20 Best Places to Visit in Lisbon
Looking for the best places to visit in Lisbon? Look no further. This guide provides an in-depth list of the top attractions in Lisbon including famous Lisbon landmarks such as Belém Tower and Castle Sao Jorge. With its beautiful quaint neighborhoods, delicious food, and yellow trams; Lisbon has a way of winning you over.
Lisbon has been a top destination on my bucket list for a long time. And when I finally made it to the Portuguese capital, I was so impressed. Lisbon is colorful, vibrant, rich, and varied due to the country’s long history. Lisbon is slowly starting to become a popular holiday destination in Europe and I can see exactly why. With great architecture, warm hospitality, and delicious food, the city has so much to offer. I’m going to make a bold statement and say it’s up there as one of my favorite cities in the world.
In recent years, Lisbon and Portugal as a whole have been gaining so much popularity. Portugal is such an underrated country with so many hidden gems to explore. It makes a great destination to add to any European itinerary.
As one of the greatest cities in the world, Lisbon has so many things to offer. Lisbon boasts a great climate, lively nightlife, history, culture, and a plethora of activities that will keep you entertained for days on end. It is renowned for its world-class museums and delicious cuisine. It’s hard to put Lisbon into just one guide, but here are the 20 best places to visit in Lisbon if you are a first-time visitor. If you are anything like me, you’ll fall in love with Lisbon’s charm and character.
Best Things To Do In Lisbon In A Snapshot
- Top 6 places to visit in Lisbon: Praça do Comércio, Alfama, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Sao Jorge Castle, Santa Justa Lift.
- Fun things to do in Lisbon: Ride the trams and funiculars, a cruise on the Tagus River, and watch a Fado show.
- Things to eat in Lisbon: Pastel de nata or Pastéis de Belém
- Day trips from Lisbon: Sintra and Cascais
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Lisbon Travel Guide – Know Before You Go
Some facts and important details to know before you visit Lisbon.
Best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon is March to May and the end of Sept to October/November. While Lisbon is a year-round destination, spring is an especially appealing time to visit the Portuguese capital. It’s not too hot, the city is in bloom, and crowds are manageable. These transitional months don’t have large crowds and the weather tends to be quite pleasant too.
June – August: The summer months can be incredibly hot and crowded so keep in mind if you travel to Lisbon during peak summer. The August holiday period sees a lot of the locals head away. Many cafés and restaurants shut their doors for up to a month.
Accommodation prices tend to drop in autumn, and the weather is generally pleasant. Expect wind and rain in winter, though it’s rarely too cold.
Currency
The primary currency used in Lisbon is Euros. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at most places.
Where to Stay In Lisbon
Like most other European cities, several neighborhoods in Lisbon vary in atmosphere and activity. So your experience will be different depending on where you stay.
Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods are Baixa (downtown) and Chiado (the shopping district). Barrio Alto and Alfama are both older parts of town, with steep streets and tiled buildings. The latter are picturesque but busy, as they attract crowds and nightlife. When considering where to stay, decide if you want a quieter part of town and if you don’t mind the hills in Barrio Alto or Alfama.
If you are looking to be central and well connected to the rest of the city, we recommend looking for hotels or other accommodation near Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV), Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), or a little further away, in Marquis of Pombal Square (Praça do Marquês de Pombal). Most of the major tourist attractions in Lisbon are clustered in the city center. The city is large but the center is walkable, and there are good transport links to other districts.
If you are visiting Lisbon for the first time, you may want to consider Chiado, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Principe Real, Avenida da Liberdade, and even Alfama if you want to be in the heart of the city.
We stayed in Belém, about a 30-minute tram ride into Downtown Lisbon. I was initially a bit concerned about being so far out but Belém has a charm of its own. And with the convenience of the trams and trains, you can easily get to downtime Lisbon.
Getting Around Lisbon
The best way to get around Lisbon is by foot and public transport. Like most European cities, Lisbon has great public transportation that’s budget-friendly and relatively easy to navigate. The major means of transportation in Lisbon are trams, buses, metros, and elevators.
