Lisbon Places To Visit

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is located on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. With its rich history, stunning architecture, culture and vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking to experience its rich history, culture, entertainment or simply appreciate its beautiful landscapes, Lisbon has something to offer for everyone.

History of Lisbon

The city of Lisbon has a long and fascinating history dating back to the pre-Roman era. The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the first recorded settlement being founded by ancient Phoenician traders in the 8th century BC. Over the centuries, the city has been conquered and ruled by several civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths and Moors.

Since the 15th century, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal and has become a major trading port, connecting the country with other parts of Europe and the world. During this time, it became one of the most important cities in all of Europe, attracting merchants from all over the world who wanted to take advantage of its strategic position and its wealth of resources. This period saw a great deal of cultural, architectural and economic development in Lisbon, with some of its most famous monuments being built during this time.

Facts about Lisbon

Today, Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and is home to more than 500,000 people. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is known for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. Popular attractions in Lisbon include its beautiful churches and cathedrals, museums, galleries, parks, plazas and monuments. There are also plenty of activities to do in Lisbon such as sailing, surfing, shopping and dining.

Lisbon is also known for its lively nightlife. The city offers plenty of bars, pubs and nightclubs that stay open late into the night. The city is also home to some of Portugal’s best restaurants, offering a variety of delicious local cuisine. Lisbon is a great place for travelers looking for a unique cultural experience.

What Makes Lisbon Unique?

Lisbon is unique in many ways, but what makes it stand out from other cities is its unique architecture and culture. Lisbon has a mix of old and new architecture, with grand baroque buildings and ancient monuments interspersed with modern high-rises. The city also has a vibrant street art scene, with colorful graffiti adorning many of its buildings.

The city is also known for its lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, pubs and nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Lisbon also has some of Portugal’s best restaurants, offering a variety of delicious local cuisine.

Popular Sights & Activities in Lisbon

Lisbon is filled with amazing sights and activities for tourists to enjoy. Some of the most popular sights in Lisbon include:

The Belem Tower

The Belem Tower was built in 1515 as a symbol of Portugal’s great Age of Discovery. It stands at the mouth of the Tagus River, near where ships departed to explore new lands during this period. The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular sights in Lisbon.

Jeronimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery is a 16th century monastery located in the Belem district of Lisbon. It was built as a tribute to Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, and is one of the most iconic buildings in Lisbon. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art) is one of the most important art museums in Portugal. It houses a large collection of Portuguese art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, as well as works from other European countries such as Spain, Italy and Flanders. The museum is located in an impressive 18th century palace in central Lisbon.

Sintra

Sintra is a small town located just outside Lisbon that is famous for its stunning palaces and gardens. The town is home to several royal palaces such as the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira Palace, as well as numerous gardens. Sintra is a popular destination for day-trips from Lisbon and offers some truly breathtaking sights for visitors to enjoy.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of Europe’s largest aquariums, located at the Parque das Nacoes on the banks of the Tagus River. It houses more than 8,000 aquatic animals from 500 different species, including sharks, rays and seahorses. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits and watch live shows featuring dolphins and sea lions.

Popular Tours in Lisbon

In addition to sightseeing and exploring the city on your own, there are several popular tours that can help you get an even better understanding of Lisbon’s history, culture and attractions. Here are two popular tours in Lisbon that you should consider for your next visit:

Sintra Day Tour

Take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra and explore its fairytale castles and gardens. The Sintra Day Tour takes you to some of Sintra’s most impressive palaces such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira Palace, as well as other sights such as Moorish Castle and Capuchos Convent. The tour also includes round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Lisbon to Sintra so you don’t have to worry about finding your own way there. Book a Sintra Day Tour here.

Lisbon City Tour & River Cruise

Experience the best of Lisbon on this informative sightseeing tour that includes a river cruise on the Tagus River. The tour takes you to some of the city’s most popular sights such as Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and Padrao dos Descobrimentos as well as some lesser-known attractions such as Alfama district which offers stunning views over the city from its cobblestone streets. You will also get to experience a relaxing boat ride on the Tagus River with stunning views over some of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments such as 25 de Abril Bridge. Book a Lisbon City Tour & River Cruise here.