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Top 10 to do in spectacular Lisbon, Portugal!
Lisbon was our first trip abroad without any parents or tutors in tow. Our first trip out into the wild world of travel and in many ways we were quite unprepared for what we found. We chose Lisbon because we wanted to go to a country we have never been to. All we knew was that we hated beach holidays and felt comfortable getting around cities having grown up in Manchester and taken recent trips to London on our own and Paris with college.
Looking back now and having another look at what the city has to offer I almost laugh at how naive we were. There are some glaring things we missed and I honestly don’t know how! I did some speculative research beforehand but nothing like the process I go through these days!
But what I also realise is that we ended up visiting many places which don’t make your average Lisbon top 10, but yet are still some of the best travel memories I have even 6 years later, so maybe we were on to something! We really felt we saw the country most miss when they only visit the beach resorts. We left with this desire to really explore beyond just the sights when travelling and it really kicked off that wanderlust for us.
General impressions:
Firstly is the language barrier. Ok, so I don’t want to sound like the typical English tourist but generally speaking within Europe English is spoken to some extent by many locals and you can usually get by if you get lost if I am honest I expected this to be the case in Lisbon. But this most definitely wasn’t the case! And as much as it made it a little tricky and resulted in an ill-advised game of charades with a train conductor and many unwanted bread rolls this all added to the experience and made us feel like we were really on an adventure!
The metro system might seem quite small but it is great, really clean and also very simple to use. The trams are also a must-do as they are a classic feature of the city and also will spare your legs on the many hills of Lisbon. But don’t forget, this is a capital city and is busy, OK not to the extent of New York or London, but let’s just say flip flops on the metro during rush hour are a really bad idea!
The city also has a very youthful and energetic feel to it, we enjoyed hanging out in the squares at night watching the local skaters or hunting down graffiti on the outskirts of the city, not only that but it’s very friendly and easy to walk around. There is also a real connection to Brazil which I never expected, Brazil flags all over and adds the fact they have their own statue of Christ and you really get a sense of connection between these two countries.
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The city also has many different sides to it, there is the beautiful architecture of some of the city’s main streets, classic and timeless. Then you have the winding streets of some of the older districts with their ramshackle houses and pottering old women. To the modern mega-structures of the Vasco Da Gama bridge and the glass-panelled financial district. A truly diverse and fascinating city to explore and one which is also surprisingly cheap!
Here’s our list of the best things to do in Lisbon, one of the most underrated capital cities in Western Europe.
Statue of Christ (Cristo Rei)
This imposing statue is a replica of the famous “Christ the Redeemer” of Rio and stands across the bay from the city above a small church. From the main train station, this is only a few stops away or you can take the ferry too. We decided to walk but most take the bus, the area itself is interesting being mostly residential and showing you yet another side to this city. The view from the top is not one to be missed, truly breathtaking!
LOCATION: Almada
TRAM/ METRO: Take the boat from the river station of Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas. Then take bus No 101 of the company TST.
25th April bridge
Much like the statue of Christ, this bridge’s design is taken from another famous landmark: The golden gate bridge and that also happens to be the best place from which to see this impressive span. The name “25 de Abril” commemorates the Carnation Revolution of 1974 which is now celebrated by the Portuguese as “Freedom Day”.
Upon completion in 1966 the bridge had the longest suspended span and the longest main span in Continental Europe, the world’s longest continuous truss, and the world’s deepest bridge foundation and was originally named after dictator Salazar.
Our Favourite Backpacks
Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview
We’ve used the Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
LOCATION: Almada/ Pragal
TRAM/ METRO: Take the Cascais train from Cais do Sodré, getting off at Alcantara-Mar station and taking the exit in the direction of the river, or see from the statue of Christ.
Estradio da Luz (Stadium of Light, Benfica)
As massive football fans, this was a not to be missed experience. First was the choice between sporting Lisbon or Benfica, well as they play in red and I support Arsenal and Shorty supports Liverpool we went with Benfica! Their stadium also has quite a resemblance to the Emirates Stadium.