On Foot: You can walk to most downtown locations if you are located centrally. Just make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes.
Trams are probably the best means of getting around the city. They are also considered one of Lisbon’s top tourist attractions.
Buses in Lisbon are the perfect way to get around to the urban areas.
Metros are more useful for traveling beyond downtown. The metro connects the airport to the city center.
Elevators and lifts: Lisbon’s Elevators are funiculars that are used to climb the city’s slopes. Both locals and tourists use these to get around the city of hills. The most useful lift is the Santa Justa Lift which takes people from Lisbon Old Town to Square Largo Do Carmo and the magnificent Carmo Convent.
You can use the same travel card to access the metro and all buses, boats, trains, and trams running through Lisbon and neighboring cities. The Viva Viagem green card costs €0.50 ($0.60) and is available at vending machines and ticket offices at the metro, train, and boat stations.
Simply load the card with a single or 24-hour ticket, or with money using the Zapping option. The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
While you need Viva Viagem to ride the metro, you can buy onboard tickets on Lisbon buses, trams, funiculars, and Santa Lift lift, but they’ll be more expensive than paying with Viva Viagem.
How long do you need in Lisbon?
Like any major capital city in Europe, there are so many things to do in Lisbon. But at the same time, if you are looking for a weekend away, Lisbon is the perfect destination for a long weekend away. You could spend 3 nights in Lisbon and cover some of the top Lisbon attractions. Of course, the more time you have in any city, the better it is to explore.
However, if you had only 3 full days in Lisbon, here’s how I would split it:
- Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s top attractions and tourist spots.
- Day 2: Take a day trip to Sintra.
- Day 3: Spend the first half of the day exploring the wonderful neighborhood of Belém. Finish off the rest of the day exploring central Lisbon.
Use trams and other public transport to get around so you save time getting from one neighborhood to another.
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20 Best Places to Visit in Lisbon: Top Lisbon Attractions
Lisbon is a city that’s bursting with life. It’s traditional but at the same time very hip. It is one of Portugal’s and Europe’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. Lisbon is the perfect city to wander around and get lost in. Spend time walking through the cobblestone streets, through quaint neighborhoods, you’ll come across a treasure or two. I’d suggest booking this Lisbon Full-Day Small Group City Sightseeing Tour which covers the city’s main highlights. Here are some of the 20 best places to visit in Lisbon.
1. Torre de Belém
The Belém Tower is located in the Belém District in Lisbon and is one of the city’s most striking symbols and a must-see tourist attraction in Lisbon. It’s probably known to be Lisbon’s most iconic monument. It is a fortified tower that served as the embarkation and disembarkation point for Portuguese explorers and was considered the gateway to the city.
During Portugal’s Age of Discovery, most of the voyages started in Lisbon, so the tower was the last thing sailors saw in the country. And since it was also the first thing they were going to see on their way back, the Tower of Belem became a symbol of the homeland.
The tower sits on the banks of the Tagus River and is separated from the mainland by a single bridge. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and take in the beautiful views of the city and the river. One of the most interesting interior features is the King’s Chamber located on the second floor.
Today the tower reminds the Portuguese of their Golden Age, and it’s among the most popular attractions in Portugal. Belém Tower is easily reached from other parts of Lisbon and is one of the many places to visit in Lisbon with kids. There is a large green space in front of the tower where you can sit and relax with ice cream on a hot summer’s day. A stop at Belem is highly recommended and you can do so on this guided tour of Belem. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Lisbon.
2. Jerónimos Monastery
The 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery is one of the top attractions in Lisbon. The Monastery is located by the riverfront in the Belém district. It was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 and was built to mark Portugal’s most glorious age, The Age of Discovery.
The workmanship of this building is nothing short of spectacular, with its ornate carvings, lattice work, and richly detailed columns carved with maritime symbols. Today, the structure is appreciated for its grand design as well as the important international meetings that are held within its walls. Some of the main highlights of the Monastery are the elaborate south portal and the beautiful Manueline cloister. In the nave of the church is the tomb of Vasco da Gama, whose voyages to India made Lisbon a wealthy maritime city.
