All You Need to Know About Lisbon Tourist Attractions

Exploring Lisbon City and the Greater Metropolitan Area

Tourism in Portugal is booming right now. There are tons of unforgettable things to do in Portugal, particularly in the country’s captivating capital.

Lisbon is the westernmost capital city of mainland Europe and thus possesses a strategic location. The coastline spread across the north of the Tagus River is called the Lisbon Coast, while the southern coastal area is known as the Blue Coast. The westernmost part of this city has a boundary with the Monsanto Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, while in the easternmost part lies the Parque das Nações district.

On day trips, you can experience a fantastic blend of European art by contemporary artists and ancient art in this city. Stories of olden times and great discoveries by famous Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama are intricately weaved in the various parts of the city.

Lisbon has many famous neighborhoods and places to visit, such as Avenida da Liberdade and the Bairro Alto neighborhood, where the different communities celebrate their distinct cultural identities while maintaining a common cultural and historical lineage. In the sections below, we explore the most beautiful places in Lisbon and what to see and do there.

Viewpoints and top attractions in Lisbon worth visiting

There are so many different ways to enjoy Lisbon. The views across the city create a permanent exhibition that reflects the colorful aspects of its history. Not only is the city home to Roman tombs, Moorish castles, 17th-century Baroque Architecture, and royal residences, but it also offers excellent views along the Atlantic coast. 

Below is a list of Lisbon’s top tourist attractions, from popular attractions offering the best views to the best museums and historic sights to enjoy. 

1. Orient Museum, a national museum dedicated to celebrating oriental art and Asian culture and heritage
2. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo, or National Tile Museum is the best place to see some of the city’s decorative arts
3. Basílica da Estrela, known as the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
4. Oceanário de Lisboa or the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe
5. Lisboa Story Centre, the place to discover all about historic Lisbon and its age of discovery
6. Igreja de São Roque, an ancient catholic church that is home to sacred art and sculptors
7. The Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, similar to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco
8. Santuário de Cristo Rei is a catholic monument inspired by the famous Brazilian redeemer statue of Christ. The Cristo Rei statue arises from a hill overlooking the entire city
9. Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s largest shopping plazas in the country facing the River Tagus 
10. Castelo de São Jorge, a massive monument structure built in 1910 celebrating the medieval times
11. Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage archeological site, the maritime tower was built in the 16th-century for use by Portuguese explorers
12. Miradouro da Graça is a popular viewpoint and terrace that offers panoramic views of Lisbon city

Alfama area

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon city, located east of the city center. This area lies between the Tagus River and the Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of St George) and offers a beautiful sight to travelers through narrow lanes and small aesthetic quarters. If you want to taste the traditional culture of the city, hop into any of the multiple Fado bars and restaurants. Alfama is famous for having the best Fado houses in Lisbon where the atmosphere is welcoming, and you can enjoy traditional Portuguese food and live music.

Alfama is home to many historical attractions and temporary exhibitions are also available for a visit. One of the main Lisbon attractions in this area is the Castelo de São Jorge, which dates back to medieval times. You can get the best panoramic views of the city’s skyline from the top of the Castelo de São Jorge, enjoy a tour of the engaging national museums, or be engrossed in the stories of the impressive battles. This is a wholesome family experience where you’ll gain rich historical knowledge.

The oldest church of Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral, is in the west of this district. If you are a connoisseur of ancient art, a visit to the National Tile Museum is a must. You will be thoroughly impressed by the decorative pieces of Azulejos in the national museum.

Alcântara area

Once a suburban area, Alcântara has become the center of Lisbon because of the abundance of entertainment options. In this part of the city, you’ll find magnificent river views, exciting nightlife, and a modern cityscape. Because of these perks, this area is also a favorite for people looking to move to Lisbon.

Belém area

Belém is a keyhistoric location in Lisbon, as it served as the main sailing point for great explorers from Portugal. Many famous Portuguese explorers, including Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, departed for their journeys from the Belém port area. Vasco da Gama departed for his historic voyage in 1498 from this place.

Not only that, but Belém is also home to the Jerónimos Monastery, known as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery is one of the major highlights of the Lisbon sightseeing tour, featuring the mesmerizing Manueline cloister and the tomb of Vasco da Gama. This place is a tribute to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and celebrates the wealth and trade brought back by the famous voyagers.

Other attractions of this neighborhood include the famous Torre de Belém or the Belém Tower (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Belém Cultural Center, and the Praça do Império garden.

Bairro Alto and Baixa areas

The Bairro Alto district is the heart of central Lisbon and attracts a lively young crowd by showcasing a vibrant entertainment culture. In addition to Baixa, the Bairro Alto neighborhood is also one of Lisbon’s prestigious shopping centers in Portugal. If you are up for hearing the different vibes of modern and contemporary music, the plethora of bars and nightclubs in the Bairro Alto district is a must-visit.

The Baixa area is known as Downtown Lisbon, and it is definitely another interesting tourist attraction with unique charm. When in Lisbon, roam around the aesthetic corners of this area while marveling at the decorative tiles inside the beautiful tile shops, elegant neoclassical buildings, and the riverfront. The Santa Justa elevator, known as the Elevador de Santa Justa, is an interesting lift in this area that connects the lower Baixa area with the higher Largo do Carmo area.

The upper Lisbon area primarily consists of residential and commercial buildings, but like most of Lisbon’s offerings, this area also showcases a bunch of world-class museums and heritage architectural sights. One of the significant places to visit near Lisbon’s upper area is the beautiful museum, which hosts one of the most extensive permanent collections of privately assembled antiques and ancient art pieces in the world.

You can find some awe-inspiring pieces of Islamic art, Egyptian artifacts, and many more sculptures, paintings, etc. You can also indulge in a shopping spree in the vast shopping malls of this area, Colombo and Amoreiras. If you are looking for some unusual things to do in Lisbon, a visit to the charming Fronteira Palace is recommended.

Parque das Nações Area

Parque das Nações provides a modern and futuristic aspect to Lisbon’s general historical culture. With its high-rise architecture, modernized garden areas, and attractive business centers, this area is a hub of attractions for both locals and travelers. It also features the longest bridge in Lisbon, the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

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