6 Places You Must See in Lisbon and Complete Guide
Charming alleyways, magical sunsets over ancient whitewashed houses, quaint cobbled streets, bright yellow rickety trams, colourful hilltop palaces and inviting restaurants serving fresh delicious seafood; there are many wonderful places you must see in Lisbon; read on to discover more and everything you need to know before you visit Lisbon.
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! Click here to read our privacy policy.
Portugal’s coastal capital is full of charm, atmosphere, stunning architecture and bustling plazas with cafes perfect for watching the world go by.
Whether you’re after a relaxing beach holiday, history and culture, spectacular nightlife, delicious and authentic food, or a city break; a Lisbon itinerary has something for everyone.
Lisbon is spread over 7 steep hills, so expect a big leg workout (there are ways to avoid the hills which you’ll read about later). The incredible viewpoints over red roofs and white-washed houses and the magical sunsets definitely make the hills worth it, however.
An absolute must see in Lisbon is the unique transport system of yellow rickety trams and funiculars, dating back to the 1930s (and still in use today). These are an experience to ride and also make for fantastic photo opportunities with their charming aesthetic and vibrant street art.
Lisbon is continually identified as one of the greatest cities in the world. In 2017, Lonely Planet named it one of the world’s top 10 cities!
Since then, it has seen an increase in tourism but remains one of the most affordable cities in Europe, alongside Krakow and Plovdiv, and great value for money.
In this guide, we’ll share six places you must see in Lisbon as well as everything you need to know before you visit Lisbon including how to get around, the best time to visit, the best location to stay in Lisbon and so much more.
No time to read this guide on places you must see in Lisbon now? No worries, save it for later!
Contents
Places You Must See in Lisbon
Alfama
A labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways, elegant narrow streets, spectacular viewpoints and the sounds of Fado; Alfama is the oldest district and a must see in Lisbon.
Alfama was once situated outside the city walls and was where the poor and desperate lived, followed by sailors and dock workers.
Nowadays, however, this village within a city retains its rich heritage but has shrugged off its bleak reputation and transformed into a desirable and picturesque neighbourhood.
Alfama is the historical soul of Lisbon housing some of the city’s most important and historic buildings. The Castelo de São Jorge; a grand castle standing high above the city and the Sé de Lisboa; the oldest church in the city with its gothic towers.
The best way to experience this enigmatic area is by getting a little lost. The narrow maze of medieval streets entwining Alfama are made up of small ancient whitewashed houses, tiny squares and churches and are an absolute delight to amble about.
Powered by GetYourGuide
You’ll quickly learn there are no flat streets in Alfama! A photographer’s haven with tiny cobbled slopes and staircases leading up to breathtaking viewpoints across the city.
One of the best viewpoints in Lisbon is Miradouro da Graça, with a stunning view over the red roofs out to the Tagus river and the Ponte de 25 de Abril. There’s a small cafe serving drinks which is a popular place for locals to hang out as it’s one of the best spots for sunset.
Our Top Tip: jump on tram 28 to avoid the hills. Rattling and screeching through the tiny streets provides an alternative way of seeing the postcard-perfect views. Popular with locals and tourists, this tram route is a must see in Lisbon so expect long queues!
Alfama has always been the inspiration for Fado songs and influenced many poets and writers. Alfama is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lisbon so make it your first stop to observe first-hand this step back in time.
Bairro Alto; one of the best places you must see in Lisbon
Another area you must see in Lisbon is Bairro Alto; Lisbon’s most varied district. Once the sun goes down it’s completely unrecognisable!
During the day, expect to see sleepy shabby cobblestone streets lined with ancient houses decorated with vivid street art.
But don’t be fooled by the quiet. At night, this area really comes alive! Dubbed as the bohemian district, this quirky area is the nightlife hub of Lisbon with countless bars and restaurants.
Wandering through Bairro Alto’s picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll hear the sounds of Fado from live music venues and traditional restaurants.
Bar hopping through the streets, spilling out of the tiny bars enjoying the mild evenings drink in hand, you’ll see people of all ages and backgrounds.
After you’ve had your fill of bar-hopping and you’re ready for a dance, pop to Pink Street (and yes, the street is bright pink), for some classic nightclubs.
Our Top Tip: the bar Pensão Amor is a must on your Lisbon itinerary. What was once an old brothel, is now made up of various rooms with bright decor, shocking artwork and a library filled with erotic books!
During the day, ride Elevador da Bica to ascend one of Lisbon’s steepest streets en route to Bairro Alto. Alternatively, challenge yourself and walk up and capture some photos of one of Lisbon’s most iconic views dominating a lot of postcards.
In the heart of Bairro Alto is one of the best rooftop bars. On top of a 7-storey car park is Park Bar; a garden oasis offering 180-degree views over the city to the river, the bell towers of Santa Catarina church and the 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge.