Jerónimos Monastery has been a UNESCO-listed site since 1983 and is one of the most important monuments in the Belém. It’s best to buy skip-the-line tickets to the Monastery.
3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos: A Tribute to the Age of Discovery
Not too far from the Belem Tower, you’ll find the Monument to the Discoveries, one of the top free places to visit in Lisbon and a remarkable landmark dedicated to the Age of Discoveries in Portugal. It was built in the middle of the 20th century.
With more than 50 meters in height, it features a massive ship with 30+ figures, including Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator, and Ferdinand Magellan.
Inside are temporary exhibitions and an elevator that takes visitors to the terrace at the top, where you’ll receive magnificent views of the neighboring monuments. Outside, on the ground, is a vast compass with a map of the world tracing the routes of Portugal’s heroes of the sea.
Alongside it is the impressive square depicting a compass with a map of the world tracing the routes of Portugal’s heroes of the sea.
4. Castelo de São Jorge: An Iconic Landmark
The São Jorge Castle is an 11th-century medieval fortress and a historic landmark in Portugal that was built during the Moorish period. The medieval castle was used as a fortress and a royal palace but suffered severe damage in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Today, it is almost fully restored, and you can admire its preserved eleven towers, get to know its history, and enjoy the most amazing views of the city.
The castle is perched on top of the hill in the Alfama district and provides breathtaking views of the Portuguese capital. Visitors can tour the castle and admire the ancient architecture and modern exhibitions. Several of the castle towers are also accessible; each featuring astonishing views of the city and sea. The ground’s elaborate gardens and the underground archaeology museum are also open to the public.
For centuries, the castle served as an important fortification for defense, and now, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Portugal. Take a walk in the castle and appreciate the architecture and the Moorish design. Its impressive battlements, engaging museum, and fascinating archaeological site make the castle a rewarding experience for the whole family. Kids will love exploring the castle grounds and climbing over the walls and towers.
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions and one of the best places to visit in Lisbon. To visit the castle and find out more about its history, it’s best to buy the skip the line tickets.
It’s a great place to start your tour of the city and make your way down through Alfama and other Lisbon attractions.
5. Get lost in the Alfama District – One of the best places to visit in Lisbon
Alfama is a charming neighborhood and the oldest quarter in historic Lisbon. The best way is to walk through the meandering streets of Alfama once you have finished with São Jorge Castle. You’ll walk past tasty eateries, flowered balconies, and Fado clubs that give Alfama its unique charm. It’s one of the most authentic locations to discover Portuguese culture. Make a stop at one of many old taverns and enjoy a meal of fresh grilled fish.
For an expansive view of the Alfama and the Tagus River, head to Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol. This is essentially a large viewing balcony above the Alfama district. Don’t miss out on this viewpoint, I promise you it’s one of the best picture-perfect postcard views you will find in Lisbon. You can head here at any time during the day, however, if you want to catch a sunrise then I’d highly recommend you get here first thing in the morning.
Alfama district is one of the top places to visit in Lisbon and I highly recommend you don’t leave this one off your list.
How to Get to the Portas do Sol Viewpoint
Your first option is to start your day at São Jorge Castle and then make your way down through Alfama to the viewpoint.
Alternatively trams 12 and 28 stop at the viewpoint. It is faster to walk from Baixa (downtown), following the tram tracks, it’s just five minutes up the hill from the cathedral. You can also take bus 737, which departs from Praça da Figueira and stops a few feet away, before its final stop at the castle gate.
6. Praça do Comércio
This is one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares known for its stunning architecture. Lisbon’s riverfront square is a great starting point for when you are touring the city. You’ll see photos of Praça do Comércio all over social media when looking for things to do in Lisbon.
The impressive plaza is enclosed on three sides by distinguishing yellow buildings. A large statue dedicated to King Joseph I stands in the center. The grandeur of the buildings around the square is a symbol of Lisbon rising from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami that brought the city to the ground in 1755.
