All My Favourite Places in Lisbon

If I’m being honest, I didn’t love Portugal before I went to Lisbon. My feelings about the country were all based on a single unimpressive family holiday in the north of the country when I was a teenager. I had no desire to go back, so why did I? Because it was an easy stopover on my way to Cape Verde, where I was about to start working as a turtle ranger with a conservation organisation there. So I figured it was a good opportunity to give Portugal a second chance. And I’m so glad I did. After three amazing days in the town of Évora (highly recommend), I had five days to explore Lisbon and the surrounding area. And I loved every second of it. It’s such a vibrant city and there’s so much to do and see. So it’s no wonder I came away with a long list of favourite places in Lisbon.

One thing you need to remember about Lisbon is that, similar to Rome, it is a city built on hills. So there’s lots of walking up and down fairly steep slopes. I was definitely glad I was wearing decent shoes!

Other This Wild Life Of Mine city guides:

One Perfect Day In Córdoba

10 Of The Best Places To See in Granada

The Most Beautiful Places in Seville

A Complete Guide to Visiting Rome

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MY FAVOURITE PLACES IN LISBON’S CITY CENTRE:

São Jorge Castle

Portuguese: Castelo de São Jorge

The crown of Lisbon, Castelo de São Jorge sits high up on one of the city’s many hills. Which means it has the most fantastic views. It also has plenty to explore, from the garden courtyard, to the meandering walls, to the excavated remains of previous fortresses. The site has been occupied since at least the 8th century BCE, so there’s a lot of history here. Exhibitions of archaeological remains, a camera obscura and musical performances can also be found here.

When I was visiting the castle, waiting not-so-patiently for sunset, I happened across a group of performers in traditional dress. They sang/acted out a story which I could not follow, but I’m pretty sure it involved a wedding and lots of alcohol. Even with the language barrier, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

And of course, visiting the castle is also the perfect chance to catch the famous yellow trams of Lisbon, as one of the lines drops you almost to the door, saving you a lot of uphill walking.

Praça do Comércio

Lisbon’s main square sticks in my memory for two things – the lovely yellow colour of the buildings, and the fact that it was the first place I’ve ever been approached by a stranger and offered weed.

But aside from that, it really is a lovely place. With an impressive statue of King José I astride his horse taking centre stage, its wide open space gives you a chance to take a breath after the busy streets of the city centre. It also gives you a chance to see across the estuary to the green hills on the other side. Did you know that Lisbon has its own Christ the Redeemer statue? I certainly didn’t. No need to go all the way to Rio now!

Rua Augusta

This pedestrian street is right in the heart of Lisbon, and leads straight to the Praça do Comércio through the Augusta Arch. Here you will find outdoor cafes, ice cream shops and street performers, all sitting on top of lovely floor mosaics. I still remember walking along this admittedly busy street with a cup of raspberry and mango sorbet in hand and feeling that for this one moment, all was right in the world. Lisbon will do that to you. That feeling is why it’s one of my favourite places in Lisbon.

The impressive arch at the end of the long street was built to celebrate the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake in 1755.

Elevador de Santa Justa

One of the most popular attractions in Lisbon, I just didn’t feel the ticket price was worth it. Especially considering there’s another secret elevator for free nearby that takes you up to the viewpoint (it’s hidden in the back of a tiny leather/bag shop if I remember correctly, and takes you to the patio bar and Carmo Convent above). But it’s worth getting up close to the 100-year old structure, beautifully decorated and unique among the buildings surrounding it.

As I’ve said before, Lisbon is full of hills and has developed many ways to ease travel through the various levels of streets. Steps and funicular railways are common around the city, but the Elevador de Santa Justa is the only vertical lift left in Lisbon.

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Carmo Convent

Portuguese: Convento do Carmo

Definitely one of my favourite places in Lisbon, if not the favourite, I was blown away by the roofless Carmo Convent. Its exterior would never betray the damage it suffered in the 1755 earthquake, but once you step inside, you’re greeted by the bright blue sky overhead. What’s most impressive are the delicate but obviously strong carved arches above you, all that remain of the great church’s ceiling.

It’s hard to imagine this place filled with shadows and candlelight, as most European churches are. It’s no longer a working church, but has become the city’s Archaeological Museum, with statues, books, even a mummy(!) to be found in the small, but beautiful rooms in the back (which do have ceilings).

Alfama neighbourhood

Nestled between the Castle and the Tejo River, this is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. Its labyrinth-like streets and small plazas are perfect for getting lost in, with the occasional notes of Fado – traditional melancholy Portuguese music – drifting out through bar windows.

Alfama has always been the poorest part of the city, and you can still see that. But its inhabitants celebrate their neighbourhood in style, particularly during the Lisbon Sardine Festival, held every June in honour of Saint Anthony. The entire area is covered with colourful bunting, and makeshift barbeques are set up on almost every corner to serve up those sardines (thankfully, I wasn’t around for that part, I couldn’t have stood the smell!).

