# Lisbon Sightseeing Map – A Comprehensive Guide

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world, has long been a popular tourist destination. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, it’s no wonder that Lisbon is a top destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, a Lisbon sightseeing map is essential for navigating the city and discovering its many attractions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many sights, sounds, and experiences that Lisbon has to offer.

## History of Lisbon

Lisbon’s history dates back to at least the 2nd century BC when Celtic tribes settled in the area. Over the centuries, the city became an important trading port and was ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. The city was conquered by Afonso Henriques in 1147, which marked the beginning of Portugal’s independence from the Moors. As a result, Lisbon became the capital of Portugal and a major port for trading with the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

In 1755, Lisbon was devastated by a massive earthquake that killed thousands of people and destroyed much of the city. The city was rebuilt in the neoclassical style, and many of the buildings that still stand today were constructed in this period. During the 19th century, Lisbon experienced a period of economic growth due to new trading routes and industry. The city underwent further modernization in the late 20th century with the construction of new roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Today, Lisbon is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe with a population of over 500,000 people. It is known for its culture, cuisine, and nightlife, as well as its many parks and gardens. The city is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and other attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.

## What to See in Lisbon

Lisbon has something for everyone, from historical sites to modern attractions. Below are some of the most popular sights in Lisbon:

### Castle of Sao Jorge
Situated on top of a hill in the heart of Lisbon’s old town, the Castle of Sao Jorge is one of the most visited sites in the city. The castle dates back to medieval times and offers stunning views of the city below. Inside the castle walls are several archaeological sites, including Moorish baths and a Roman forum. Visitors can also explore the castle’s gardens and learn about its long history.

### Belem Tower
The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the mouth of the Tagus River. It was constructed in the 16th century to defend the city from sea-faring invaders and is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. The tower is now a museum where visitors can learn about its history and admire its beautiful architecture.

### Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Belem district of Lisbon. It was built in the early 16th century in honor of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and is a prime example of Manueline architecture. The monastery contains an impressive collection of religious artifacts and is surrounded by lush gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.

### Rossio Square
Rossio Square is one of Lisbon’s most popular public squares. It is located in downtown Lisbon and has been an important gathering place since medieval times. Today, Rossio Square is a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. It is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where visitors can shop for souvenirs or have a bite to eat.

### Elevador de Santa Justa
The Elevador de Santa Justa is a 19th century lift located in central Lisbon that connects the Baixa district to higher areas of the city. The lift is a feat of engineering and offers stunning views over the city from its top platform. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and admire the view.

## Tours in Lisbon
In addition to exploring the city on your own, there are several popular tours that can help you make the most out of your visit to Lisbon. Below are two of our favorite tours:

Lisbon Sightseeing Tour

The Lisbon Sightseeing Tour is a great way to get familiar with the city’s main attractions. This 3-hour tour takes you around some of Lisbon’s most popular landmarks and provides an overview of its history and culture. You’ll visit sites such as Sao Jorge Castle, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Rossio Square, and Elevador de Santa Justa as you learn about their significance to Lisbon’s past and present. You can book this tour here.

Lisbon River Cruise

The Lisbon River Cruise is an excellent way to explore the Tagus River that runs through Lisbon. This 1-hour cruise takes you along some of Lisbon’s most beautiful waterfront areas as you learn about its past and present from an experienced guide. You’ll pass by landmarks such as Belem Tower, Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), and other important sites along the way. You can book this tour here.

## Where to Stay in Lisbon
If you plan on staying in Lisbon for more than a day or two, there are plenty of great accommodations to choose from ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. We recommend staying in the historic center of town where you can be close to some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Here are some of our favorite places to stay in Lisbon:

### The Independente Hostel & Suites
The Independente Hostel & Suites is located just steps away from Rossio Square in central Lisbon. This stylish hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The hostel also boasts an outdoor terrace with stunning views over the city and a restaurant serving delicious Portuguese cuisine.

### Hotel da Estrela
The Hotel da Estrela is located near several attractions such as Sao Pedro de Alcantara Belvedere and Gulbenkian Museum in Estrela district. This hotel offers luxurious rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s on-site restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine or relax in its spa with sauna and hot tubs.

### Hotel Cerca Del Sol
The Hotel Cerca Del Sol is located next to Sao Bento Station in central Lisbon’s old town district. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor terrace with stunning views over the city or enjoy breakfast at its on-site restaurant serving traditional Portuguese dishes.

## Conclusion
Lisbon is an amazing city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for historical sites or modern attractions, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. A sightseeing map can help you get around town easily and explore all that it has to offer. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife, it’s no wonder that Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world.