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By Monika

Best Things to See in Lisbon: Your Ultimate Guide.

Lisbon is an exciting city, full of charm, history, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you want to wander the steep, cobblestone streets of Alfama, soak in panoramic views from São Jorge Castle or enjoy delicious Pastéis de Nata, Lisbon has something for everyone. 

But with so much to see and do, planning your trip can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in!

In this guide, I’ll highlight the best things to see in Lisbon so you can make the most of your time in this stunning city.

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1. Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV)

This plaza is known to everyone simply as Rossio. It is a large square easily recognized by a beautiful fountain, a tall statue of Dom Pedro IV, and most of all by the beautiful tilework lining the square grounds.

It’s a particularly vibrant area at night, with gift shops, local stores and restaurants all around.

I found the the Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines (O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa) especially fun, with all kinds of sardines in beautiful cans, marking different regions and years they were produced.

You can also take a picture in a sardine throne! And buy a can of sardines with your birth year on it!

A short 3-minute walk from the plaza will bring you to Rossio Train Station, a beautiful building and your gateway to some wonderful day trips out of the city, like to Sintra and Cascais.

Another 5-minute walk from there will bring you to Restauradores Square, where the Restauradores Metro Station is – another convenient transportation option if walking longer distances isn’t an option for you.

Bonus! Ginginha do Carmo

Not far from the square, down the stairs from the top stop of the Gloria Funicular is this cute small charming “bar”, called Ginginha do Carmo where for under €2 you can get a shot of the famous Portuguese cherry liquor – gingja.

And if you buy it in a chocolate cup, you get a free refill!

This bar is open from noon till about midnight – 2 am daily!

2. Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)

It’s an iconic historic lift in Lisbon, built in 1902 and designed by Gustavo Eiffel’s apprentice. The only vertical street lift in Lisbon, it will take you from Baixa Chiado district to Bairro Alto neighborhood.

Many people say it’s touristy and not worth the cost (€6 for a round-trip ticket), but in my opinion, it’s one of those experiences you shouldn’t skip in Lisbon.

Yes, the line can be long, but it moves fast, and if you have a Navegante card or a Lisbon Card, the ticket is already included.

Helpful tip: bring cash if you plan to buy the tickets onsite. When we were there in 2024, credit cards were not accepted.

Once you exit the elevator, you’ll cross a walkway and then find yourself at a viewpoint from which you can see Lisbon’s skyline.

3. Carmo Convent and the Archeological Museum

Next to the viewpoint that you access at the top of Santa Justa Lift, you’ll also see the Archeological Museum, through which you can access the Carmo Convent – beautiful ruins of the Convent of Santa Maria do Carmo, built in 1300s and destroyed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Reconstruction work was started, but later abandoned, leaving the chapel without a roof.

We actually didn’t go inside the first time we visited Lisbon… I can’t even explain why we didn’t do it, probably because my research was incomplete and I didn’t put the Museum and the Convent together, and the fact that we arrived in Lisbon later than planned due to flight delays left us feeling a little rushed…

But we did visit it on our subsequent visit a year later, and both the ruins and the Archeological Museum were amazing.

You can find more information, including entry fees and opening times in their official brochure.

Bonus! Livraria Bertrand

This gem is only a 4-minute walk from the Convent and the Museum and is the oldest operating bookstore in the world!

And it is documented as such in the Guinness World Records Book, with the certificate proudly displayed on the entry door.

4. Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) and Rua Augusta Arch

Praça do Comércio is a large, beautiful square along the shore of the Tagus River. It was built in place of the Royal Palace, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

The two main structures of the plaza are the monument of Dom José I (Joseph I, who was King of Portugal during the earthquake) and Arco do Triunfo (Rua Augusta Arch) commemorating   rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake.

You can go up to the top of the arch via an elevator and a staircase for some amazing views of the plaza and the surrounding areas.

Buy your tickets here.

 Away from the square, the arch leads to a large boulevard, Rua Augusta.

