating cities, and it’s easy to understand why it has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

History of Lisbon

Lisbon is the oldest city in Europe and has been inhabited since pre-Roman times. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE, and it has been occupied by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Romans, Visigoths and Moors. In 1147, the city was conquered by Afonso Henriques, who became the first king of Portugal, and Lisbon soon became a major centre of commerce and culture. The city flourished during the Age of Discovery in the 15th century, when it became a major trading post for goods from Africa, India and other parts of the world.

Over the centuries, Lisbon experienced a number of devastating earthquakes and was repeatedly devastated by fire. In 1755, an earthquake measuring 8.5 magnitude struck the city, destroying much of its historical centre. Despite this, Lisbon quickly rebuilt itself and today it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital.

Interesting Facts About Lisbon

• Lisbon is home to over 500,000 people, making it Portugal’s largest city.

• The Portuguese language originated in Lisbon in the 13th century.

• It is one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine each year.

• The iconic Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks.

• The locals are known for their passion for fado music – a traditional style of Portuguese folk music.

• Lisbon has seven hills which offer breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding areas.

• The historic Alfama neighbourhood is one of the oldest parts of Lisbon and is known for its narrow cobbled streets and colourful tiled buildings.

• The city’s trams are iconic landmarks in their own right – they were first introduced in 1873.

• Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod) and pasteis de nata (custard tarts).

Things To Do in Lisbon

It’s impossible to get bored in Lisbon – there’s so much to see and do! From exploring its historic neighbourhoods to discovering its vibrant art scene, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in this vibrant city.

Visit the Museums

Lisbon has no shortage of museums – from art galleries to science museums and everything in between! If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the National Museum of Ancient Art or take a tour of one of Lisbon’s many private galleries. For those interested in science and technology, head to the Science Museum or visit the interactive exhibits at the Electricity Museum.

Explore Alfama

The Alfama district is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods and is full of narrow cobbled streets and colourful tiled buildings. Take a leisurely stroll through its winding alleyways – you’ll discover hidden gems like traditional restaurants and hidden courtyards. Be sure to stop by one of the fado houses to experience this traditional Portuguese music style.

Take a Tram Ride

The iconic yellow trams are one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks and are a great way to get around the city. Taking a tram ride is an experience in itself – you’ll get to see some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights as you make your way around town!

Visit Belem Tower

The iconic Torre de Belém is one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks – it was built as a fortification during Portugal’s Age of Discovery in the 16th century and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of this stunning monument to learn about its history and admire its beautiful Manueline architecture.

Experience Nightlife

Lisbon is well known for its vibrant nightlife – from lively bars to trendy clubs, you’ll find something for everyone! Head to Bairro Alto for an evening of bar-hopping or take a trip down to Cais do Sodré for an alternative night out at one of its quirky clubs or bars.

Sample Local Cuisine

No trip to Lisbon would be complete without sampling some of its delicious local cuisine! Be sure to try some traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod) or pastel de nata (custard tarts), both of which are staples in Portuguese cuisine. You’ll also find plenty of seafood dishes on offer – be sure to try some grilled sardines or caldeirada (seafood stew).

Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon Half-Day Tour

Discover all that Lisbon has to offer on this half-day tour! This 4-hour tour will take you through some of the city’s most iconic sights such as Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and Sao Jorge Castle as well as some lesser-known gems like Graça Hill and Alfama district. You’ll also get to sample some local delicacies as you take a stroll through downtown Lisbon. Book your Lisbon Half-Day Tour here for an unforgettable experience!

Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon

Explore the lush landscape and fairy-tale castles of Sintra on this full day tour from Lisbon! On this 8-hour tour you’ll visit Sintra National Palace, Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira as well as some lesser-known gems like Castelo dos Mouros. After exploring Sintra you will also have time to visit Cabo da Roca – Europe’s westernmost point – before heading back to Lisbon in the evening. Book your Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon here for an unforgettable experience!

Lisbon Food Tour

Discover some of Lisbon’s best local delicacies on this 3-hour food tour! On this tour you’ll sample some traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod) and pastel de nata (custard tarts) as well as sample some local wines from the region. You’ll also get to explore some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighbourhoods such as Alfama district and Baixa district, so you can get a real taste of life in this vibrant city. Book your Lisbon Food Tour here for an unforgettable experience!

Conclusion

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most captivating cities – with its cobbled streets, colourful tiled buildings and stunning coastline, it offers something for everyone! From exploring its historic neighbourhoods to discovering its vibrant nightlife scene, there are plenty of things to see and do in this fascinating city. Be sure to include some popular tours such as a Half-Day Tour or Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon on your itinerary – they are both great ways to experience all that Lisbon has to offer!