Things to do in Lisbon
Perched on the coast of Portugal and steeped in a rich and diverse maritime history, it's no wonder that many of Lisbon's attractions are of the aquatic variety. Visitors will have a grand time exploring the many sights this exciting city has to offer.
Travellers should stop at the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is marketed as the second best aquarium in the world and boasts a 1.3-million gallon (5-million litre) tank and a wonderful array of marine life. For a slightly more historical look at the sea, the Maritime Museum is one of Europe's best and a must for history buffs.
It's absolutely worth visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tower of Belem, strolling through the streets of the charming Alfama, Lisbon's old quarter, exploring the São Jorge Castle and taking a stroll through the Jeronimos Monastery, a World Heritage Site and the resting place of Vasco de Gama.
Those wanting to see the sights in Lisbon should look into purchasing a Lisboa Card, which grants the bearer free admission or 50 percent off of admission fees to most attractions, as well as free access to public transport. The card is valid for 24 hours and is available from tourist offices throughout the city.
Sintra
Sintra is steeped in history and offers some of the most exquisite natural and architectural sites in the country. Verdant hills and pastureland wend their way northwest from Lisbo…
Castelo de São Jorge
The walls of Castelo de São Jorge sit atop a hill guarding the Tagus, dating from the Moorish occupation in the 10th century. However, the site has been a fortress for centuries, …
Alfama
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de São Jorge. It retains much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days…
Lisbon Cathedral
Sé de Lisboa is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Since the beginning of its construction in the year 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral has been modifi…
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in 1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where…
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto district is a historic enclave dating back to 1513, which is reached via the Santa Justa Elevator from the lower city. The colourful district resounds to the calls …
Monument to the Discoveries
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which is situated on the riverbank along Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belém. Designed…
Tower of Belém
Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve a…
Fatima
In 1917, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova da Iria, 79 miles (127km) north of Lisbon. The children clai…
Setúbal
Setúbal is an emerging gem in Portugal that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture and authentic experiences. Located just an hour from Lisbon, this charming town …
Cristo Rei
Christ the King, known as Cristo Rei, is a Catholic statue and monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. It overlooks the city of Lisbon in the central part of Portug…
Lisbon Oceanarium
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The c…
Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
The Navy Museum of Lisbon is dedicated to all aspects of the history of navigation in Portugal. It occupies a part of the neo-Manueline Western wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, tog…
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for children in Lisbon. As well as its wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also displays of preserved water b…
Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
The 330-seat planetarium, adjacent to the Maritime Museum, offers an entertaining and educational insight into the mysteries of the universe. Visitors can tour the exhibitions befo…
Evora
Boasting a remarkably well-preserved Old Town centre, partially bordered by medieval walls, as well as the outstanding Roman Temple built in the 1st century AD, the gorgeous mediev…
Fado Bars
As wonderful as Lisbon's historical area of Alfama is by day, its culture can be even better experienced at night in one of the legendary fado bars. Fado music dates back to the 19…
Jerónimos Monastery
One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jerónimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors to Lisbon. A stellar example of Manueline, also known as Port…
Tram 28
These yellow trams, with their polished wooden floors and vintage quality, might be loud and bumpy, having been in operation since 1901, but they also wend through the most histori…