Along the river, the promenade is usually bustling with street performers and souvenir vendors.

This is also a great place to catch a tram to the Belém district – much more on Belém later in this article.

5. Stroll around the Alfama district

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest, historic neighborhood, famous for its hilly, winding cobblestone streets. That’s where you’ll see traditional houses, often with laundry hanging out the widows to dry, small fruit stands, shops and cafes, and of course the famous Tram 28 passing through.

Just wandering around this authentic district is a treat but be prepared for some hills and sometimes stairs!

6. Ride the famous Tram 28

Or not?…

I’ll tell you about the tram here, and you can read about why this may be the one thing to skip in Lisbon in my “Tips for first-time visitors”.

Tram 28 line uses vintage wooden tram cars, going back to the early 1900s, painted in their signature yellow color. They will take you through some steep, narrow streets of Lisbon, not accessible by more modern trains.

The route starts at Praça Martim Moniz and if you ride it all the way to the last stop it will take you through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Graca, ending in Campo Ourique.

The entire route takes about an hour.

You can buy tickets on the tram or use your Navgante or Lisbon Card to save yourself the hassle and speed up boarding the train.

The tram operates from 6 am till about 10:30 or 11 pm, depending on the season and day of the week. Those early morning and later evening hours are best for avoiding the crowds.

You can find a detailed map of the route and a list of the stops here.

7. Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)

The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, better known just as the Lisbon Catherdal is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 12^th century.

It is located in the historic Alfama neighborhood, less than 10-minute walk from Praça do Comércio.

For a €5 fee you can enter the church and see the baptistery, the cloister, and the treasury with jewels and various relics.

It is only open till 6 pm (the treasury is open only till 5 pm) so we weren’t able to go inside, but even just taking a look from outside is worth it as the cathedral resembles a small castle.

If you know what day you’ll be visiting, you can buy your ticket online.

It is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of Tram 28.

And a great spot to grab a tuk-tuk as there are plenty of them parked in the small lot near the church.

8. São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)

São Jorge Castle also called St. George Castle is a historic castle situated on top of a hill in the Alfama district.

It was built by the Moors in the 11^th century as a fortress, and later also served as a Royal Palace. It was damaged in the 1755 earthquake, reconstructed, and in 1910 named a National Monument.

St. George Castle is a beautiful, impressive place and offers amazing panoramic views of Lisbon.

You can walk the walls, stroll around the grounds, and just take in the atmosphere.

The entrance ticket costs €15 per adult, with significant discounts for youth, students and seniors. Children under 12 can visit for free. It is also included in the Lisbon Card.

The tickets are valid for 90 days, so you are not bound to a specific date when you purchase them.

Your ticket also includes guided tours to many areas of the Castle. You can check the details and schedules on the official website.

The Castle is open year-round, with summer hours from 9 am to 9 pm, with midday drawing the most visitors, so early mornings and later evenings are better if you prefer a less crowded experience.

LEARN MORE in my First Timer’s Guide to Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon.

9. Jéronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

Jéronimos Monastery is located in the riverside Belém district of Lisbon and, in my opinion, is an absolute must-see.

This 16^th century UNESCO World Heritage site was once home to monks of the Order of St. Jerome, whose responsibility was to pray for the sailors and the King’s soul.

If there is one thing in Belém worth waiting in line for, it is definitely this monastery. Walk through the cloister and various rooms and admire the arches, gardens, and intricate carvings.

Even if you’re not an architecture buff, this place is just breathtaking.

You can also visit the attached church (Igreja Santa Maria de Belém), which is very beautiful and ornate. Inside, you’ll find tombs of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and one of the country’s greatest poets, Luís Vaz de Camões.

You can get the tickets to the monastery online, at a self-service kiosk nearby, or – the most convenient and cost-effective option – get a Lisbon Card, and the entrance to both the monastery and the church is included.

Get more details and tips for your visit in my detailed guide to Jéronimos Monastery.

11. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) 

Belém Tower is another UNESCO World Heritage site, also going back to the 16th century.