A large triumphal arch completed in 1873 anchors the northern side. Restaurants, shops, and hotels located nearby make the square a popular destination for visitors exploring Lisbon’s scenic waterfront. The square is one of the biggest squares in Europe and is one of the top places to visit in Lisbon. It’s filled with tourists all year round. There is plenty of space to stroll around the square or if you feel like giving your feet a break, sit down at one of the many cafes that line the square. Just beware of tourist prices.
The Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch) sits right at the entrance of the square. There is a viewing platform at the top of the arch that towers 30 meters high. It offers panoramic views of the Baixa district of Lisbon. The entrance fee is €2.50.
7. Ride Tram 28
This is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. Tram 28 is like what yellow taxis are to New York. The route takes you through some of the oldest areas, past some of Lisbon’s most popular sights and attractions. It can be a bit of a tourist trap and gets very crowded no matter what time of the day you get on it.
Tram 28 takes a tourist-friendly route, passing through some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods like Graça, Baixa, and Bairro Alto. The famous tram also makes its way through the steep, cobblestone roads into the Alfama district. You can take tram 28 to the hilltop São Jorge Castle to take in the panoramic views. The old tram line offers a great way to get oriented in the city.
This is an inexpensive way to see the neighborhoods of Lisbon especially if it gets too hot or happens to rain. Also perfect for when your feet need a bit of a break from all the walking around. Just be sure to jump on one of the first trams as it gets incredibly busy during the day.
8. Igreja do Carmo: One of the City’s Most Impressive Monuments
The roof of this 14th-century church collapsed in the earthquake of 1755, but its Gothic arches still stand. To remind the city of the disaster the church was never restored. This was once Lisbon’s greatest medieval building. Today it is one of the city’s most impressive monuments.
Visitors can wander the open nave, the Visigoth pillar, and a Roman tomb. Among the displays are two ancient mummies lying in their glass cases.
The church façade overlooks the picturesque Largo do Carmo in Chiado. You can easily get to the church on foot or access it from the nearby Elevador de Santa Justa.
9. Elevador de Santa Justa
The Santa Justa Lift, also known as Carmo Lift, is a Gothic-style iron elevator in the historic center of Lisbon. It’s one of four mid-twentieth-century lifts that are still actively used in Lisbon but is the only one that runs fully vertical.
The lift is located in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. It stands out because of its French Eiffel-style architecture. It connects central Lisbon’s lower streets to the much higher Largo do Carmo and vice versa. The trip up is about 45 meters high. The lift is not only a convenient means of transportation but it has now also become a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon.
The lift itself is quite a unique piece of work but it’s the views you get once you are up top that blow your mind away. On the top floor, up a spiral staircase, a viewing platform offers 360º views.
The Elevador is part of the public transport system, so if you have a payment card, a one-way trip is equivalent to a bus journey. Elevador de Santa Justa is most certainly one of Lisbon’s top landmarks.
A return ride costs €5.15 and the lift operates daily from early morning to late evening.
10. Rossio Square (Pedro IV Square)
Lisbon’s most famous plaza, Rossio Square, is one of the main squares filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. There’s no better place in Lisbon to soak up the local atmosphere than Rossio Square. The square is located in the Pombaline Lower Town district in central Lisbon.
It’s the perfect place to stop by for a coffee or you can simply relax on one of the shady benches and gaze at the beautiful fountains under the sun.
11. Sé: Lisbon’s Cathedral
Situated near the Alfama neighborhood in the city’s Castelo district is Lisbon’s magnificent cathedral. The cathedral has undergone several makeovers since its original structure. The standout features are the twin bell towers that embellish Lisbon’s skyline.
It’s definitely worth taking a look inside and visiting the Gothic cloisters which reveal archaeological remains of the city’s past 3000 years. The treasury presents a collection of priceless sacred art. The cathedral is the second oldest monument in Lisbon after the castle.
12. Have a bite at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market)
Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market, has two different parts to it. The downstairs is filled with fruit and vegetable stalls, and the upstairs has some modern, cutting-edge eateries.
It is the perfect place to taste the local specialties such as Pastel de nata (sweet custard tart in a flaky pastry), sip on Portuguese wine, or even try a delicious francesinha sandwich (this typically comes out of Porto).
