Top 10 things to do in Lisbon
Wondering what to do in Lisbon? We got you covered! The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is one of the most popular destinations among tourists. The city might seem to be big but once you start exploring it - you realise that you can see it all in 4 days. Here are top 10 things to do and see while travelling to charming Lisbon:
10 things to check out while you are in Lisbon
1. Get lost in Alfama district
2. Take a picture under Arco da Rua Augusta
3. Meet the sunset at Belem Tower
4. Take iconic tram 28
5. Instagrammable Pink Street
6. Enjoy the view from Santa Justa Lift
7. Visit Saint George's Castle
8. Enjoy various cuisines at Time Out Market
9. Explore Jerónimos Monastery
10. Try traditional Pastel de nata
1. Get lost in Alfama district
It's definitely one of the first spots you should discover for yourself while visiting Lisbon. The Alfama District is one of the oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods. It's known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere. This district allows you to feel the traditional Portuguese spirit while conquering the tricky and slippery hills, going through narrow streets where the locals will offer you the Ginjinha drink - the cherry liquor in an edible chocolate cup.
2. Take a picture under Arco da Rua Augusta
You can spot the famous The Rua Augusta Arch or in Portuguese - 'Arco da Rua Augusta' in the heart of the city nearby the Tagus River. It’s an important symbol of Lisbon's history and culture, as it celebrates the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake of 1755. You can always find other tourists gathered in groups, tuk-tuk drivers offering you tours around the city, and atmospheric cafes around the square where you can enjoy some traditional Portuguese coffee.
3. Meet the sunset at Belem Tower
One of the most beautiful spots to see the sunset in Lisbon is located approximately 20 minutes by bus from the centre but it’s definitely worth it. The Belem Tower has its special charm. Families, couples and friends find their spots in front of the tower and enjoy the mesmerising views while the pink skies reflect off the river. The Belem Tower is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can climb to the top of the tower for views of the river and enjoy your visit to a museum.
4. Take iconic tram 28
It is a must to take the absolutely iconic Tram 28 in Lisbon. The yellow tram is a symbol of the city and the first association of most of the people when you think of Lisbon. Tram 28 follows a scenic route through some of Lisbon's most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods. It is a fun and affordable way to get around the city and a chance to see the city's sights without spending a lot of money on transportation.
5. Instagrammable Pink Street
Hidden in the streets of the Cais do Sodre neighbourhood, you can find the famous Pink Street of Lisbon. The street has become a popular spot for Instagram photos but aside from it’s one of the most popular nightlife destinations, with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The street comes alive at night, with crowds of locals and tourists gathering to enjoy drinks, music, and dancing.
6. Enjoy the view from Santa Justa Lift
Lisbon has many viewpoints around the city but one of the most popular ones is Santa Justa Lift. It takes visitors up to a viewing platform at the top, which offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon's historic downtown and surrounding hills. It is a great way to get a bird's eye view of the city and take some memorable photos. You can purchase tickets in advance for your own convenience.
7. Visit Saint George's Castle
Saint George's Castle is worth visiting not only because of its breathtaking views but also has to offer visitors a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid the queue. Nearby the castle you can try traditional codfish cakes with cheese.
8. Enjoy various cuisines at Time Out Market
If you are in Lisbon but crave some Italian, Chinese, French, Spanish or… Portuguese cuisine - you should stop by Time Out Market or Mercado Da Ribeira, grab a seat, and explore the various cuisines the market has to offer! It’s a busy place, most of the time it’s crowded but that’s the beauty of it. Construct your own meal - grab a drink from the main bar, order Italian pizza for the main course, and finish it with traditional Portuguese pastry.
9. Explore Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is an important cultural and historical monument in Lisbon and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jerónimos Monastery is located in the Belem neighbourhood of Lisbon, meaning that it is advised to take a bus from the centre to get to a quiet Belem district. The Monastery is truly a piece of Gothic art. Once you start approaching it, it's hard to take your eyes off the architecture, it feels surreal to be in a such unique place. It's definitely a place to take memorable pictures and learn about Portuguese history.
10. Try traditional Pastel de Nata
The famous around-the-world pastry - Pastel de Nata is originally from the Belem district of Lisbon. It’s not hard to find it around the city but one of the best ones is located in a pastry called Pasteis de Belem. It’s definitely worth the trip to try this sweet with a creamy texture and crunchy filo outside. It’s a perfect combination with a cup of hot coffee.
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