Must-See Sites in Lisbon - According to Travelers

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lisbon

December 1, 2022

In 2017 Lisbon was named one of the Coolest European cities by CNN, and the same rings true today. Libson is the Portuguese capital and a perfect blend of ancient and historic treasures and modern captives. The most appealing city is known for its food, fado music, colourful building, and welcoming locals.

Lisbon is also blessed to be one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, with a record of 2700 years. Phoenicians get settled in Lisbon around 1200 BC because of its ideal trading location.

Today it is a city full of life, character, colour, and creativity. Fado music gets originated from here and it also initiate the maritime Age of Discoveries. Lisbon is also known for its lavish culture, hilly terrain, year-round sunshine, breathtaking vistas, unique cork souvenirs, astonishing delicacies, and historical yellow trams.

Table of Contents

What is Lisbon famous for?

From mind-blowing landscapes to generous citizens, and from appealing dishes to radiant nightlife, we are sure you would come to know about what is Lisbon famous for.

Sanctuary of Christ the King:

The monument was influenced by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. The dignified monument stands above the Lisbon, turned towards the left bank of the Tagus River.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos:

The impressive landmark is the Monument of Discovery. It is 171 ft. high on the north bank of the Tagus River estuary. The shape of this monument represents the prow of a caravel and shows the image of Henry the Navigator on its sides, 33 known figures are carved along the ramp from the Age of Discovery.

Belem Tower:

This tower was remarkably crafted on an island in the Tagus River. It is also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent and acts as a gateway to Lisbon.

Acro da Rua Augusta:

The embellished triumphal arch was built in 1875. You can climb the arch and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city centre.

Elevador de Santa Justa:

It is one of the most popular attractions for travellers. The historic elevator has been operational since 1899. Its cabin can accommodate 29 individuals showing fabulous views of the area.

Castelo de Sao Jorge:

It is a stunning hilltop Moorish fortress is the best landscape. The masterpiece has been used as a royal residence since the 12th century.

Jeronimos Monastery:

It is one of the most known buildings illustrating the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline architectural style. It took a century to complete this masterpiece. Nowadays it serves as an archaeology and a maritime museum.

Teatro Romano de Lisboa:

Emperor Augustus built it on the south slope of Sao Jorge Castle in the 1st century and it served as an ancient Roman Theater.

Oceanario de Lisboa:

It is a temporary aquarium showing ocean creatures like mighty sharks, tropical fish, shy stingrays, and curious penguins. This is the best place for marine life and aquarium lovers.

Fado locales:

Every discussion about Portuguese capital is incomplete without Fado locales. It is the most popular music in the country. The unique melody, composition, and singing cherish the countless bars with live performances.

Ponte 25 de Abril:

The impressive suspension bridge over the Tagus River expands for more than 2.3 km. The striking red masterpiece is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge.

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Most beautiful places in Lisbon:

The hilly terrain of Lisbon means a lot to travellers. You can cherish miraculous views from different fabulous spots in the city. The most famous and beautiful spots in Lisbon city are Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro do Castelo de Sao Jorge, and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. The fabulous travel spots at Portas do Sol offers phenomenal landscapes over the cultural red-roofed houses and stone churches of Alfama. The panorama at Sao Jorge Castle reveals the ocean and the historic centre. Santa Luzia will flourish you with appealing views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

The sparkling markets of Lisbon are another major attraction for tourists. The most popular is

Mercado da Baixa:

It is an open-air market to tempt you with traditional street food, local produce, and refreshing beverages. Dried fruits, smoked meat, and delectable sweets for savouring.

Mercado da Figueira:

The indoor complex of stalls and small shops offers local wines, fresh produce, and fragrant spices. Exotic fruits, pastries, and fresh meat will stimulate your senses.

Mercado da Ribeira:

This immense indoor market serves a wide range of products from delicious food and ornamental plants to books and antiquities.

Mercado de Santa Clara:

This treasure trove is there for you every Tuesday and Saturday. You can find here a tremendous blend of households, antique items, and clothing.

Landmarks of Lisbon:

The most beautiful landmarks of Lisbon are among the site which made Lisbon a unique vibe for tourists:

Barrio Alto:

The Upper District of Lisbon is one of the city’s historic districts. You can visit the steep cobbled streets or ca ride the historic funicular. Visit the ancient vibrant buildings and relish the colourful street. Have a romantic view of the city and after sunset go for drinks with the hip crowd at the quirky bar or fado locales.

Alfama:

It comprises some of Lisbon’s most popular attractions. Take the historic Tram 28 uphill instead of climbing the steep streets. The Tram will help you to enjoy the journey to the Sao Jorge Castle. From here you will have the most beautiful panoramas over Lisbon. Then get strayed in the cobbled alleys of Alfama. You will come across a number of shops selling traditional crafts and delicious pastries. The sounds of soulful fado songs fill the air at night.

Praca do Comercio:

One of the largest plazas in Portugal is the Commerce Square of Lisbon. It is in front of the harbour and welcomes travellers arriving by water. It was lastly remodelled in the 18th century when an earthquake destroyed most of the buildings. Several fabulous cultural centres line the square. Lisboa Story Centre is the most interesting centre to visit in the square. The middle of the plaza is equipped with the majestic statue of Joseph I of Portugal. It is the best place for your travel photos.

