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Portugal has long been my favorite, with great many sights to see. There is no shortage of popular tourist attractions in Lisbon, making it difficult for travelers with limited time to choose what to see.
Amble along with me as my Lisbon blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Lisbon.
Going on a 5 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Lisbon. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Lisbon and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Tower of Belém
Tower of Belém is a fortified medieval tower located in the city of Lisbon.
It was once part of the defensive walls which surrounded the city.
Quick Facts:
- Designed by Francisco de Arruda, Francisco de Holanda, António Viana Barreto, António de Azevedo e Cunha, the construction of the medieval tower started in 1514.
- Touching a height of 30 m, the medieval tower was built in 16th-century.
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is a religious complex founded centuries ago.
The castle offers sweeping panoramic of the entire area. Beautiful frescoes and simplistic decorations adorn the sanctuary’s walls, depicting biblical and other Christian scenes in vivid detail.
Quick Facts:
- The christian monastery is located near the Tagus river.
- Jerónimos Monastery is also known as Hieronymites Monastery.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Renaissance architecture, Manueline, Plateresque.
- The christian monastery is dedicated to the Order of Saint Jerome.
- Jerónimos Monastery is also the final resting place of greats such as Vasco da Gama, Manuel I of Portugal, Luís de Camões.
- It is also a designated UNESCO World heritage site.
A natural crowd puller, Jerónimos Monastery is right up there in the list of best things to do in Lisbon.
Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
3. Castelo de S. Jorge
Located on top of a high hill, Castelo de S. Jorge is a beautiful medieval structure.
Castelo de S. Jorge makes for a great sunny day activity. There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Castelo de S. Jorge is located in the old neighborhood of Alfama.
- The castle was built somewhere around 11th-century.
4. Cabo da Roca
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Cabo da Roca features include lighthouse housing a tourism office.
- The tod is located near Lisbon.
- The tod’s collection include a tourism office.
With so much to offer, no wonder Cabo da Roca is one of the top things to do in Lisbon.
Address: Estrada do Cabo da Roca s/n, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal
5. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is the main square located in the central Lisbon.
It is a part of the old town and a popular meeting point.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Praça do Comércio features include notable arch.
Address: Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
6. Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regaleira, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this church includes Luigi Manini, and it was in 1836 when the construction began.
- The church was built somewhere around 20th century.
- Also worth seeing here include events.
Without a doubt this wonderful church is one amongst the top things to do in Lisbon.
Address: R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal
7. Bairro Alto
One of the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, Bairro Alto still retains its nostalgic charm.
Quick Facts:
- The historic neighborhood traces its origin back to 1500s.
- Bairro Alto is also the final resting place of greats such as Vasco da Gama, Manuel I of Portugal, Luís de Camões.
8. Rossio
Rossio is one of the city’s most prominent squares housing a number of notable landmarks.
This plaza often termed as city’s commercial lifeline, is a hub of business activities.
With centuries old buildings all around it, It is one of the most historic area of the Old Town. This bustling square dates hundreds of year back when it held a high importance in the old kingdom.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Rossio is located in the Pombaline Downtown.
9. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Erected as a monument, Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a beautifully sculpted statue in Lisbon.
Quick Facts:
- The statue monument is located at an elevation of 50 m.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of José Cottinelli Telmo.
- The statue monument was built somewhere around 1940.
- The statue monument was opened on 3 February 1958.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Lisbon trip.
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
10. Oceanário de Lisboa
Located in the central part of Lisbon, Oceanário de Lisboa makes for a good fun visit.
The rescued sea turtles and the small sharks are one of the most interesting highlights. You will find the visit to Oceanário de Lisboa as much as educational as it is fun.
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this aquarium includes Peter Chermayeff, and it was in 1836 when the construction began.
- Some of the notable animals include Micas, Maré, Odi, Amália, Eusébio, Kasi.
- Easy to get to Oceanário de Lisboa is located in the Parque das Nações.
11. Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Lisbon city.
You may climb to the top of the church’s distinctive dome for an even better panoramic view of the city. The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint.
Quick Facts:
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 12th-century.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture.
- Some of the notable people who are buried here include Vasco da Gama, Manuel I of Portugal, Luís de Camões.
Add it to your Lisbon trip if you have time.
12. Carmo Convent
Carmo Convent are the remains of an old, dilapidated church.
This charming church was once popular with the locals and to some extent still remains so.
Quick Facts:
- Done in Gothic architecture style, it was Gonçalo Eanes do Vinhal, Rodrigo Eanes Redondo who designed it.
- Easy to get to Carmo Convent is located in central Lisbon.
- The church ruins was opened on 1423.
- Some of the notable people who are buried here include Vasco da Gama, Manuel I of Portugal, Luís de Camões.
Address: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal
13. Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade, the boulevard that runs through the heart of Lisbon, is an excellent spot to get your bearings.
The street is pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to all of the local attractions, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
All through the street, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent facade of some of the grand old buildings of Lisbon. Can’t afford to buy? Well, window shopping doesn’t cost a buck!
Quick Facts:
- The boulevard was built somewhere around 1886.
- The boulevard stretches for about 1.1 km in length.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Lisbon trip.
14. Queluz National Palace
Quick Facts:
- Designed by Jean Baptiste Robillon, Manoel Joaquim de Souza, the construction of the granc palace started in 1836.
- The granc palace was built somewhere around 18th-century.
- The granc palace follows the Rococo style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
15. Arco da Rua Augusta
A majestic arch erected to commeramte the country’s victory in the war.
While there take a closer look at that insignia engraved of the arch.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Arco da Rua Augusta features include a viewing platform.
- The victory arch was built somewhere around 1875.
Add it to your Lisbon trip if you have time.
16. Eduardo VII Park
Eduardo VII Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Lisbon.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
The gardens are beautiful in nearly every season, but if there’s one time of year to visit, it’s around spring season.. Sit on a bench and meditate or bring your favorite book or simply sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this park includes Francisco Keil do Amaral, and it was in 1836 when the construction began.
- Some of the things Eduardo VII Park features include tree-lined walking paths, manicured lawns.
Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal
But beyond the famous attractions in Lisbon, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Lisbon travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Lisbon but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Lisbon can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Lisbon sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.