Introduction of Lisbon City

A city that combines its deep-rooted history with extravagant modernism; a city that promises nightlife soirees for bachelors as well as effervescent family vacations — Lisbon is the trendiest and most scenic place you should visit on a trip to Europe.

The tourists who flock to Lisbon from all over the world are curious to discover the famed capital city of Portugal, which also happens to be the largest city in the country. The moment they land in Lisbon, however, the infectious energy of the place and the bustling pace leaves them reeling.

This is not surprising, given that Lisbon packs a punch with its historical ruins, eye-catching cathedrals, mighty hills and architectural wonders.

Here, we will offer you a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted attractions and charms of this quaint city. Keep reading to find out more about this stunning city!

Top Attractions in Lisbon: Sights to See and Experiences to Enjoy

Lisbon Statue

The sunny disposition of Lisbon is most evident in the multitude of tourist attractions that this city boasts of. World-class museums, diverse historic monuments, and sprawling beaches—you name it, and Lisbon has it all!

Most favoured tourist attractions of Lisbon

Belém Tower

The epitome of Lisbon’s historical pride, the Belém Tower’s location near the Tagus River is a symbol of Portugal’s contribution to the Age of Discovery. The Manueline architecture with its decorative maritime motifs and ornate façade is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belém Tower, Lisbon

Make an effort to climb the steep staircase to reach the tower terrace for a breath-taking view of the esplanade on the waterfront.

São Jorge Castle

St. George’s Castle is perched atop a hill in Alfama amidst a scenery of picturesque beauty. Its magnificent structure commands respect and admiration in equal measure. It includes an archaeological site, an impressive museum, and brilliant battlements.

São Jorge Castle

This castle is remembered as the place which warded off the Visigoths and Romans and the residence of many well-known Portuguese rulers. Do try out the Camera Obscura which offers tourists a 360-degree view of the city.

Lisbon Oceanarium

If you wish to see the largest indoor tank in all of Europe, you just need to take a trip to this place in Parque das Nações. You’ll be provided with an opportunity to navigate a diverse variety of fishes, including sharks, ocean sunfish, stingrays, and deep-sea fish.

Visiting this oceanarium is an immersive experience as the flora and fauna from different regions are also displayed here. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to be surrounded by colourful fishes while tropical birds fly overhead?

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is famous for being built as a commemoration of the exploits and discoveries of the earliest Portuguese explorers. The golden-hued limestone, ceilings with intricate latticework, and secret portals give the feeling that you are alive in the early 1500s.

Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon

Thus, you’ll understand when we say that the Moorish and Gothic architectural styles are the least of the features that attract tourists to this iconic structure.

Santa Justa Elevator

If you somehow believed that the scientific progress at an early age was mainly focused in England and America, you just have to visit the antique Santa Justa Elevator to be proven wrong. Raul Mésnier, a French architect, felt inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and decided to create an eccentric neo-Gothic lift that would rival its precursor’s beauty.

As evident, he was successful in creating an architectural wonder. The grey fading paint and the wrought iron frames lift tourists up to the passageway to the Carmo Convent ruins. In case Gothic churches are not your cup of tea, you can also climb the old staircase to enjoy the view of the beatific landscape of Baixa.

National Azulejo Museum

The National Tile Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that is known across the world for its tasteful collection of decorative ceramic tiles. The historic art form of tile-making started with the Moors in Portugal and reached its pinnacle with the invention of the oxide coating. The permanent exhibition in this museum is a testament to the cultural and historic significance of this art tradition.

You can also gain easy access to the Madre de Deus church, which boasts one of the most vibrant and ornate church interiors in the entirety of the country. The Rococo altarpiece and the Baroque-inspired gilded woodwork only adds to its charm.

Find the best hotels in Lisbon

A Foodie’s Paradise: Find All You Can Eat at Lisbon

After sampling the diverse culinary fares of Lisbon, newcomers, as well as veterans, quickly crown the city as the best-kept secret in Europe when it comes to gastronomic delights. The beauty of the scenic destinations seems to translate into the depth and freshness of flavour in all food items available here.

Lisbon best Food

Lisbon’s strategic position near the seaside provides an abundance of lip-smacking seafood while the retinue of pastries puts even France to shame. No matter whether you visit the ‘tascas’ (taverns) or Michelin-starred joints, you won’t be disappointed!

Here’s a list of the 5 must-try food items in Lisbon:

Bifana

If you are a pork lover, this Lisbon sandwich paired with a bottle of cold beer is all you will need on a summer day. The sliced pork is slowly simmered in a broth of spices, garlic, and white wine, fried, and finally sandwiched between two pieces of lukewarm bread. You can also add a dash of mustard sauce or Piri Piri seasoning. Believe us — it’s simply sublime!

Alheira

The Jewish influence on Lisbon is most apparent in the trademark sausages that can be found in this city. Although the ingredients might vary from place to place, the usual alheira is made with ground chicken or pork, fat, and bread crumbs.

Generally, restaurants serve it on a bed of chips and top it off with a poached egg, but you can request them to serve you only grilled sausage to savour the taste.