Baixa
Another area for your list you must see in Lisbon is Baixa; the heart of the city’s downtown commercial district.
Popular with both locals and tourists socialising in atmospheric cafes, dining in upmarket restaurants or spending their days shopping in the high-end fashionable boutiques, Baixa has a wonderful and welcoming energy.
In contrast to Alfama and Bairro Alto with their narrow cobbled streets, Baixa feels very grande with broad squares, opulent plazas, 18th-century architecture and wide patterned avenues.
It hasn’t always been so magnificent here, however. A massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami completely destroyed it in 1755. Reconstruction disregarded the original medieval layout of the city and it became one of the first grid and block layouts.
Baixa is very popular with tourists as it’s where you’ll find a lot of the best places you must see in Lisbon.
A Tour of Baixa
The traditional heart of Lisbon, Rossio is a bustling plaza adored by both tourists and locals. Imposing statues, fountains, wavy patterned stone cobbles and laid-back cafes radiate a general buzz about the square.
Praça do Comércio is the finest plaza in Lisbon! This is the traditional trading and commercial centre and was once the gateway to the city. Bordered by impressive buildings is the magnificent triumphal arch ‘Arco da Rua Augusta’ which connects to Rua Augusta and is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
Rua Augusta is one of Baixa’s distinguished avenues lined with chic buildings, open-air cafes, and restaurants.
You’ll also find Elevador de Santa Justa; an industrial age lift that transports you from Baixa to a charming plaza ‘Largo do Carmo’ in Bairro Alto and an absolute must see in Lisbon.
Continuing up from Rua Augusta you’ll reach the tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade. This is Lisbon’s upscale shopping street lined with designer shops, lifestyle boutiques and high-end hotels.
Our Top Tip: for lunch, check out the Time Out Market; an open food court with a huge choice of global gourmet food and family-style seating.
In Baixa, you’re in the heart of the action! A short walk to the east will take you to the medieval streets of Alfama and just to the west lies the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto.
Baixa is one of the more expensive areas so, if you’re doing your Lisbon itinerary on a budget, definitely explore this area but stick to drinking, dining and staying in Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Sintra; one of the most beautiful places you must see in Lisbon
In the foothills of the Sintra mountains, is the Portuguese fairytale town of Sintra. The extravagant palaces, ancient castles and beautiful hillside scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are an absolute must see in Lisbon.
Scattered throughout the forest are numerous mansions and palaces where Lisbon’s elite came in the summer to escape the heat. The most magnificent, and highlight of any trip is the Pena Palace which King Ferdinand II ordered in 1838 as a summer residence.
Spend some time strolling around the extensive gardens. Most people stick to the main sights so we found the gardens were very quiet and a lovely and peaceful place for a walk.
Around what feels like the enchanted forest, you’ll find tropical plants, huge redwoods, fern trees and lakes with castle-shaped duck houses. We felt like we’d gotten lost in a fairytale!
Around Pena Park are various points offering incredible views of Pena Palace and the surrounding mountainscape. The best is at Cruz Alta.
Castelo Dos Mouros are the ruins of a mighty castle looming high above the surrounding forest. Although Pena Palace is higher, this castle offers a more breathtaking vantage point.
Standing on the impressive castle walls you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views over Sintra, Pena Palace, numerous other palaces dotted around the hillside and even out to the Atlantic Ocean!
Getting to Sintra
Getting to Sintra is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon by train. It takes 40 minutes direct from Rossio.
If you have a car, do not drive to Sintra. The roads are very steep and narrow and aren’t designed for lots of traffic. There’s also limited parking.
The train costs €2.30 one way and a return is double.
Our Top Tip: ignore the tuk-tuks that pounce on you when you arrive in Sintra. They’re very expensive and sell you gimmicky tours.
The best way to get around Sintra is by using the Bus 434. This bus follows a one-way loop connecting Sintra train station, the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and Sintra Historic Centre. A 24-hour hop-on-hop-off ticket costs €13.50 and a single fare costs €4.55.
For more information, read our day trips from Lisbon to Sintra guide.
After you’ve explored the palaces around Sintra, take a bus to Cabo da Roca; the westernmost point of mainland Europe and a must see in Lisbon.
This is the boundary of the Sintra Mountains and is a headland of dramatic granite cliffs and forceful seas. There’s a lighthouse and a stone monolith to mark this headland. From here you can either take the bus back to Sintra or on to Cascais.
If you’d prefer to have everything planned and organised for you, search for day trips from Lisbon to Sintra which also include Cabo da Roca and Cascais.
Cascais; one of the best day trips from Lisbon by train
Cascais is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Lisbon. With beautiful sandy beaches, a vibrant marina and a traditional charming fishing town, Cascais is a must-visit on your Lisbon itinerary.
Within the town, are some impressive 19th-century mansions, fascinating museums and charming parks. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes. Seafood is a big deal here.
