Updated: July 3, 2024
Lisbon, the charming capital city of Portugal, offers vast natural beauty and rich cultural history. Set on seven hills, Lisbon is the point where the River Tagus meets the Atlantic Ocean. If you are planning on visiting Lisbon, you’ll be excited about the fact that the city is filled with a world-class collection of sights and experiences.
As the largest city in Portugal and the Portuguese capital, Lisbon tourist attractions have always been the center of entertainment, commerce, and prosperity of the country. Due to the well-connected coastal communication of Old Lisbon, the city has served as a significant sailing point for traders and navigators since the 15th-16th century.
Lisbon’s beguiling charm has something for everyone. You can embark on a day trip exploring historic Lisbon. Visit the historic monuments, Portuguese gothic arches, beautiful museums, and the royal residence at the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, or adore the city’s ancient and contemporary architecture. You can also get around the Portuguese capital swiftly by accessing the world-class metro systems, enjoying the nightlife at the river, or traversing through the narrow streets, serene parks, and gardens.
In this article, we will guide you through the most popular attractions and where to find them so that you can start planning your itinerary.
Exploring Lisbon City and the Greater Metropolitan Area
Tourism in Portugal is booming right now, 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.
- Orient Museum, a national museum dedicated to celebrating oriental art and Asian culture and heritage
- The Museu Nacional do Azulejo, or National Tile Museum is the best place to see some of the city’s decorative arts
- Basílica da Estrela, known as the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Oceanário de Lisboa or the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe
- Lisboa Story Centre, the place to discover all about historic Lisbon and its age of discovery
- Igreja de São Roque, an ancient catholic church that is home to sacred art and sculptors
- The Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, similar to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco
- 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
- Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s largest shopping plazas in the country facing the River Tagus
- Castelo de São Jorge, a massive monument structure built in 1910 celebrating the medieval times
- Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage archeological site, the maritime tower was built in the 16th-century for use by Portuguese explorers
- 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.
Inside the Lisbon Coast Area
Some of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast, ancient palaces, and vibrant markets are a few of the highlights of the Lisbon Coast area. If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate the scenic beauty of the Portuguese capital’s coastline and find some of the best hotels the city has to offer, besides those found in the iconic Rua Augusta square in the city center.
Cascais area
A beachside esplanade directly connects to Cascais from Estoril, another favorite spot of travelers.
The modern seaside town of Cascais has created the famous Cascais Marina, which also hosts a bunch of enthralling sailing competitions. Occasionally, you will find food markets and commercial markets on the side of the streets.
The Cascais Cultural Center features a diverse range of shows, exhibitions, and collections every year to celebrate the openness of the region. Plus, Guincho Beach in this area is a must for you if you are into surfing.
Estoril region
The western coastal area is known as the Estoril Coast or Lisbon Coast. The coastal line starts from Carcavelos, a fantastic spot for surf enthusiasts, and expands up to Guincho Beach. Combining fascinating beaches, historical sights, and a wide array of exciting activities, this area attracts a lot of tourists’ attention.
Estoril has many reasons to be loved by people of all kinds. Not only does it have the largest casino in Europe, but it also showcases seven different types of golf courses, one Formula One Grand Prix racing track, plus much more. The glimmering sandy beach of Tamariz is just in front of the royal house of Monaco, and behind the home is the famous Estoril Casino, which has served as the inspiration for many famous Hollywood movies.
Carcavelos region
Carcavelos features one of the finest beaches in Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos . With eye-soothing golden sand and crystal-clear water streams, this beach is a heavenly attraction for Lisbon tourists. In front of the beach lies the historic São Julião da Barra fort and the Bugio Lighthouse.
Sintra area
Sintra is primarily famous for the scenic beauty and its splendid palaces dotting the natural landscapes The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is in this part of Portugal, where you can enjoy a bike tour on the beaten path filled with lush vegetation and incredible views.
From pastel-shaded ornate castles and a Moorish castle surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks to picturesque coves and sharp cliffs, Sintra is a treat to the eyes.
We recommend visiting Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, which is only 10 kilometers away.
Costa Azul or the Blue Coast
The southern part of the Lisbon Coast is known as the Blue Coast or Costa Azul. This area is a mixture of both nature reserves and beautiful beaches. The Arrabida Natural Park is situated between Sesimbra and Setúbal and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. The Natural Reserve of Sado Estuary is also a broad estuary of many wild creatures. You can take cruises to visit these reserves and appreciate the amazing wild animals and birds, such as herons, dolphins, swans, and flamingos.
This area also features the beautiful town of Sesimbra, which still celebrates its ancient fishing heritage. Once you are in this area, you must taste the local seafood dishes. Plus, this is also an excellent place for golfers as it has five different golf courses.
Goldcrest: Who We Are
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Most Beautiful Places in Lisbon
What are the top must-see attractions in Lisbon?
There are numerous tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal, from the famous Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint, where you can take in views of the entire city center, to the iconic Marquês de Pombal square and its surroundings like the luxurious street Avenida da Liberdade. Attractions you must see in Lisbon include the Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum, Praça do Comércio, and the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.
What are the best day trips from Lisbon?
Three of the best day trips to take when visiting the Portuguese capital include a 30-minute drive to Cascais and Estoril, where you will find some of the best beaches for water sports like surfing and kayaking. Sintra is also a 40-minute drive from Lisbon and is a world of wonders in which you can enjoy the outdoors, European art, and historic architecture.
Are there any free tourist attractions in Lisbon?
Exploring the pedestrian street of Rua Augusta or other commercial squares like Praça do Comércio, as well as visiting the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint, are a few of the free tourist attractions you can enjoy when visiting Lisbon.
What is the best time of year to visit Lisbon for sightseeing?
The best time to visit Lisbon for sightseeing is between March and May and between September and October. Although you may encounter a few rainy days during this period, the weather is generally still warm enough to be out and about. Another perk of visiting between these periods is that tourist attractions will be less crowded, and even the best hotels will offer cheaper rates because it is not the peak summer travel season.
How do I get around to see the tourist attractions in Lisbon?
You can use each pedestrian street in the different Lisbon neighborhoods. However, Lisbon has a well-connected public transport system, which includes trams, buses, the metro, trains, taxis and Uber services.
What are the best areas to stay in Lisbon for easy access to tourist attractions?
Even though Lisbon is a well-connected and accessible city, areas in the city center such as Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Avenida da Liberdade are the best places to stay if you want to be closer to popular tourist attractions within the city and experience the authenticity of Portugal’s lifestyle in the Portuguese capital.