Lisbon Must See Attractions: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Iron Age. From the 7th century BC to the 15th century AD, Lisbon was an important port city and trading hub, exchanging goods between Europe and North Africa. Lisbon’s old town was largely destroyed by an earthquake and resulting tsunami in 1755, but it was quickly rebuilt and today stands as a testament to the city’s resilience.

Today, Lisbon is a vibrant city filled with culture, art, great food, and plenty of history. With its beautiful architecture, stunning views, and excellent public transportation system, it’s easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re looking for an exciting nightlife or a relaxing day of sightseeing, Lisbon has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Lisbon’s must see attractions, including popular tours and activities you won’t want to miss.

Overview of Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is located on the Atlantic coast and is one of Europe’s oldest cities. The city is home to around 500,000 people and is the country’s largest city. Lisbon has a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it an ideal destination for travelers year-round.

Lisbon is a city full of culture and tradition. From its traditional food and music to its stunning architecture, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. The city is also home to some of the world’s oldest monuments and landmarks, including the iconic Torre de Belém and the Castelo de São Jorge. Visitors can also explore world-class museums, galleries, parks and gardens, and bustling markets.

Lisbon is a vibrant city with an exciting nightlife. The city is home to some of Europe’s best bars and clubs, offering everything from traditional fado music to contemporary pop music. Whether you’re looking for a wild night out or a cozy evening in one of Lisbon’s many pubs, you won’t be disappointed.

Must See Attractions in Lisbon

Torre de Belém

The iconic Torre de Belém is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions. The 16th century fortress was built to protect the city from sea attacks and served as a symbol of Portuguese maritime power during the Age of Discovery. Today, visitors can explore the fortress’s grand entryway, courtyard, chapel, and terraces for stunning views of the city.

Castelo de São Jorge

The Castelo de São Jorge is an 11th century castle perched atop one of Lisbon’s hills. The castle is a popular attraction for visitors who want to get a glimpse of what life was like during the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the castle walls, turrets, ramparts, moat and gardens as well as learn about the history of the castle from its exhibits.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) is one of Lisbon’s most popular museums. The museum houses a vast collection of art from the 12th century onward, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya and more. Visitors can explore the museum’s grand galleries, which are filled with sculptures, paintings, tapestries and furniture from Portugal’s rich history.

Alfama District

The Alfama District is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods and is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, vibrant shops and cafes. The district is home to some of Lisbon’s oldest churches and monuments as well as traditional fado restaurants where visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese music.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of Europe’s largest aquariums and is home to thousands of marine animals from around the world. Visitors can explore the four large tanks featuring different marine habitats as well as learn about the importance of conservation through interactive exhibits.

Popular Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon City Sightseeing Tour

The Lisbon City Sightseeing Tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. The tour takes visitors to some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks including the Torre de Belém and Castelo de São Jorge as well as some of the city’s best museums and galleries. During the tour, visitors will get to experience the best of what Lisbon has to offer from its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture. Book a Lisbon City Sightseeing Tour here.

Lisbon Food Tour

Experience some of Lisbon’s best traditional cuisine with a food tour through the city’s historic neighborhoods. The tour takes visitors to some of Lisbon’s best restaurants where they can sample local dishes such as bacalhau (codfish) and arroz de pato (duck rice). Visitors will also learn about Portugal’s unique food culture and get to experience traditional Portuguese hospitality firsthand. Book a Lisbon Food Tour here.

Lisbon Segway Tour

For those looking for an exciting way to explore Lisbon, a Segway tour is a great option. During the tour, visitors get to explore some of Lisbon’s best sights while riding their own Segway through the city’s beautiful streets and parks. Visitors will also get to experience some of Lisbon’s best views, including breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of its famous hillsides. Book a Lisbon Segway Tour here.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for an exciting nightlife or a relaxing day of sightseeing, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, there are plenty of must-see attractions in this beautiful city. From its iconic monuments to its bustling markets and traditional restaurants, visitors can experience all that Lisbon has to offer by taking part in some of its popular tours. Don’t forget to book your tour through Viator or GetYourGuide so that you can experience all that this amazing city has to offer!