Our Top Tip: look for a restaurant away from the main centre as they’re considerably cheaper and more authentic. We found a tiny restaurant with incredible seafood that cost next to nothing. Our carafe of wine cost €3!!
One of the best things to do in Cascais is to visit the dramatic ‘Boca do Inferno’. Translated as ‘Hell’s Mouth’ it earned its name from the vigorous waves that pound into the cave.
The day we visited, it was incredibly windy so very impressive! During the summer, it can be a bit calmer.
There are a few small market stalls where you can buy touristy souvenirs and a little cafe perfect for a drink and enjoying the sun.
To reach ‘Boca do Inferno’, walk 1.5km along the coast from the lighthouse in town which offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
If you’ve stayed in Lisbon before or you have longer than a few days, we’d recommend spending a couple of days here to really appreciate everything Cascais has to offer.
Alternatively, Cascais is another of the easiest day trips from Lisbon by train. 50 minutes direct from Cais do Sodre Station. A one-way ticket costs €2.40 and a return is double chargeable to the reusable Navegante card.
Belem
The final area you must see in Lisbon lies approximately halfway between Lisbon and Cascais; the picturesque district of Belem. Explore this part of Lisbon if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the city and the position it played in the age of discovery.
The green parks and open spaces that now occupy Belem were once extensive shipyards and harbours.
To commemorate the Portuguese seafaring history is the bold and imposing monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos situated on the banks of the Tejo Estuary.
Situated further down the river and resembling a fairytale castle on the sea is the Tower of Belém. This 16th-century fort was originally used to defend the city against foreign ships and today is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see in Lisbon.
Portugal is famed for its delicious pastries; in particular, the Pastéis de Nata (a custard tart). While here, you absolutely must try the original one. Head to Pastéis de Belém to enjoy this tasty treat.
Our Top Tip: don’t be put off by the long queue outside the front, it goes down very quickly. Alternatively, eat inside. The cafe is deceptively huge, the rooms just go on and on! You’ll get a table relatively quickly.
The best way to visit Belem is to hop off the train on the way back from Cascais. Spend an hour or so enjoying the monuments and sit in a park with a couple of Pastéis de Nata before continuing your journey back to Lisbon.
What You Need To Know Before You Visit Lisbon
How long would you recommend for a Lisbon itinerary?
We’d recommend a minimum of 4 days in Lisbon to really get the most out of the city. We had 4 days and felt we would have liked another just because we loved it so much.
Spend a couple of days exploring the city itself and a couple for day trips from Lisbon; Sintra and Cascais (with a quick stop in Belem).
Getting around Lisbon
Getting around Lisbon is super easy. On arrival, to get into the city, the metro is the quickest and cheapest option with only 1 change, arriving into the city in just 25 minutes.
To pay for public transport in and around Lisbon purchase a Navegante Card ticket from any metro station which can be used on all transport operators. They cost €0.50 and are the cheapest and quickest ways to pay for journeys.
If you plan on using public transport quite often on your Lisbon itinerary, it’s worth buying a 24-hour ticket for €6.80 (€10.80 to include Cascais/Sintra). This also includes access to the Ascensor da Glória and Elevador de Santa Justa which are quite expensive when purchased on their own.
You can also buy a Lisbon travel card which includes free entrance to many of the city’s attractions, discounts at others and free public transport.
The best way to see Lisbon is on a walking tour (As long as you don’t mind the steep hills!). This way, through having a knowledgeable guide you can learn a huge amount and get much more from your visit.
The best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon is either spring or autumn. There are fewer crowds and the temperatures are more bearable. We had lovely warm weather in October. June to August can be very busy, prices are hiked and temperatures can reach 45 degrees!
How expensive is Lisbon?
Lisbon is fantastic value for money and makes for a great budget holiday. You can find exceptional quality food, great accommodation, entrance fees to historical monuments and alcohol for a fraction of the cost compared to other European cities.
If you’re not travelling on a budget, you can also find more luxurious dining options for cheaper too making it a great choice for budget and luxury tourists.
The best location to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon has some great neighbourhoods to base yourself in. If this is your first visit, we’d recommend somewhere close to the historic centre. Baixa, Alfama and Bairro Alto are all very popular as they are within walking distance of the main sights and attractions.
Like anywhere, we recommend booking your accommodation and flights well in advance to secure the lowest prices; especially if you’re planning your Lisbon trip for the summer.
What currency do I need for Lisbon?
You’ll need the Euro for Lisbon. At the time of writing, 1 USD to 0.90 EUR.
What plug do I need?
Like most countries in Europe, you’ll need either type C or F. Both of these have two round pins.
We hope you’ve found this guide to places you must see in Lisbon helpful in planning in your trip. If you have any questions or want to say hi, leave a comment below or get in contact. Also, make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time and get even more guides, tips and itineraries.
To check out other European guides, head to the links below.