It was originally built as a fortress and these days, along with the historic Tram 28, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks of Lisbon.

It is very impressive from the outside, with its carvings and other architectural details.

We did not go inside – the line was scary long and the sign at the beginning of it announced a 2 hour wait. We just did not have the time to wait.

If you do plan to visit the tower’s interior, I would strongly recommend getting there before the opening time to get a good spot in line and purchasing the Lisbon Card, as Belém Tower entry is also included in its price. 

If you don’t have the Lisbon Card, purchase your Belém Tower tickets online, in advance of your visit day.

Transportation tip: It is best to get to Belém from the city center using Tram 15 (departing from Praça do Comércio), however, if you do have a car, there is a parking lot near the tower. As you may know from my “15 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon” article, I do not recommend bringing a car to Lisbon, but sometimes you just do. We arrived from the Algarve to spend one last day in the city before flying back home and had our rental car for 24 hours. We found a parking lot near the tower at an affordable cost of €5 per day.

From there you can walk to Jéronimos Monastery, passing by the next attraction listed here on the way:

12. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument)

Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a large concrete monument erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death.

He was regarded as a patron of Portuguese explorers, and in the monument, which resembles a sailing ship, you can the carvings of him and many other Portuguese seamen.

There is a viewpoint accessible by an elevator or 267 stairs. You can buy the tickets online on the official website, onsite or – you guessed it! – use your Lisbon Card!

13. Book a boat tour

Belém is a popular starting point for many boat tours of Lisbon, including very popular sailing cruises and one-of-a-kind Amphibious HIPPOtrip tours.

14. Try Pastéis de Belém & Pastéis de Nata

No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting Portuguese pastéis – delicious tart pastries filled with rich egg yolk custard.

Many shops and bakeries sell them, and you should definitely try them from more than one place, as they all differ just a bit in the way they are made.

What is the difference between Pastéis de Belém & Pastéis de Nata?

It’s actually very simple – Pastéis de Belém are only made in one bakery located in Belém, just a couple of minutes away from Jéronimos Monastery, called Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, nowadays better known just as Pastéis de Belém.

They have been making their pastries since 1837, following a recipe created by the monks from Jéronimos Monastery.  

The top-secret ingredient in the recipe has not been revealed, but the recipe itself has since been replicated and sometimes modified, so the same custards eaten outside Belem are called Pastéis de Nata.

Don’t be deterred by the line (ongoing) in front of the shop – it moves super-fast, and the pastries are worth waiting for.

The bakery also has tables inside to dine in, and that’s where the wait may be much longer, especially in high season.

To learn more about the pastries and Pastéis de Belém’s history, visit their official website.

Looking for more authentic Portuguese flavors? Read my guide to delicious foods to try in Portugal!

15. April 25 Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) 

April 25 Bridge in Lisbon is considered one of the prettiest bridges in the world.

The name of the bridge refers to the date of the Carnation Revolution of April 25^th, 1974 which ended the authoritarian regime in Portugal.

You can best see in from the boat or when driving on the highway; however, you can also book a Pilar 7 Bridge Experience.

It includes an interactive exhibit about the construction of the bridge and a trip up to the viewing platform for amazing views of the Tagus River, Belém, and Lisbon panorama.

Note: The viewing platform is on the 26^th floor, so to get there you can take an elevator or climb the staircase of 372 stairs.

Currently, the elevator is under maintenance, so stairs are the only option to access the viewpoint. You can track the lift status by checking this tour for updates.

Note: The viewing platform is enclosed in glass and has a GLASS FLOOR – so it is probably not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

Entry to the experience is included in the Lisbon Card.

16. LX Factory & Ler Devagar bookstore

LX Factory is located in Alcantara district, right next to April 25 Bridge, and consists of a former 19th-century textile factory converted into an art, shopping and entertainment space. There are many indoor/outdoor restaurants and cafes around as well.

It’s a great place to visit if you want to experience a mix of historic cobblestone streets with hip shops with modern murals painted on the facades.

