Must-Dos in the City of Seven Hills
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Lisbon has it all – history, architecture, food, and beautiful views. From admiring the tiled facades to trying pastel de nata, it is one of the most exciting European cities to visit and has something for every kind of tourist. Here’s a bucket list to make sure you experience everything that Lisbon has to offer!
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
One of the most impressive sights in Lisbon is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, also known as Monument to the Navigators or Monument to the Discoveries. Over 160 feet tall, this monument represents Portugal’s role in the Age of Discoveries and features figures such as Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco de Gama. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for stunning views of Belem and Lisbon. The entrance fee for the museum and lookout terrace is 6 Euros. Around the monument visitors can find the Mappa Mundi, which shows the routes of Portuguese explorers and important dates from the Age of Discoveries.
Jerónimos Monastery
Not to be missed while in Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood is the Jerónimos Monastery, former home to the Order of Saint Jerome. Built in the 16th century, the monastery was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Portuguese Gothic Manueline architecture. Visitors can stroll along the cloisters, admire the church vaults, and see the burial spots of Portuguese greats like Vasco da Gama. Admission is 10 Euros for adults.
Belém Tower
While in the Belem area, make sure to stop by the Belem Tower. This fortification from the 16th century was built to defend Lisbon from attacks along the Tagus River and also served as the disembarkation point for Portuguese explorers. Nowadays, visitors can walk around the tower to admire the architecture and take in stunning views of Belem. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed in the tower at a time, so we recommend you arrive early to avoid waiting in a long line.
Carmo Convent
Perhaps the most stunning attraction in Lisbon is the Carmo Convent. Once home to a Catholic convent, the beautiful ruins that stand today are all that’s left after the earthquake of 1755 destroyed parts of the building. Visitors can now tour the ruins and the archaeological museum to see the preserved architecture and artwork.
Carmo Convent is also the location for Lisbon Under Stars, a show about Lisbon’s culture and heritage told through projections on the convent’s ruins. We highly recommend including this spectacle in your itinerary! More information can be found here.
Castelo de São Jorge
Situated on Lisbon’s highest hill is Castelo de São Jorge – one of the most iconic attractions and the best viewpoint in Lisbon. Visitors can walk along the fortification built in the 11th century, ruins of the former Royal Palace of the Alcáçova, and a garden filled with Portuguese native forest species. And make sure to look out for peacocks! Tickets are 8.5 Euros for adults and can be bought in advance online.
Santa Justa Lift
Lisbon is quite a hilly city, so visitors will be happy to hear they can use the Santa Justa lift to make sightseeing easier. Connecting the Baixa neighborhood to the Bairro Alto district, the lift raises visitors up 45 meters and offers a great view of the city. Don’t forget to check out its architecture while you’re there – it’s built in the same style used by the French architect Gustave Eiffel.
LxFactory
One of the trendiest spots in Lisbon is LxFactory, where visitors can stroll through over 50 shops and restaurants. Originally used as a fabric production plant when it was built in 1846, the building is now Lisbon’s creative hub and social center. If you stop by, we encourage you to check out Ler Devagar Bookstore – make sure to look for the famous flying bicycle and unicycle statues!
Ride Tram 28
A top bucket list item in Lisbon is riding the Tram 28 route. The small yellow trams go through the Alfama, Baixa, and Graca districts and are a great way for visitors to see sights such as the Lisbon Cathedral. Single trip tickets can be purchased from the tram operator or 24 hour passes can be bought at metro stations. We recommend riding the tram in the morning or evening as it’s most crowded during midday.
Museu do Oriente
If you’re looking for a place to beat the heat while in Lisbon, Museu do Oriente is a great stop! Located on the Alcântara waterfront, the museum is home to two permanent exhibits: The Portuguese Presence in Asia and the Gods of Asia. Information about the museum’s temporary exhibits can be found here. Tickets are 6 Euros and can be purchased online.
National Coach Museum
While it may not be on your initial Lisbon bucket list, don’t underestimate the National Coach Museum! The museum contains one of the most famous carriage collections in the world and is one of the most visited museums in Lisbon. Visitors can see carriages from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, all fashioned in their original style and staged with horses.
Eat at Time Out Market
Make sure to include Time Out Market on your list of places to eat. Located in the Cais do Sodre waterfront district, this food hall is home to some of the best restaurants in Lisbon. We recommend dining at Croqueteria!
Try Pastel de Nata
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without trying pastel de nata! This famous Portuguese treat is an egg custard tart that is optionally covered with cinnamon and has strong ties to Belem – it was invented at the Jerónimos Monastery. Visitors can find pastel de nata at most cafes and restaurants around Lisbon.
Try the chocolate cake at Landeau
Landeau Chocolate is a must visit for foodies! The only food option at the cafe is a slice of their chocolate cake, which might be one of the best chocolate cakes in the world according to Food & Wine. There are two locations: one near LxFactory and one on Rua das Flores.
Go on a street art tour
Did you know Lisbon is considered one of the best cities in the world for street art? Visitors can see art referencing Portugal’s revolutionary past and pieces done by Adres, the Portuguese version of Banksy. Consider going on a self-guided walking tour like this one curated by Culture Trip. Or, check out one of the many highly rated group tours on Viator.
If you have more time…
…we highly recommend a day trip to Sintra! This charming town was the first European site listed by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape. Some top sights to see include the Park and National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Sintra National Palace.
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate of the time at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited May 2018 | Posted July 2022
