Top 10 things to do in Lisbon
Are you wondering what to do in Lisbon? We’ve got you covered! The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is one of the most popular destinations among tourists. The city may seem big, but once you start exploring it, you realize you can see it all in 4 days. Here are the top 10 things to do and see while traveling to charming Lisbon:
1. Lose yourself in the Alfama neighborhood
It is definitely one of the first places you should discover for yourself during your visit to Lisbon. The Alfama neighborhood is one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. It is known for its narrow streets, its historical architecture and its lively atmosphere. This district allows you to feel the traditional Portuguese spirit as you conquer the slippery and tricky hills, traversing narrow streets where the locals will offer you the Ginjinha drink, the cherry liqueur in an edible chocolate cup.
2. Take a picture under the Arco da Rua Augusta
You can see the famous Rua Augusta Arch or in Portuguese – ‘Arco da Rua Augusta’ in the heart of the city near the Tagus river. It is an important symbol of Lisbon’s history and culture as it celebrates the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake of 1755. You can always find other tourists gathering in groups, tuk-tuk drivers offering you tours of the city and atmospheric cafes all around. the square where you can enjoy a traditional Portuguese coffee.
3. See the sunset at the Torre de Belem
One of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Lisbon is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the center, but it is definitely worth it. The Tower of Belem has its special charm. Families, couples and friends find their place in front of the tower and enjoy the mesmerizing views while the pink sky reflects in the river. The Torre de Belem is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can climb to the top of the tower for views of the river and enjoy your visit to a museum.
4. Take the iconic 28 tram
It is a must to take the absolutely iconic Tram 28 in Lisbon. The yellow tram is a symbol of the city and the first association of most people when they think of Lisbon. Tram 28 follows a scenic route through some of Lisbon’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. It’s a fun and affordable way to get around the city and a chance to see the sights of the city without spending a lot of money on transportation.
5. Instagrammable Pink Street
Hidden in the streets of the Cais do Sodre neighborhood, is the famous Pink Street of Lisbon. The street has become a popular spot for Instagram photos, but it is also one of the most popular nightlife destinations, with a wide variety of bars, clubs and restaurants. The street comes alive at night, with throngs of locals and tourists gathering to enjoy drinks, music, and dancing.
6. Enjoy the view from the Santa Justa Elevator
Lisbon has many viewpoints around the city, but one of the most popular is the Elevador de Santa Justa. It takes visitors to a viewing platform at the top, offering stunning panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic center and the surrounding hills. It’s a great way to get a panoramic view of the city and take some memorable photos. You can buy tickets in advance for your own convenience.
Extra travel tip: But if you prefer not to queue and spend your money on that, there is a way to get closer to the viewpoint of the Elevador de Santa Justa and enjoy the panoramic view from a different place. All you have to do is go from the side of the Convento do Carmo, the archaeological museum and just before the entrance, turn right and take the stairs. You will get an amazing point of view from there.
7. Visit the Castle of São Jorge
The Castle of São Jorge is worth visiting not only for its stunning views, but also because it offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid the queue. Near the castle you can try the traditional cod cakes with cheese.
8. Enjoy various cuisines at Time Out Market
If you are in Lisbon but fancy some Italian, Chinese, French, Spanish or… Portuguese cuisine, you should stop by Time Out Market or Mercado Da Ribeira, take a seat and explore the various cuisines that the market has to offer! It’s a busy place, most of the time it’s crowded, but that’s its beauty. Prepare your own food: grab a drink at the main bar, order Italian pizza for your main course, and finish it off with traditional Portuguese pastries.
9. Explore the Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is an important cultural and historical monument of Lisbon and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Jerónimos Monastery is located in the Belem neighborhood of Lisbon, so it is recommended to take a bus from the center to reach a quiet neighborhood of Belem. The Monastery is truly a piece of Gothic art. Once you start to get closer to it, it’s hard to take your eyes off the architecture, it feels surreal to be in such a unique place. It is definitely a place to take memorable pictures and learn about Portuguese history.
10. Try the traditional Pastel de Nata
The world famous cake – Pastel de Nata is originally from the Belem district of Lisbon. It’s not hard to find around the city, but one of the best is in a pastry shop called Pasteis de Belem. Definitely worth the trip to try this sweet with a creamy texture and crispy edge on the outside. It is a perfect match with a hot cup of coffee.
