Lisbon in numbers
1200 BC
FOUNDATION
548 thousand
POPULATION
AREA
100 km²
Why visit Lisbon
With over 3,000 years of history, Lisbon has evolved from its Phoenician roots (founded as a "safe harbor") to become a modern European capital. It's a city that has managed to maintain its historical and local charm while modernizing. Known for its eight hills, cobblestone streets, and yellow trams, it's a city that invites you to explore it as you follow the coastline.
Lisbon has been a significant port since Roman times and has been influenced by many cultures over the centuries. The Alfama district, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, is the heart of old Lisbon. Belém is another must-visit place in Lisbon, with the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites and witnesses to Portugal's maritime feats.
The Age of Discoveries made Lisbon a hub where all the languages of the world were spoken, the capital of the longest-lasting European empire. A devastating earthquake destroyed the city in 1755, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 inhabitants. But in 1998, when Lisbon hosted the international exhibition (500 years after Vasco da Gama's arrival in India), Portugal celebrated its renewed modernity, economic strength, and EU membership.
Lisbon is also known for its music, fado. This melancholic and emotional musical style is an integral part of Lisbon's culture, as is the contagious joy during carnival or visits to the Christian sanctuaries that attract crowds every year.
In addition to its rich history and culture, Lisbon offers a variety of culinary experiences, from fresh seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes, such as the internationally renowned pastéis de Belém. Spices from around the world are part of the recipes you'll find in the capital, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest in Europe. As we can see, Portugal is introverted and sociable at the same time.
The strong national identity and the hospitality of the people of Lisbon make every corner a welcoming home. "Lisbon has a beauty that goes straight to the soul, it cannot be feigned," said the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa.
We share with you 50 places to visit distributed in the following categories:
The prow of Europe. From the tiles that adorn its streets to the majesty of St. George's Castle, Lisbon unfolds a scene of authenticity and melancholy that envelops you. A meeting of tradition and modernity on the shores of the Atlantic.
12 Museums, Galleries and Palaces
Lisbon's thematic museums are excellent, such as the Tile Museum, the Maritime Museum, or the National Museum of Ajuda. If you're an art enthusiast, you can visit the National Museum of Ancient Art or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which includes a beautiful garden in the tour.
Saint George's Castle, located on the city's highest hill, is another testament to Lisbon's rich history. And with the palaces, you'll witness the refinement and sophistication of the Portuguese elites in their imperial stage, such as the National Palace of Ajuda or the Bemposta Palace.
13 Monuments and Landmarks
After the devastating earthquake of 1755, Lisbon was rebuilt under the decisive influence of the Marquis of Pombal, who modified the urban layout, traffic routes, and gave visual coherence to the Portuguese capital. That architectural plan can still be appreciated in the central neighborhoods of Lisbon. For example, today, Commerce Square, Restauradores Square, or Rossio Square are meeting points and commercial hubs.
Closer to the present, the Santa Justa Elevator, Lisbon trams, or the Christ the King statue on the other side of the Tagus River are new city icons visited by tourists every year.
7 Churches and Temples
The temples suffered greatly from the destruction of 1755, but there are still several examples from different periods that you can visit when you're in Lisbon. The best example of this is the Church of Santo Domingo: not every day can you see a temple that has endured successive earthquakes, floods, and fires and still retains the majesty that it gifts us with today.
The Church of São Vicente de Fora has a beautiful viewpoint and houses the Pantheon of the Royal House of Braganza, as well as tiles and religious objects that testify to Portugal's overseas expansion. Lisbon Cathedral is old but not very dazzling, so we suggest you visit the Church of Saint Anthony nearby, erected at the birthplace of one of Christianity's most popular saints.
10 Squares and Parks
Eduardo VII Park, a majestic green lung, offers panoramic views and serenity in the heart of the city. The lively Commerce Square, surrounded by arches and the Tagus River, is the historical and social heart of Lisbon. Jardim da Estrela, with its serene lake and lush vegetation, is a haven of peace. Discover Rossio Square, bustling and full of history, where the past and present of the city intertwine. Both Estrela Garden and the Botanical Garden are centrally attractive options for tourists and locals alike.
8 Experiences and Activities
If you have some extra time after your tours or prefer to explore Lisbon in a more "hands-on" way, we recommend several activities. For example, you can enjoy a stroll in the National Park of Sintra and visit the National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, or the Moorish Castle. You can also take a ride on elevators like Santa Justa, or head to Setúbal to observe dolphins, go fishing, or sail on a sailboat.
List with 50 places to visit in Lisbon
🏛️ Museums, Galleries and Palaces
1. St. George's Castle
2. Carmo Archaeological Museum
3. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
4. Berardo Collection Museum
5. Navy Museum
6. Fado Museum
7. Lisbon Military Museum
8. National Museum of Contemporary Art - Chiado Museum
9. National Tile Museum
10. Bemposta Palace
11. Ajuda National Palace
12. Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Museum
🏰 Monuments and Landmarks
13. Rua Augusta Arch
14. Liberty Avenue
15. Belem Lighthouse
16. Bertrand Bookshop - Chiado
17. Monte Agudo Viewpoint
18. San Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
19. Monument to the Discoveries
20. National Pantheon
21. 25 de Abril Bridge
22. National Sanctuary of Cristo Rey
23. Eden Theatre
24. Dona Maria II National Theatre
25. Belém Tower
⛪ Churches and Temples
26. Lisbon Cathedral
27. Church of St. Anthony of Lisbon
28. Church of San Roque
29. Church of San Vicente de Fora
30. Church of Santa Maria de Belém
31. Church of Santo Domingo
32. Jerónimos of Belém Monastery
🌳 Squares and Parks
33. Botanical Garden of the University of Lisbon
34. Jardim Guerra Junqueiro (Garden of the Star)
35. Eduardo VII Park
36. Restauradores Square
37. Commerce Square
38. Rossio Square
39. Dom Pedro IV Square
40. Luís de Camões Square
41. Martim Moniz Square
42. Praça do Império
🎡 Experiences and Activities
43. Dolphin Sighting in Setúbal
44. Castelo dos Mouros
45. Santa Justa Elevator
46. Lavra Funicular
47. Regaleira Palace
48. Pena Palace
49. Sintra National Palace
50. Rua Augusta
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