For more information and directions visit the official website.

Quick transportation tip: take tram #15 or bus #3708 from Praça do Comércio.

It is also where you will find the iconic Ler Devagar Bookstore – a huge, 2 story book shop/café. 

17. Ride Lisbon’s Traditional Funiculars

There are many ways to get around Lisbon – you can walk, ride a tram or a tuk-tuk, and funiculars fit right in as a mode of transportation and a fun attraction in Lisbon.

There are a few of them spread around the center and they are the easiest way to move between different levels of the city.

A round-trip ticket costs about €4, and you can buy them onboard or use your Navegante or Lisbon Card, where unlimited funicular rides are included.

Here is a list of Lisbon’s funiculars:

• Glória Funicular (also called Funicular da Glória or Ascensor da Glória): connects Restauradores Square with Bairro Alto
• Funicular da Graça: near Castelo de São Jorge
• Bica Funicular: connects Bica and Bairro Alto neighborhoods, saving you from walking up some really steep hills
• Ascensor do Lavra: Lisbon’s first funicular 

Important: currently, all Lisbon funiculars are closed for testing and maintenance until further notice. Check the official website for updates.

18.  Visit at least one of Lisbon’s miraduoros.

What are miraduoros? They are various terraces in Lisbon, offering amazing city views. There are MANY miraduoros in Lisbon, you could probably make a day tour just trying to visit them all.

Here are the most popular miraduoros:

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol

We came across those two viewpoints while walking down from Castelo de São Jorge towards Lisbon’s Cathedral.

Helpful hint: nearby street, Largo Portas do Sol, is a great spot to catch the views of the famous Tram 28.

• Miraduoro da Senhora do Monte – near Castelo de São Jorge
• Miradouro da Graça is located near the top station of Funicular da Graça

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – near the bottom station of Glória Funicular
• Miradouro de Santa Catarina – said to be a perfect place for sunset viewing

18. Visit the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)

The National Tile Museum is located a bit outside the city center, but is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re intrigued by the traditional Portuguese hand-painted tiles, called Azulejo.

You see them on the facades of many buildings in Lisbon, but in the museum, you can learn about their origin, history, and transformation throughout the last 500 years.

The museum is housed in the 16th-century former convent (Convento da Madre de Deus), so in addition to the main exhibit, you can also admire the architecture of the building, the courtyard, the church, and the chapel.

The museum is open daily (except Mondays) from 10 am to 6 pm.

Tickets cost € 10 per adult, with discounts for children, students and seniors. Discounted family tickets are also available. You can purchase them onsite or online: from the official website or – for a more flexible cancellation policy – buy them here.

Free entry to the museum is included in the Lisbon Card.

A full guide to visiting The National Tile Museum is COMING SOON!

19. Pink Street

The famous Pink Street in Lisbon is a name that Rua Nova do Carvalho gained due to its surface being painted in a bright pink color.

It’s a short pedestrian street lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes, so it’s a perfect place to visit to experience Lisbon’s nightlife.

It’s also very well known for rainbow-colored umbrellas hanging between the buildings and forming a canopy over the street.

20. Time Out Market

Located just 3 minutes on foot from Pink Street, it’s a cluster of many different restaurants and food stands, serving all kinds of Portuguese and international dishes.

It’s a bustling, vibrant place, and a must-visit if you love food!

There are also various shows, events and cooking classes organized here.

You can learn more by visiting their official website.

21. Experience Fado music

Fado is a kind of traditional Portuguese music, often described as sad or mournful with lyrics referring to the emotions of love and pain.

You can experience Fado in Lisbon in many different ways – as a performance with dinner, or just a show with a glass of wine – whatever way fits your itinerary and budget.

We couldn’t fit in during our first trip, so for our second visit to Lisbon, we chose this tour as a grand finale for our stay. It was a great introduction to the Fado experience.

22. Free walking tours

If you don’t know where to start planning your visit to Lisbon, how about a free walking tour?

