Lisbon: An In-Depth Guide to the Top 10 Attractions

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, the oldest nation in Western Europe. A vibrant city, Lisbon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal and the world. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, ranging from medieval churches to grandiose Baroque buildings. It has a long history, and its streets are filled with reminders of past eras, such as the iconic yellow trams that have become a symbol of the city. Located near the mouth of the Tagus River, Lisbon offers visitors a unique experience with its rich culture, great food, and a mild Mediterranean climate.

Lisbon is a great place to explore by foot, as its cobbled streets, monuments, and plazas offer plenty of interesting sites for visitors to discover. With its wonderful views, excellent cuisine, and lively nightlife, Lisbon is a great destination for travelers looking for an unforgettable experience. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions in Lisbon, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 attractions that you won’t want to miss out on during your visit.

1. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, this grand monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. It is an impressive building made of white limestone, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls and towers. Inside the monastery, visitors can admire its vast cloisters and chapels, as well as its ornate Tomb of Vasco da Gama – the explorer who discovered the sea route to India. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is also home to the National Archaeology Museum, where visitors can explore centuries-old artifacts from Portugal and beyond.

2. Castelo de São Jorge

The Castelo de São Jorge is a 10th-century Moorish castle that stands atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. It was originally built by the Moors in the 9th century and later fortified by Christian forces in the 12th century. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s walls and walkways, as well as its towers, courtyards and gardens. The castle also offers unbeatable views of Lisbon’s cityscape and the Tagus River.

3. Torre de Belém

The Torre de Belém is a 16th-century tower located at the mouth of the Tagus River. It was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India and is considered to be one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon. The tower is made of white limestone and is decorated with intricate carvings and statues. Visitors can explore its various levels and take in spectacular views of Lisbon from its top deck.

4. Oceanário de Lisboa

The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and is home to more than 8,000 species of marine life. Located on the banks of the Tagus River in Parque das Nações, this impressive aquarium features two huge tanks – one with tropical fish and another with fish native to colder climates. Visitors can take guided tours of the aquarium or explore its interactive exhibits on their own.

5. Elevador de Santa Justa

The Elevador de Santa Justa is an iconic 19th-century elevator located in central Lisbon. It was built by a student of Gustave Eiffel, and it provides a unique way to explore Lisbon’s old town. The elevator takes visitors up to a viewing platform at the top of a hill, offering stunning views of Lisbon’s rooftops and monuments.

6. Praça do Comércio

Located on the banks of the Tagus River, Praça do Comércio (also known as Terreiro do Paço) is one of Lisbon’s main squares. Once an important port for merchants arriving from overseas, today it is home to grandiose buildings such as Palácio da Independência, which houses the city’s Town Hall. During summer months, visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts and performances held in this historic square.

7. Tram 28

The iconic Tram 28 is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon. This vintage yellow tram takes passengers on a journey through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods, including Alfama, Graça and Estrela. This unique experience offers visitors a chance to explore Lisbon’s cobblestone streets and admire its colorful buildings from a different perspective.

8. Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife district and one of its most popular attractions. Here visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with cozy bars and pubs offering everything from traditional Portuguese tapas to live music. During summer months, visitors can enjoy outdoor terraces that offer stunning views of the city below.

9. Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is Lisbon’s modern neighborhood located on the banks of the Tagus River. This area features futuristic architecture, such as its iconic cable-stayed bridge, as well as numerous attractions such as Oceanário de Lisboa, Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Knowledge Pavilion), and Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. This area is a great place for visitors to explore during their visit to Lisbon.

10. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is an art museum located in central Lisbon that houses a vast collection of artworks from various cultures and time periods. Its collection includes paintings by European masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece and Rome. Visitors can also admire beautiful sculptures and furniture from different eras in this museum’s impressive galleries.

Popular Tours In Lisbon

Lisbon offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to get an up-close look at some of the city’s top attractions. Here are two popular tours that you won’t want to miss out on during your visit:

Lisbon City Tour by Tram

This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods aboard a vintage yellow tram. During this tour, visitors will be able to explore charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings and visit top sites such as Rossio Square and Alfama district while learning more about Lisbon’s history and culture from their knowledgeable guide along the way. At the end of the tour, visitors can also enjoy spectacular views from one of Lisbon’s lookout points overlooking the Tagus River before heading back to their starting point. To book this tour, click here.

Walking Tour Through Lisbon’s Historic Alfama District

This tour takes visitors on an exploration through Alfama district – one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods filled with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and colorful buildings that are centuries old. During this tour, visitors will learn all about Alfama’s unique history from their knowledgeable guide while discovering hidden gems along the way such as charming squares and lookouts offering breathtaking views of Lisbon’s cityscape below. To book this tour click here.

In conclusion, there are plenty of incredible attractions in Lisbon that are worth exploring during your visit. From awe-inspiring monuments to vibrant nightlife districts, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. So make sure to visit some (or all!) of these 10 must-see attractions in order to get an unforgettable experience during your time in Lisbon!