5 best attractions to visit in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city full of life with so many beautiful places to visit and spend a good time during your vacation. From must-see monuments, interesting museums, and eye-catching streets, you can’t miss a thing while visiting the capital of Portugal!

Considered one of the greatest cities in the world by many, Lisbon is the perfect getaway spot if you’re looking for a small weekend escape or longer vacation. Here is our guide to Lisbon’s five best attractions:

1 – Belem Tower

Belem Tower is considered one of the most popular places in Lisbon due to its rich history. Following orders from King Dom Manuel (1495-1521), this tower was built by the Tagus River to guard its entrance into Lisbon’s harbor. Belem Tower was built between 1514 and 1520 and features Manuelino architecture with masonry elements that go back to the Discoveries. Since 1983, this building has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2 – Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge is located in the heart of Alfama Street, one of the most popular and characterful places in Lisbon. This castle is located above Lisbon, which means you can actually have a taste of the city from the top! You will be able to see key city monuments and take beautiful pictures with an amazing view in front of you.
This attraction, which dates back to the 8th century BC, includes the castle, the ruins of the former royal palace, and a portion of the elite neighborhood. The fortification was the last defensive stronghold for the aristocracy who lived on the citadel and was constructed by the Moors in the middle of the 11th century.

 

3 – Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and a notable work of Portuguese architecture from the 16th century. This masterpiece has been recognized as a national monument since 1907 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983. It was ordered by Manuel I in memory of Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal who, back in the 15th century, ordered a church to be built by the invocation of St. Mary of Belém. The monastery was later donated to the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome.
The famous Pastéis de Belém are only 500 meters away and should not be missed!

 

4 – Sé Cathedral

Sé Cathedral or Lisbon’s Cathedral, is the most seasoned church in Lisbon with more than 800 years of history. The romantic-style cathedral was built in the 15th century as a fortress and initially stood at the center of the waterway. Saint Anthony, or Anthony of Lisbon, was baptized, studied, and joined the choir in this church. On the outside, you can pay attention to the exterior of the cathedral that has the feel of a medieval fortress, with two bell towers dominating the skyline. 
Probably the best time of the year to visit this monument is during the month of June, when, year after year, we celebrate the weddings of several couples. Don’t miss, as well, the beautiful pictures that can be taken with the backdrop of the cathedral.

 

5  – Casa dos Bicos
Casa dos Bicos is owned by the Museum of Lisbon and has been home to the José de Saramago Foundation, which recalls the work of José Saramago, the Portuguese Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature. This place features ​​​​​​a long-term exhibition area, which includes a visit to archaeological ruins. Casa dos Bicos is located on the city’s riverfront and is one of Lisbon’s most representative examples of 16th-century civic architecture, with archaeological exhibits from several periods. This attraction is very interesting to view from the outside, since it features a diamond-patterned façade, Mudejar tiles, and other prominent artistic ornaments.

 

Lisbon has a lot to offer, especially in summer, so we highly recommend you spend at least three days in the city. You will have plenty of time to visit all of the city’s main attractions, and perhaps, if you have more vacation days, a day trip to Sintra or Cascais will round out this trip to its best!

 

If you are planing your trip to Portugal, feel free to contact Santo Tours Portugal for tailor-made tours. Follow your dream, we drive your there!

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