Tourist Places In Lisbon: A City Guide for First-Timers

Lisbon is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe. Located on the Atlantic coast, it is the capital city of Portugal and is renowned for its vibrant culture and stunningly preserved architecture. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the city’s old-world charm and explore its many attractions. From historical landmarks to modern museums, Lisbon has something for everyone. Here is a guide to the best tourist spots in Lisbon.

History of Lisbon

Lisbon has a long and rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. It was part of the Roman Lusitania Province, and then became part of the Visigothic Kingdom. In 1147, it was conquered by Christian forces during the Second Crusade and became part of Portugal. By the 16th century, it had become a major port city, trading with the Far East and Brazil. The city was almost completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1755, but it was quickly rebuilt.

Today, Lisbon is one of the most populous cities in Portugal with a population of over 2.8 million people. It is renowned for its vibrant culture and unique architecture, which includes a mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Its old-world charm attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its many attractions including historical sites, museums, galleries, and parks.

Things to Do in Lisbon

There are so many attractions in Lisbon that it can be hard to pick just a few to visit, but here are some of the top tourist spots in the city:

Torre de Belém

Located in the Praça do Império, Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1515 as a fortress to protect the city from attacks by sea. The tower is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon. It’s also a great place to take photos of the Tagus River and get an amazing view of the city skyline.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery) is a magnificent 16th century monastery built in honor of Vasco da Gama, who was the first Portuguese explorer to sail around the world. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist spots. The monastery has an ornate interior with beautiful vaulted ceilings, stone arches, and stained glass windows. It’s also home to the Tomb of Vasco da Gama, which is a must-see for visitors.

Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) is one of Lisbon’s largest public squares. It was originally built as a royal palace in 1755 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. Today, it is home to a bustling outdoor market where visitors can buy souvenirs and local produce. There are also several cafes and restaurants in the area where you can enjoy some traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge (St. George Castle) is an 11th century fortress located on one of Lisbon’s seven hills. It was once used as a royal palace but is now open to visitors who can explore its many towers, dungeons, and walls. From the top of the castle, you can get an amazing view of the city and the Tagus River below.

Aqueduto das Águas Livres

The Aqueduto das Águas Livres (Free Waters Aqueduct) is an 18th century aqueduct that was built to bring water to Lisbon from nearby mountains. It’s one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and is a great place to take photos or enjoy a picnic in the park.

Tours in Lisbon

Exploring Lisbon’s many attractions can be overwhelming, so why not take a tour? Here are two popular tour options to consider when visiting Lisbon:

Lisbon Sightseeing Tour

This comprehensive tour will take you to some of Lisbon’s most iconic attractions including Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Praça do Comércio, and Castelo de São Jorge. You’ll also get to explore some of Lisbon’s lesser-known sights such as the Bairro Alto district and Ajuda National Palace. The tour also includes a visit to Belem Tower where you’ll get amazing views of the city and Tagus River below. The tour lasts about four hours and includes transportation from your hotel. Book a Lisbon Sightseeing Tour here.

Lisbon Food Tour

Discover the unique flavors of Portugal on this culinary tour through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. You’ll visit some of the city’s best restaurants to sample traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod), pastel de nata (custard tarts), and pasteis de Belem (egg tarts). You’ll also get to explore some hidden gems such as local markets and bistros. The tour lasts about three hours and includes transportation from your hotel. Book a Lisbon Food Tour here.

Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon

Before you visit Lisbon, there are a few things you should know:

• Be prepared for hot summers, as temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F).
• The currency in Portugal is Euro (€).
• Lisbon is a great walking city so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Most restaurants don’t accept credit cards so make sure to carry cash with you.
• Tipping isn’t required at restaurants but it’s appreciated if you do leave something.
• Public transportation is reliable and affordable but make sure to check schedules ahead of time.
• Don’t forget to try some local pastries such as pastel de nata (custard tarts) and pasteis de Belem (egg tarts).

For first-time visitors looking for an unforgettable experience, there’s no better place than Lisbon! From historical landmarks to modern museums, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed tour or just want to explore on your own, Lisbon has something for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!