The gourmet food hall is one of the liveliest spots in Lisbon. It’s a place where locals and tourists come together to experience the local food. Several of the country’s top chefs have outposts here. It’s the biggest food market and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon.
The fresh produce section is open from 6 am to 2 pm while the food hall opens around 10 am and closes around midnight. It gets very loud and busy, so if you head there in a group, make sure you have someone who sits back and saves you a table while you hunt around for food.
Some of the best things to eat at Mercado da Ribeira are:
- A warm pastel de nata from Manteigaria
- Roast port sandwich from Balcao da Esquina
- Bacalhau à brás from Miguel Castro e Silva. You can also try the francesinha here.
- Portuguese croquettes at Croqueteria
13. Go underwater in the Lisbon Oceanarium
While there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon with kids, the Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the top highlights. The Oceanarium is known to be one of Europe’s finest aquariums and also one of the largest in the world. It was built as part of the World Exposition in 1998.
The oceanarium is home to a plethora of fish and marine animals. There are 4 different habitats including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Antarctic, each representing a different ocean. A top one to visit is the Antarctic habitat which showcases penguins, and sea otters.
The wraparound plexiglass allows a fantastic close-up view of this magical undersea world. This is definitely a fun activity and one of the best places to visit in Lisbon for those traveling with kids.
Official site: www.oceanario.pt
14. Hop aboard the Funiculars
Lisbon is known to be the city of seven hills and the funicular railways are a mode of transport to and from the neighborhoods. They make Lisbon’s hills a bit more manageable.
There’s a misconception that Lisbon’s trams and funiculars are only used by tourists. And while they have become popular tourist attractions in Lisbon, they are very much used by the locals daily to get around the city.
Funiculars are perfect for when you want to go up the city’s steepest hills. And of course, you can always choose to ride them back down, but the walk downhill is always far easier and more enjoyable. The three funiculars in Lisbon are as follows:
- Elevador da Bica: Connecting Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz. The nineteenth-century funicular ascends one of Lisbon’s steepest hills and is considered Lisbon’s most picturesque funicular.
- Elevador da Glória: This funicular is probably the best-known and the most popular of the three funiculars. This funicular climbs up Calçada da Glória towards the Bairro Alto neighborhood where you can enjoy some magnificent views over Lisbon.
- Elevador do Lavra: The Lavra Funicular is the oldest, and least touristy, of all three funiculars still operating in Lisbon. It climbs up Calçada do Lavra in two minutes.
15. Eat and drink in the Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is where you’ll find all the tourists hanging out. It’s filled with al fresco cafes and international restaurants. The district is also popularly known for its nightlife.
Things usually tend to kick off in the early evening when the pastelarias and drinking joints come to life.
16. Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street)
Around the corner from the Time Out Market is Lisbon’s popular pink street. It lies in the neighborhood of Cais do Sodre, once Lisbon’s Red-Light District. It’s home to some of the best bars these days. Take a stroll to get your Instagram worthy shot!
17. Enjoy the seafood and sun in Cascais
If you need a bit of a break from the fast-paced sightseeing in the city, then make your way to Cascais for the morning. The picture-perfect fishing town is the perfect place to catch some sun, sand, and seafood. The beaches in Cascais are spectacular, it’s the perfect kind of thing to do for a chilled-out day or if you are traveling with kids.
We recommend taking the train from Lisbon to Cascais. The train ride offers great views of the Lisbon coastline. You can get off at Carcavelos Beach which is one of the best beaches in Cascais. Alternatively to explore the town you can get off at Cascais station where you can walk around the historic center.
18. Cristo Rei Statue
Inspired by Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the Cristo Rei statue sits high on a hill overlooking the Targus River. The monument was built to express gratitude to God for having spared Lisbon from World War II.
It was opened to the public in 1959. An interior elevator takes visitors to a platform beneath the figure’s feet for panoramic views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the Golden-Gate-style 25 de Abril Bridge.
Tip: You can get to the statue by public transport. There is a ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas following which you take a bus from Cacilhas to Cristo Rei Statue. It makes for a fun activity especially if you are traveling with kids.