Rua Augusta:

The most famous pedestrian street in Lisbon is Rua Augusta. It started near the Praca do Comercio below the Arco da Rua Augusta. Its length is about half a mile. The radiant, intricate mosaics give the street an adorable view. Pastry shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bar shops line its sides. Have a lovely Bica (coffee) with a traditional pastel de nata or give a try to the local drink ginjinha.

Unusual Things to do in Lisbon:

Lisbon is famous for a number of things from vibrant buildings to its delicious seafood, and traditional music, and for sure its deep-rooted historic exploration. So here are a few unusual things to do in Lisbon that you shouldn’t skip out on:

Santa Justa Lift:

Santa Justa Lift also famous as Elevador do Carmo is one of the distinctive attractions in Lisbon. It was designed and constructed like Eiffel Tower in 1902. The Elevador do Carmo’s lift ride is a very unusual experience to get in Lisbon.

Carmo Convento Ruins:

It was among the largest church in Lisbon, which now marks a reminder of the havoc caused by the 1755 earthquake. The roof of the church has been completely opened and the altar was replaced by a small archaeological museum. This makes Carmo Convento a unique attraction for travellers.

Casa dos Bicos:

If you are a follower of unusual architecture, then don’t forget to visit Casa dos Bicos. It is also famous as the ‘House of Spikes’. The diamond-shaped stones are carved to give a phenomenal outlook to its exterior. This building is one of the survivors of the 1755 earthquake.

Walk Along a Pink Street:

Pink Street is the most photographed site in Lisbon. It is well-known for its nightlife and transformed into an eatery place in 2011. Although it’s quite a tricky task to grab a solo photo at such a crowdy place.

LX Factory:

Tourists are still unaware of the Crito Rei Statue on the opposite side of the Tagus River. It is one of the most accessible landmarks in the city. We can easily have a view of this remarkable statue rising above the hill from Lisbon’s city centre.

Go Tile Hunting:

Lisbon is the most memorable and mind-blowing architecture in all of Europe. When you visit its historical streets, you will encounter the fact that the buildings have been decorated with colourful and patterned tiles. There are a number of tiles shops of artisan style, where you can get a sample for yourself as well. Tile hunting is a really enjoyable task to do in Lisbon, so don’t miss it.

Canned Sardines:

There are a number of canned sardines shops in Lisbon. Canned sardines are an important part of their culture and they host a month-long festival to celebrate them. You can catch tasty and delectable canned sardines at any grocery store in town.

Village Underground Lisboa:

It is a centre for creativity just like LX Factory. It is a very famous place to host music and other events. You can explore the masterpiece village in the daytime.

Lisbon sightseeing bus:

Hop-on Hop-off is the most comfortable and pocket-friendly sightseeing bus in Lisbon. You can travel to it to visit all the attractive places over there. Just grab the Yellow bus to Lisbon to reach your destination. You can explore major worthy places like the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, Castle of São Jorge, and more. Lisbon hop-on hop-off is one of the best options in the city when you are searching for an alternative perspective. You can visit a number of ancient places to explore the city. On your memorable journey, come across the old world charm of Lisbon, which is full of cobbled streets, yellow trams, and Fado music. Give a kick start to your tour with an introductory ride that covers a number of stops in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lisbon:

Is Lisbon Budget-Friendly For Tourists?

Lisbon is the most suitable destination for budget holidays. Prices generally raises in summer holidays but there are affordable packages in shoulder seasons. It is budget-friendly all year round, especially when compared to other European capitals like Stockholm or London.

How many days is enough to visit Lisbon, Portugal?

We recommend you plan a 3-4 day trip to Lisbon. During this time duration, you can easily explore all of its main sights including Belem, Sintra, etc. We can experience delicious food, markets, traditional buildings, and vibrant nightlife on this trip.

What do you recommend seeing in Lisbon in 1 day?

A single say is not enough to visit Lisbon. There’s a lot of stuff to do in Lisbon. You will not experience its history, quaint neighbourhoods, cultural traditions, delicious food, and lively nightlife in a day. But in case you have to visit this worthy place for a day then just do visit the following places:

Neighbourhood sites like Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, and Cais do Sodre
Take a ride on its famous historic yellow 28 tram.
Bo visit Sao Jorge Castle, Praca do Comercio, Elevador Santa Justa, and Convento do Carmo.
Miradouro of Santa Luzia for a fabulous view of the city and the Tagus river.

Which are the best-hidden secrets of Lisbon?

The best-hidden secrets of Lisbon include:

Feira da Ladra
Livadia do Simao
Streets and alleys around the castle
Jardim do Torel
Free Fado music
LX Factory
Biking in Belem Riverside
The best Pastel de Nata

So, do visit Lisbon and explore these masterpieces.

Why has Lisbon become so popular as a tourist destination?

Lisbon is a city famous for its colourful buildings, nightlife, food, fado music, and welcoming natives. The following are the key reasons for its popularity among tourists:

Coolest European city
Blessed with historic charm and modernity
European Green Capital of 2020
Easily reach out to stunning beaches
Delicious food and wine
Friendly atmosphere and weather to travel
Pocket-friendly, safe, and family-oriented city
The airport is in the main city so it is easy to navigate

Cristina Bugatty

Cristina Bugatty is Editor at The Top Facts. She has been a factual writer for the last eight years. She Enjoys writing about anything techy, nerdy, or factually interesting.

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Posted by Cristina Bugatty