Bacalhau

Bacalhau or dried salted codfish—the national dish of Portugal—is a delicacy that is served in different ways through a hundred different preparations. Bacalhau Ze do Pipo is a delicious dish which serves meaty fish under a layer of heated mayonnaise. Bacalhau à Braz, on the other hand, is the perfect combination of fish, fried potatoes, olives, and scrambled eggs.

Pastel de Nata

The fame of these Portuguese custard tarts entices people from far and wide. It is said that the first tart was prepared in the 1800s as an attempt to use additional egg yolks by monasteries. The golden puff is crunchy while the rich, creamy centre makes the heart sing.

Ginjinha

Ginjinha, a sour cherry liquor, is the best way to end a meal. The intense rich flavour that is imparted to this drink by a combination of cinnamon and sugar is just the right amount of sweet. Try this iconic drink at any one of the numerous ginja bars that are peppered throughout Lisbon. You can also customize your liquor by adding cherries.

Interesting Tours in Lisbon a True Traveller Must Check Out

You must have realized by now that each and every attraction of Lisbon cannot be condensed into a three-day vacation where you just ‘wing it’ with your friends and family members. Hence, opting for one or multiple of the tours listed below is a great idea for visiting all the tourist attractions within a shorter duration and at a much cheaper price.

palacio nacional da pena

The following are 5 of the most coveted, currently available tours in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Street Art Tour

The vibrant street art scene in Lisbon is a complex and stimulating mixture of international names and local geniuses. This art tour allows tourists to witness how once-destroyed buildings inside Lisbon and its outskirts have completely been transformed into art havens.

  • Lisbon Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Combine the charms of a double-decker bus and the dazzling sights of Lisbon and you’ve got a tour that is a bang for your buck. These tours allow visitors to choose from audio guides in multiple languages so that they can explore the entirety of Lisbon at their own pace.

There are approximately 54 destinations, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Casa dos Bicos, Lisbon Oceanarium, and Lisbon Zoo. The buses also stop at the most frequented shopping centres and boulevards so that you can get your souvenir purchasing out of the way.

  • Lisbon Small-group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour

This personalized tour offers you a chance to taste the gourmet food from Lisbon while learning about the rich culinary heritage of Portugal. Some of the food items that you’ll get to try to include delicious cheeses, rich Port and fluffy pastries. Prepare to be in a food coma!

  • Lisbon Hills Electric Bike Tour

Get transported to your childhood by opting for this tour. Feel the wind brushing past as you discover the history and culture of the Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto districts. Postcard-perfect views of the Tagus River, the São Vicente Monastery, and the National Pantheon will unfold in front of you and you’ll be informed of the myth behind Lisbon’s hills.

  • Age of Discovery Twizy Electric Car Tour in Lisbon

Portugal acted as a pioneer in discovering the New World. This electric car tour is a journey to the past that includes iconic locations such as Martim Moniz, Praça Luis de Camões, São Pedro de Alcântara, and Praça do Comércio.

Transportation Routes in Lisbon: How to Get Around the Expansive City?

Exploring the outstanding views and stellar attractions of Lisbon requires a robust transportation system and Lisbon delivers on this requirement. Being the second oldest European city as well as a capital city, tourists can take their pick of transportation in Lisbon. Travel from one end of the city to the other is facilitated with ease and without much hassle.

The 5 most effective transportation methods in Lisbon are as follows:

Lisbon Tram

Trams

One can either choose the traditional Remodelado trams or the comparatively modern Articulado trams. Since it is one of the most popular transportation methods in Lisbon, we’d recommend you get started early as the queues tend to get longer as the day passes. Opt for the trams that take the scenic route of the Alfama district to include a bit of sightseeing in your journey.

Buses

The bus route in Lisbon is cheaper than the tram fare and more time-efficient. If you are in Lisbon for a short trip, go for the multiple-day tickets that offer value for your money. On the other hand, if you are here for a longer duration, invest in unlimited passes.

Trains

Trains are the best transportation modes in case you aim to navigate surrounding areas such as Cascais, Estoril, and Sintra. Reasonable ticket fare, comfortable coaches, and punctual vehicles make this a steal deal.

Metro

The metro in Lisbon, which connects all the popular tourist locations in the city, is your friend if you are seeking to travel quickly from place to place. The maps offered in English and easily understandable instructions make the metro immensely accessible to first-time visitors.

Taxis

Even though the taxi fare in Lisbon is quite affordable, frequent flash strikes might prove to be an inconvenience when you are commuting. It’s always advisable to book taxis in advance so that you can avoid last-minute rushes.

The Best Time to Visit Lisbon: Plan Ahead to Make the Most of Your Trip

Lisbon is one of the few places on the globe that enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. However, if we had to take a pick, we’d advise you to visit Lisbon between March and May or between September and October.

Lisbon Monument

It is best to avoid the summer and winter months because the temperatures soar to boiling point and drop to 40°C, respectively. The temperature ranges between 22°C and 24°C during these months, the crowds are lesser and the room rate and airfare are drastically lower.

Now that you have accumulated all the necessary information about Lisbon, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and enjoy your European adventure. Bon, voyage!