The finest Lisbon Attractions

The finest Lisbon Attractions article will tell you which places to visit and what to do there. Furthermore, we will show helpful tips on how and when to see them and why. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.

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The Lisboa Card: Is It Worth It?

Firstly, we’d like to introduce you to the Lisboa Card. This tourist pass gives free or discounted access to 30 attractions and museums, plus public transportation in the city. It will help you see some of the finest Lisbon Attractions quickly and affordably. Also, suppose you plan to visit many attractions and use public transit regularly. Nonetheless, evaluate your needs and itinerary before buying it.

Where to buy the Lisboa Card?

You can purchase the Lisboa Card at the Lisbon Airport, Praça do Comércio and Restauradores Square. However, to avoid long lines, we recommend buying it in advance by clicking here.

Our list of the finest Lisbon Attractions

Before starting, we must stress that Lisbon is one of the world’s oldest cities. Therefore, much of history was going on here. Consequently, there are numerous attractions to see. So, we can only name some sights. That’s why we have decided to focus on a few. The rest is up to you to discover.

Note: If you want to visit some of the significant Lisbon Attractions with the organized group, we suggest booking the tour on Viator, where you will find some valuable deals.

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Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)

Praça do Comércio in Lisbon is a significant square built on the site of the old Royal Palace that was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. For decades, it was a crucial hub for maritime trade and Lisbon’s central storehouse. It has yellow-colored buildings with arches along the façade. More importantly, the Cais de Sodré ferry terminal is nearby, offering ferries down the Tagus River.

You can explore two notable points of interest here. The first one is the Rua Augusta Arch, which leads to Rua Augusta in Baixa. The second one is the Equestrian Statue of Joseph I, King of Portugal, during the Great Earthquake.

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Rossio Square (Praça Do Rossio)

At the heart of Lisbon lies Rossio Square, or Praça do Rossio, a lively and picturesque gathering place. Surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings, the square has been a bustling hub of activity since the Middle Ages.

On top of that, it has hosted everything from local markets to public executions and bullfights. Today, Rossio Square is an excellent spot to take a break from sightseeing, grab a bite to eat, or people-watch from one of the many outdoor cafés.

Two striking baroque fountains and the Column of Pedro IV, a monument dedicated to Portugal’s first emperor, add to the square’s charm and character. On the square’s north side, you’ll find the National Theatre D. Maria II, a stunning 19th-century building hosting various performances throughout the year.

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Vasco da Gama Bridge

The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a 12-kilometer-long bridge that connects the north and south of Portugal. It was built for the 1988 Lisbon Expo, opened on March 29, 1988, and named after Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea in 1498. More importantly, the bridge was constructed to manage traffic congestion.

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Santa Justa Lift (Elevador De Santa Justa)

The Santa Justa elevator, a 45-meter-high wrought iron elevator in Lisbon, Portugal, was built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel. It has two ornate cabins, each accommodating up to 24 passengers. Its viewing platform offers a breathtaking panorama of Lisbon’s downtown area.

Insider tip: It’s open daily from 7 am to 11 pm. However, it’s a popular attraction, and the long lines might make you wait for one or two hours. We recommend skipping it altogether and going up the rua Calçada do Sacramento, which is the best way to enjoy the views for free.

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São Jorge Castle

Sitting atop São Jorge hill, the iconic São Jorge Castle is a must-visit landmark in Lisbon. Initially built by the Visigoths, it was modified and enlarged by the Moors and transformed into a Royal Palace by Afonso I of Portugal. Finally, the castle was restored in 1938 and now offers visitors a chance to explore its eleven towers, a small museum, a bar, and a restaurant. But beware! The site is vast, so visitors should plan to spend a whole morning there. The surrounding streets are worth exploring, and the Lisbon Cathedral is just a few minutes away. The castle offers the best views of the east of Lisbon. To visit the castle via organized tour, click here.

View from Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol on Alfama district

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Alfama: An Enchanting Old Town Maze

Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and fado music. The area is picturesque, and visitors can explore its maze-like streets, taking in the colorful houses and laundry hanging out to dry. In the evenings, many restaurants and bars are scattered throughout the neighborhood, where you can enjoy traditional fado music. As you can see, it has everything in one place, so we included it on our list of the Finest Lisbon Attractions. Ultimately, we suggest taking the Alfama Tour in Lisbon Old Town to experience Lisbon with the local guide.

Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol

Portugal’s capital has numerous viewpoints. And almost all of them are worth visiting. However, Miradouro das Portas do Sol in the Alfama district of Lisbon is the most famous for offering panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. Visitors can enjoy views of Alfama’s red-tiled roofs, the National Pantheon dome, and São Jorge Castle. There is also a charming square with a fountain and cafes/restaurants.

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Jerónimos Monastery

Most importantly, The Jerónimos Monastery and the Belem Tower are the most visited sites in Lisbon, with the former holding the tomb of Vasco de Gama. Built in the Manueline style, the Monastery is now a World Heritage Site. In addition, the Church of Santa Maria is unique, with a single nave held up by six columns, and contains the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. The abbey is breathtaking, and one hall is dedicated to the Monastery’s history compared to the country’s evolution.

Click here to find valuable tickets for this attraction.

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Belém Tower

The Belém Tower is a historic defense mechanism in Lisbon, Portugal, built between 1514 and 1520. It has five floors, including the Governor’s Hall, the King’s Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and the Roof Terrace. Furthermore, the visitors can tour the pits and holes where prisoners were once thrown. The tower has stonework motifs that reflect the Discoveries era, including a rhinoceros gargoyle. That’s why it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and an essential part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage. We invite you to check some valuable deals to skip the lines when visiting this Lisbon attraction.

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National Coach Museum

The National Coach Museum in Lisbon is famous for its collection of horse-drawn carriages from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. It also includes paintings and other interesting objects from the same period. The museum is housed in an old riding school and was inaugurated in 1905 by Queen Amélia of Orleans and Bragança. It is located near the Jerónimos Monastery and is a unique and charming place to visit.

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Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the city’s oldest and most influential church, built in the 12th century with a predominantly Romanesque style. The interior has decorative elements, including a Gothic chapel and 14th-century coffins. Fortunately, the cathedral has survived natural disasters but has undergone several renovations. Most importantly, the Gothic cloister contains remains of its past, while the treasury houses suits, jewels, and relics. That’s why we highly recommend a visit. However, there is a small entrance fee to visit the abbey.

“Chiado and Bairro Alto are Lisbon’s two vibrant cultural quarters.”

Chiado and Bairro Alto are two neighboring areas in the central part of Lisbon. Chiado is a historic locality renowned for its elegant shops, theaters, and historic cafes, such as A Brasileira.

On the other hand, Bairro Alto is a lively and vibrant neighborhood famous for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs catering to a young and hip crowd. During the day, Bairro Alto is a great place to wander around and explore its narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful viewpoints.

Final Thoughts: Best Sights In Lisbon

Lisbon is a city packed with must-see places. From Alfama to Alcântara, there’s a diverse range of sights to see. Lisbon offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. Get ready to experience the best places to visit in Lisbon and create unforgettable memories in this vibrant city.