Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal, is a city that I got the chance to visit in 2018. This picturesque city is renowned for its stunning hilltop vistas, historic architecture, and lively cultural scene. The city’s culinary scene is equally amazing, with so many of delicious seafood dishes and pastries like pastéis de nata to tantalize the taste buds. I have summed up the 10 best places to visit in Lisbon, Portugal, which are also things that I did during my time in Lisbon and that I think you should add to your list!
Table of Contents
- 1. Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paco)
- 2. Torre de Belém
- 3. Padrao dos Descobrimentos
- 4. Mosteiro dos Jéronimos
- 5. Pastéis de Belém
- 6. Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal
- 7. Castelo de São Jorge
- 8. Rossio Square
- 9. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
- 10. National Palace of Pena
1. Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paco)
The Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square, is a beautiful and spacious plaza located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It’s a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the Tagus River and the iconic Rua Augusta Arch. The square is surrounded by elegant yellow buildings and features a grand statue of King José I in the center. Visitors can stroll along the wide cobblestone paths, enjoy street performances, or relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. With its historical significance, scenic beauty, and lively atmosphere, Praça do Comércio is a must-see attraction for anyone exploring Lisbon.
2. Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém, or Belém Tower, is a striking historical monument situated on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. This iconic tower, built in the 16th century, stands as a symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage and exploration during the Age of Discovery. Its unique Manueline architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and maritime motifs, makes it a captivating sight for visitors. The tower was originally constructed as a defensive fortress and later served as a customs checkpoint and a lighthouse. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore its interior, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about Portugal’s rich history of exploration and navigation.
To visit inside, you will need to get tickets. Click here to get your tickets.
3. Padrao dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, also known as the Monument to the Discoveries, is an impressive monument located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. This structure commemorates Portugal’s Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries when explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set sail to discover new lands. The monument features a large stone ship with notable figures from Portugal’s exploration era, including Henry the Navigator at the forefront.
You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the river and surrounding area. The monument also houses a museum that showcases Portugal’s maritime history and the achievements of its explorers.
To go inside the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, you will need to buy tickets. Click here to see the updated rates. When I travelled to Lisbon, we bought tickets to go up, and I really enjoyed the views. However, I will admit that there are also many other free ways to see amazing views of Lisbon without going up the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (which I will discuss later).
4. Mosteiro dos Jéronimos
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or Jerónimos Monastery, is a magnificent historic building located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is a prime example of Manueline architecture, known for its intricate stone carvings and ornate details. The monastery was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India and to honor the Virgin Mary.
Visitors to the monastery can admire its impressive façade with elaborate decorations, including maritime motifs, religious symbols, and statues of saints. Inside, the monastery features beautiful cloisters, chapels, and a grand church with stunning vaulted ceilings. The tomb of Vasco da Gama is also located within the monastery. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit.
I loved the Mosteiro dos Jéronimos because the architecture was beautiful and the place was actually really big, with so much to explore. To visit the Mosteiro dos Jéronimos, you will need to get entry tickets, but I assure you that they will be very much worth it!
5. Pastéis de Belém
Pastéis de Belém is a famous bakery located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. It is renowned for its delicious pastéis de nata, a traditional Portuguese pastry filled with creamy custard and sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar. The bakery has been serving these delectable pastries since 1837, using a secret recipe passed down through generations. If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to savor the mouthwatering pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém!
If there is one type of food to try in Portugal, it needs to be their pastéis de nata. Eating pastéis de nata was honestly such a highlight of the trip because the taste was so good yet unexpected for me. There are many other places other than Pastéis de Belém where you can get pastéis de nata, but I highly recommend going there at least once!
6. Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal
The Sanctuary of Christ the King, isn’t actually located in Lisbon, but instead located in Almada, Portugal. It is a monument and religious site overlooking the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this monument stands tall at around 110 meters. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Lisbon, including the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The sanctuary’s serene surroundings and breathtaking vistas make it a popular destination for both religious pilgrimages and tourists seeking stunning viewpoints.
To me, the highlight of the Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal was the incredible views that you got on the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. You are in a position where you can close enough to see the whole Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and you can also admire the city of Lisbon in the background.
Looking for a unique way to see the Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge? I highly recommend this Sailboat tour along the Tagus River.
7. Castelo de São Jorge
The Castelo de São Jorge, or São Jorge Castle, is a historic fortress perched atop a hill in Lisbon, Portugal. This ancient castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River, making it a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, walls, and gardens while learning about its rich history, which dates back to the Moorish period. Inside the castle grounds, there are archaeological exhibits, medieval artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase Lisbon’s past.
To get inside the Castelo de São Jorge, you will need to buy tickets. I highly recommend getting tickets in advance and not in person because if you go during high season and in the afternoon, there can be long lines. Buying your ticket online can save you a lot of time.
8. Rossio Square
Rossio Square, also known as Praça do Rossio, is a lively and historic square located in the heart of Lisbon. It’s a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, shops, and theaters. The square is known for its distinctive wave-patterned cobblestones and a central fountain that adds to its charm. Visitors can relax on the benches, people-watch, or take a leisurely stroll while admiring the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Rossio Square is also a cultural hotspot, hosting events, performances, and markets throughout the year. Whether you want to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the ambiance, Rossio Square is a must-visit destination in Lisbon.
9. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
If there is one place to get incredible panoramic views of Lisbon for free, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is the place to go! Situated atop the highest hill in the historic Graça neighborhood, this viewpoint provides a breathtaking vista of Lisbon’s rooftops, the Tagus River, and iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle. Visitors can relax on benches or grassy areas while taking in the scenic beauty and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling city streets. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a hidden gem for travelers seeking panoramic views and a tranquil spot to unwind in Lisbon.
I highly recommend visiting! It is located on top of a hill, so you will need to work your legs if you are going by foot, but it is very much worth it! You can bring some lunch and enjoy the views while relaxing.
10. National Palace of Pena
The National Palace of Pena is located in Sintra, only a less than 1 hour drive out of Lisbon. It is a mesmerizing fairytale castle that seems straight out of a storybook. Its vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and picturesque setting atop a hill make it a must-visit attraction for travelers. The palace features a mix of architectural styles, including Romantic, Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance elements, creating a unique and whimsical appearance.
When visiting the National Palace of Pena, I highly recommend also taking the day to visit Sintra. These activities are the perfect day trip from Lisbon, and I highly recommend making a day for this!
A great way to visit the National Palace of Pena and Sintra is by taking a day tour. If you are not renting a car, this would one of the best options. You can also opt for taking public transportation to Sintra and visiting on your own. When I visited, we rented a car and drove to Sintra, but it was because we were doing a road trip along the south of Portugal and Spain.
Jessie Across the World 