19. Make a trip to Sintra
A visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without a day trip to Sintra. Even though Sintra is a completely different city, it remains one of the major attractions here.
Sintra is a magical place filled with castles, palaces, and villas. It’s one of Portugal’s most visited places and features a colorful palace and beautiful Castles. Don’t miss out on Pena Palace make sure you book your tickets well in advance and start your day in Sintra at this attraction to avoid large crowds.
A day trip to Sintra is the best way to go and you can easily cover the three major attractions, Pena Palace, Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira. Make sure you leave some time to walk through the quaint Old Town of Sintra. Grab a delicious meal here before you head back to Lisbon.
20. Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
The 25 de Abril Bridge is over 2,000 meters long and connects Lisbon to the city of Almada. This red suspension bridge resembles that of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon.
If you are only in Lisbon for a day or two, check out this tour which covers some of the city’s main highlights.
With incredible history, colorful neighborhoods, and delicious food; Lisbon leaves you wanting more. I fell in love with this charming city, it captures your soul and takes your breath away. I hope this Lisbon travel guide comes in handy when you plan your trip to the Portuguese capital. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below.
Happy Travels!
Some Lisbon Tours You May Like to Check Out
- Best of Lisbon Walking Tour: Rossio, Chiado & Alfama
- Lisbon: Full-Day Small Group City Sightseeing Tour
- Private City Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk
- City tour oldtown and alfama 90 min by tuktuk
- Guided Day Tour of Sintra, Pena, Regaleira & Cascais
- Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Guided Tour
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Lisbon is known for its historic neighborhoods, stunning views, and rich cultural experiences. Each area of the city offers a unique atmosphere, from the charming cobbled streets of Alfama to the lively nightlife of Barrio Alto. When choosing accommodation in Lisbon, it’s essential to consider the vibe of each area, whether you’re looking for something historical, trendy, or relaxing. Here are some of the best accommodations in Lisbon, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options, across five key areas: Alfama, Barrio Alto, Baixa, Chiado, and Belem.
1. Alfama – Neighborhood with views
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its winding streets, traditional Fado music, and breathtaking views of the Tagus River. Staying here immerses you in Lisbon’s history and local culture.
- Alfama Patio – Budget
This hostel is cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for solo travelers or small groups. It offers a traditional Lisbon patio where guests can relax, and it’s a short walk to landmarks like São Jorge Castle. - Memmo Alfama Hotel – Mid-Range
Located in the heart of Alfama, this stylish boutique hotel offers stunning river views and contemporary design, with a rooftop pool perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. - Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel – Luxury
A 5-star boutique hotel set in a restored 15th-century building. It’s known for its elegant rooms and exceptional service, plus its proximity to the Cathedral and other historic sites.
2. Barrio Alto – Known for its nightlife
This area is famous for its vibrant nightlife, bohemian atmosphere, and narrow streets filled with bars, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s ideal for travelers looking to experience Lisbon’s energy after dark.
- Selina Secret Garden Lisbon – Budget
A chic hostel that offers both dormitory-style and private rooms. It has a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, and coworking spaces, attracting a young and creative crowd. - The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – Mid-Range
A modern hotel that combines luxury and affordability. It offers spacious rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, making it a great base for exploring Barrio Alto and nearby neighborhoods. - Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel – Luxury
This luxury hotel is set in a former palace and offers elegant rooms with a focus on wine experiences. Guests can enjoy sophisticated interiors, a spa, and close proximity to the bustling streets of Barrio Alto.
3. Baixa – Best neighborhood for sightseeing
This is Lisbon’s downtown area, filled with grand plazas, wide avenues, and neoclassical architecture. It’s centrally located, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
- Lisbon Destination Hostel – Budget
Located in the iconic Rossio Train Station, this hostel offers both dorms and private rooms. It has a laid-back vibe, a communal kitchen, and various social activities. - Hotel Mundial – Mid-Range
One of the most popular mid-range hotels in Baixa, known for its rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. The rooms are comfortable, and its location makes it easy to explore Lisbon’s main attractions. - Pousada de Lisboa – Luxury
This 5-star hotel offers the ultimate luxury experience in Baixa. Housed in a restored historic building, it features elegant rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a spa, and a prime location near Praça do Comércio.