You’ll walk through the touristy and less touristy areas of the city, learn about Lisbon’s history, and get some ideas about what else to explore on your own.

23. Tuk-tuk tours

Not a fan of walking the steep streets of the City of the Seven Hills? No problem! Tuk-tuk tours are a fun way to see Lisbon without the effort of climbing its cobblestoned slopes.

You can follow along the historic Tram 28 or book a private sightseeing tour in a vintage tuk-tuk.

24. Food and wine tour

If you’d like to taste some traditional Portuguese food and wine, and try local delicacies, what better way than to take a guided food tour?

25. Take a day trip from Lisbon

Lisbon is a great starting point to visit some beautiful little towns in the surrounding area.

Cascais is a stunning coastal town and Sintra is a must-see iconic National Park with all its palaces and gardens.

Both are easily accessible by train departing from Rossio Station, however for a hassle-free experience, you can book a guided tour.

Helpful hint: many tours to Sintra include a visit to Cascais in their itinerary.

More information in my full guide to Sintra. Don’t miss my must-know tips on how to get around Sintra!

Óbidos is another amazing day trip destination. It’s a charming medieval town just an hour away from Lisbon. And Nazaré – a cute coastal town, famous for its giant waves – is just a short drive away, too.

How to get around Lisbon

As I mentioned above, walking is a great way to immerse yourself in Lisbon vibes, but you also have many public transportation options: metro, busses, trams, lifts and funiculars.

Purchase a Navegante Occasional Card or a Lisbon Card for the best and the most cost-effective public transportation cost coverage.

Read my “Tips for 1-st time visitors to Lisbon” guide for more information about why taxis and rental cars are not recommended and what alternatives to consider instead.

Best time to visit Lisbon

I don’t think there is ever a bad time to visit Lisbon (and Portugal in general), but visiting in the spring and fall is best in my opinion, as you still get a nice weather, but not the scorching heat and the crowds are significantly smaller.

Winter months are also great – the city is even less crowded; the prices are lower, and the weather is still nice enough to enjoy being outside.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

How much time do I need in Lisbon?

The amount of time you need to visit Lisbon greatly depends on how immersed you’d like to get in the culture and history of the city and what your travel style is.

Realistically, two days will give you a good chance to see the most famous, yes – maybe touristy but still amazing – Lisbon attractions.

To take your time and just enjoy the atmosphere, stroll around town, maybe visit some museums, and take everything in at a slower pace, allow a couple more days.

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Where to stay in Lisbon

I recommend staying in the Rossio Square/Restauradores area.

You get easy access to trains and metro, you’re within walking distance to Lisbon’s major attractions and your accommodation will be accessible for cars if you’re using airport transport shuttle services, Bolt/Uber, or a taxi.

During our visits, we stayed in Lisbonnaire Apartments and FLH Restauradores Amazing Flat with View (that was truly the name of the apartment!) and loved both places.

If you’d like to explore more options, use the convenient map below:

Good to know: Most visitors are tempted to stay in the historic Alfama district; however, transportation access is limited there, and you may end up walking a longer distance with your luggage.

Wondering how to put it all together into a realistic itinerary? I’ve got just the guide for you! Check out my article on “How to spend one day in Lisbon” and start planning your perfect day!

👉 To learn about my trusted travel planning resources that help me (and will help you too!) plan my trips easily and save money, read this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe: My Favorite Travel Resources Revealed.

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• How to Plan a Trip to Portugal in 7 Easy Steps.
• Lisbon and Algarve Itinerary You’ll Love: 7 Days in Portugal.
• 15 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon.
• How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon (Itinerary + Tips)
• How to Get Around Sintra: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Day Trip from Lisbon.
• First Timer’s Guide to Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon.
• Jerónimos Monastery: A Stunning Lisbon Landmark You Can’t Miss.
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Portugal: Guide + Tips
• Why Algar Seco Should Be on Your Portugal Itinerary (and How to Plan Your Visit)
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