Top Lisbon Attractions
We compiled a list of the best places to visit in Lisbon
In case you are coming to visit Lisbon and don't know where to go, we made a list of the best attractions in town. These are some of the best places to visit in Lisbon that you can't leave without seeing.
1 - Baixa (Lisbon Downtown)
Lisbonites couldn't live without downtown Lisbon - Baixa Pombalina. The historical heart of Lisbon, which has suffered severe damages from the 1755 earthquake, is where you can find the magnificent Praça do Comércio so close to the river Tagus and one of the best, most beautiful places to visit in Lisbon. Here you may also admire Lisbon from the belvedere on Rua Augusta, climb to the top of the famous Santa Justa Lift or walk through Rossio square. The great austere yet elegant XVIII century buildings and the diversity of commerce in this area are another excellent reason to visit this old neighbourhood.
BAIXA HIGHLIGHTS
Elevador de Santa Justa
This Lisbon icon opened in 1902 and has since connected Baixa with Chiado. The Elevador de Santa Justa is 45 meters high and is one of Lisbon's top attractions. It is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the city. It offers a 360-degree view from the top to downtown Lisbon and it was built using the same techniques and materials as the Eiffel Tower.
Summer (March 1st to October 31st): 7:30 am - 11 pm (every day)
Winter (November 1st to February 29th): 7:30 am - 9 pm. (every day)
2 - Alfama
Just below the castle, Alfama is the most visited Lisbon neighbourhood. Within the crisscross of the typical streets and alleys of the Middle Ages, we are constantly surprised by hidden squares, churches and typical taverns of those times (with food at affordable prices), and whitewashed houses adorned with iron balconies and flower pots. This former Jewish quarter is one of the most typical in the city, a kind of village in the middle of the urban jungle.
ALFAMA HIGHLIGHTS
Castelo de São Jorge
This medieval fortress is one of the most visited monuments in Lisbon. It's located on one of the highest hills of Lisbon and has the best panoramic views of the city and the Tagus river estuary. This historic building was once inhabited by Romans, Visigoth, Moors, and lastly by the Portuguese Royal Family from the 13th century up to the 16th. Currently, Castelo de São Jorge attracts over a million visitors.
3 - Belém
Belém really is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon. Going there without seeing Belém is missing a lot of what this city has to offer. This is where you can find some of Lisbon's top attractions, starting with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the most visited monument in Portugal, the Belém Tower or Padrão dos Descobrimentos - authentic limestone tributes to the historical heritage of the Discoverers and the strong bond of the Portuguese with the sea. There is also the CCB - Centro Cultural de Belém, which is famous for its worthy art collection. Also, this is where you can find the famous, decadent pastéis de belém!
BELÉM HIGHLIGHTS
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The monumental Jeronimos Monastery is definitely one of Lisbon's top attractions. It was the most visited monument in Portugal in 2015 and it still is top of the list. It was built to celebrate Portuguese sailors' arrival in India in the 16th century and it sits right in front of the Tagus.
Tue-Sun from 10 am - 7 pm; closed Monday
Torre de Belém
This Lisbon icon is also connected to the Discoveries period. It's a watchtower built where the first ships first departed from en route to India. The beauty of its Manueline architecture and its historical importance make it one of the best places to visit in Lisbon and one of its top attractions.
Tue-Sun from 10 am - 5:30 pm; closed Monday
SEE ALSO: THESE ARE THE BEST CUSTARD TARTS IN LISBON!
4 - Parque das Nações
This area was built to host Expo 98 and became one of the most privileged areas of Lisbon to live or to hang out. Parque das Nações is where you can find the famous Oceanário, with over 500 species and more than a million visitors per year. There, you may also go for a ride on the cable car and enjoy a wonderful view over the river, you can visit the casino or shop at Vasco da Gama Shopping Center.
PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES HIGHLIGHTS
Lisbon Aquarium
The largest indoor aquarium in Europe is located in Parque das Nações. The whole family will enjoy this experience where it is possible to observe 25,000 fish species, seabirds, and mammals in a central tank that is the size of four Olympic pools. The Lisbon Oceanarium is also the first aquarium to recreate ocean ecosystems.
Open every day; Summer (10h - 20h) Winter (10h - 19h)
More info here.
5 - Avenida da Liberdade
If Paris has the Champs-Élysées, Lisbon has Avenida da Liberdade. The most prestigious brands take over this famous artery of the capital, from Luis Vuitton to Cartier, Prada or Gucci. The most demanding clients have plenty of options, and in between shops, you can also take a walk along this green avenue and stop for a fresh drink at one of the many terraces and kiosks.