4. Chiado – Neighborhood that provides a little of everything
This fashionable and upscale neighborhood is known for its theaters, museums, cafes, and shopping streets. It offers a balance between historical charm and modern amenities.
- Chiado Arty Flats – Budget
A modern and artsy accommodation offering affordable yet stylish apartments. It’s located in the heart of Chiado, with easy access to both cultural landmarks and shopping areas. - Hotel Borges Chiado – Mid-Range
An affordable hotel located on one of Chiado’s main streets. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel provides easy access to famous landmarks like the historic café A Brasileira. - Bairro Alto Hotel – Luxury
This 5-star hotel seamlessly combines modern luxury with historical charm. Located at the intersection of Chiado and Barrio Alto, it features a rooftop bar, elegant rooms, and a highly regarded restaurant.
5. Belém
Known for its maritime history, grand monuments, and more relaxed vibe, Belém is perfect for those wanting to explore iconic sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém.
- HI Belém – Pousada de Juventude – Budget
A budget-friendly option ideal for backpackers and young travelers. It offers simple accommodation in a peaceful area, with easy access to Belém’s monuments and museums. - Altis Belém Hotel & Spa – Mid-Range
A 5-star hotel offering mid-range prices outside the peak season. It has a modern design, a riverside location, and a luxurious spa, making it perfect for relaxation. - Palácio do Governador – Luxury
This hotel offers a luxurious stay in a restored 16th-century palace. It features elegant rooms, a beautiful pool, a spa, and proximity to Belém’s most famous landmarks.
More time – here are a few other places to visit in Lisbon
- National Azulejo Museum
- Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT)
- National Museum of Ancient Art
- Museu do Fado
Best things to do with kids in Lisbon
- Visit São Jorge Castle
- Explore Oceanario Lisboa (Lisbon’s aquarium)
- Ride the Trams
- Walk around Praça do Comércio, grab an icecream at one of the many cafes
- Spend a day at the beach in Cascais
- Visit Belem Tower
- Take a tour on the hop-on hop-off bus
- Ride up Santa Justa Elevator and go to the viewing terrace for incredible city views
- Visit the Science Museum
- Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Sintra
- Indulge in Pasteis de Belem
- Head to Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol and have the kids spot some cruise ships
Best free things to do in Lisbon
- Explore the historic center
- Admire Rua Augusta Arch and Praça Do Comércio
- Portas do Sol viewpoint
- Stroll through Alfama neighborhood
- Nations’ park
- Sé de Lisboa (while it’s free to enter the church, there may be a small fee to visit certain areas)
- Enjoy a free fado show
- Wander through Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods
- Browse the Feira da Ladra (Lisbon’s oldest flea market)
- Take a free walking tour of the city (Note: While the tours themselves are free, it is customary to tip the tour guide)
- Walk around Belém neighborhood
- View Tower of Belem
- Gaze at Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
- Marvel at Jeronimos Monastery
- Head to the liveliest squares in Lisbon; Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square), Largo do Carmo, Praça Luís de Camões, and Praça do Município.
- Walk along the city’s most famous streets: Rua Augusta, Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street), Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, and Rua do Vale
- Admire April 25 Bridge
20 Best Places to Visit in Lisbon Overview: Top Lisbon Highlights
- Torre de Belém
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos: A Tribute to the Age of Discovery
- Castelo de São Jorge: An Iconic Landmark
- Get lost in the Alfama District
- Praça do Comércio
- Ride Tram 28
- Igreja do Carmo: One of the City’s Most Impressive Monuments
- Elevador de Santa Justa
- Rossio Square (Pedro IV Square)
- Sé: Lisbon’s Cathedral
- Have a bite at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market)
- Go underwater in the Lisbon Oceanarium
- Hop aboard the Funiculars
- Eat and drink in the Bairro Alto
- Rua Nova do Carvalho (Pink Street)
- Enjoy the seafood and sun in Cascais
- Cristo Rei Statue
- Make a trip to Sintra
- Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