Lisbon Cathedral

Portuguese: Sé de Lisboa

Originally built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Lisbon’s cathedral is the oldest church in the city. It has suffered damage many times due to earthquakes, particularly during the 1755 one, and has been rebuilt and repaired again and again.

So what’s special about this particular cathedral? To find out you’ll need to visit the cloisters in the back of the church. Here you will find open archaeological excavations, displaying Roman, Moorish and Medieval street and building remains, a fascinating look at the overlapping layers of Lisbon and Portugal’s history. It was a surprising find in the heart of the city, and definitely one of my favourite places in Lisbon.

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National Pantheon of Portugal

Portuguese: Panteão Nacional

Originally a 17th century church, this monument to important Portuguese figures is a symmetry-lover’s dream. Its perfectly-proportioned exterior is matched by a Greek-cross shaped interior that had never been seen before in Portugal when it was built. Inside you can find tombs of Portuguese politicians, singers, even a footballer, while the view from the roof stretches across the red rooftops of Alfama and the blue waters of the estuary.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can browse the nearby flea market at the Mercado de Santa Clara, where you can find anything and everything – some interesting antiques, some rare books or records, some rubbish that looks like it was found under a teenage boy’s bed. But spend a few hours here and who knows what you might find.

OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTRE:

Belém Tower

Portuguese: Torre de Belém

Together with the Monastery of the Hieronymites (below), the Belém Tower makes up one-half of Lisbon’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site (and you all know I have a thing for UNESCO World Heritage Sites).

This tower was once the gateway to the city and played an important role in the history of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. This was a fortress protecting the city and the place from which Portuguese explorers departed to establish trade with China and India.

It’s also one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon, so expect long queues to enter. Unfortunately, the interior didn’t live up to expectations, so when I was faced with yet another long queue to enter the upper storeys, I gave up and contented myself with the sea breeze and interesting architecture.

Monument of the Discoveries

Portuguese: Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Portugal’s maritime history is clearly very important to the city of Lisbon. In 1960, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, this large concrete monument was built along the banks of the river, just in front of the monastery. It depicts Prince Henry the Navigator, the instigator of the Age of Exploration, at the front, with 33 other figures from that time lining up behind him on either side of the monument.

There is an observation deck at the top, but with the nearby Belém Tower also giving you a view of the surrounding area, I think it’s worth just taking a look from the ground.

Monastery of the Hieronymites

Portuguese: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Also known as the Jerónimos Monastery, this is possibly one of the most Instagrammable places in Lisbon. The stunning cloisters will have you snapping away, while the inner rooms are filled with the history of Lisbon. The dark and ambient church is a stark contrast to the light-filled cloisters, and I got definite Dwarrowdelf (that’s a Lord of the Rings reference for all you non-nerds) vibes from those tall columns.

Instagrammable, not-too-crowded and with a touch of Tolkien – how could this not be one of my favourite places in Lisbon?

I remember spending far too long trying to find my way from the cloisters to the lower section of the church, only to eventually give up, exit the monastery, and then discover the church has its own separate entrance that I had walked past earlier (I blame too much time in the sun for that one).

DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON:

Cascais

This popular beach town can get very busy, especially in summer, but it’s the perfect place if you want to relax by the water for a day. With plenty of restaurants, cute streets to explore, and impressive cliffs 20 minutes outside the town, it makes for a great short trip if you have a day to spare. And it’s really easy to get to – just a simple 40 minute train ride away.

Sintra

It’s very hard to describe Sintra – my favourite place in Portugal – in just a few sentences…so I gave it its own blog post! Read all about this magical town here: Sintra – Portugal’s Village of Fairytale Castles.

Ticket Prices (2022):

• Castelo de São Jorge: €10 adults / €5 students
• Praça do Comércio: free
• Rua Augusta: free
• Elevador de Santa Justa: €5.15 return / €1.50 for the viewpoint only
• Carmo Convent: €5
• Alfama: free
• Lisbon Cathedral: the main cathedral is free, while entry to the cloisters and excavations is €2.50.
• National Pantheon: €5. Closed on Mondays. Free in on Sunday mornings and national holidays.
• Belém Tower: €6. €12 for a combined ticket with the Monastery of the Hieronymites. The tower is free on Sundays before 2pm, but get there very early as the queue will be insane.
• Monument of the Discoveries: free to see the exterior, €6 to go up to the observation deck.
• Monastery of the Hieronymites (Jerónimos): the main church is free, but the rest of the monastery is €10. Students get a 50% discount. €12 for a combined ticket with Belém Tower. Free first Sunday of the month.

• Getting the Lisboa Card is a good idea depending on which attractions you want to visit, as there are a lot covered by the card, as well as many others that are discounted. It also offers Fast Track access at some of the most popular attractions. There are 24-, 48- and 72-hour options.
• For more information about ticket prices and opening times, www.lisbon.net is a really good resource to check out.

Like any major city, there are many accommodation options available to suit any budget. Check out the hostel options by clicking on this link!

Are any of your favourite places in Lisbon the same as mine? Or are you itching to go see them for yourself? Tell me which place on this list is your favourite!

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