The tour was amazing, we visited the changing rooms, and media centre and got to sit in the dugout… the only problem was that the tour was all in Portuguese, but hey, we saw the eagle too!INFO: Tours run every half an hour between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Apart from matchdays.
TRAM/ METRO:
Colégio Militar/Luz (Blue Line)
Santa Justa Elevator
Lisbon is a city of hills and as such over the centuries several elevators and funiculars were built in order to save the legs of the locals. The Santa Justa elevator connects the Baixa area to Bairro Alto above. Completed in 1902 Santa Justa is the only remaining vertical elevator of Lisbon and offers splendid views over Lisbon from the cafe at the top. This Neo-Gothic tower was originally powered by steam when first built by one of Gustave Eiffel’s apprentices and is one of Lisbon’s most treasured features.
LOCATION:
Rua de Santa Justa, BaixaTRAM/ METRO: Baixa-Chiado StationOPENING TIMES: Every day 7 AM-9 PM
St George’s Castle (Sao Jorge Castle)
With parts dating from as far back as the 6th century and occupying a commanding hilltop position overlooking Lisbon, this is one of the city’s main tourist spots and also a great place from which to take in some breathtaking views of the city.
It has strong ties to the history of Portugal having paid host to the Romans, Moorish Royalty, and the Crusaders as well as being the royal palace for a period of time. The castle was named “St George’s” after the patron saint of England to commemorate the Anglo-Portuguese pact dating back to 1371.
Info
OPENING HOURS: 9 AM-9 PM (March-Oct.), 9 AM-6 PM (Nov.-Feb.)TRAM/ METRO: Walk up from Alfama or bus 37.
Miradouros (viewpoint terraces)
Lisbon is a city spread across seven hills facing the Tagus River and as such has many “miradouros” or viewing terraces in which to sit and contemplate these staggering vistas. Most have benches and cafes to admire the city from, resting and relaxing after hiking up those hills! Some of the most beautiful and popular include Bairro Alto’s Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara and Alfama’s Portas do Sol but as you wander throughout the city you will also discover others by chance often framed by the narrow streets and staircases.
TRAM/ METRO:
São Pedro de Alcantara: Elevador da Glória or walk up from Chiado.Portas do Sol: Walk up from Baixa or tram 28.
Miradouro da Graça: Walk up from Alfama or tram 28.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Walk up from Baixa or tram 28.
Vasco da gama – bridge and Cable Car
Built in 1998 (for the ’98 Lisbon World Exposition) the Vasco Da Gama bridge is the longest in Europe with a total length of 10.7 miles and was opened on the 500th anniversary of the discovery by Vasco Da Gama of the sea route from Europe to India. Its vastness even forced engineers to factor in the curvature of the Earth during its construction and it’s honestly one of the most impressive structures I have ever seen, pictures just don’t do it justice. The Parque das Nações area also includes the Vasco Da Gama tower, Oceanarium and Cable cars – which are definitely worth a trip on!LOCATION: Parque das Nações
Info
TRAM/ METRO: Oriente Station
Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district and as such is one of its most picturesque and characterful areas to visit. The area is a maze of alleyways, narrow streets, viewpoints, tiny squares, stairs, churches and white-washed tile-panelled houses and is a great place to wander around, get lost and stumble upon some great hidden treasures.
There is also a great atmosphere to Alfama and you feel as though you are really seeing the Lisbon of old as it was one of few areas to survive the 1755 earthquake. The quarter’s many elderly residents create a strong sense of community and create a real feel of authenticity.
Info
TRAM/ METRO: Tram 28 is a classic Lisbon experience and a great way to see Alfama.
Arco da Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta is Lisbon’s main pedestrian street complete with mosaic pavements, outdoor cafes, street artists and many international shops, this lively street is not to be missed. Leading down to the Triumphal Arch and Praça do Comercio – the monumental riverside square where the Royal Palace previously stood for over two centuries until the earthquake of 1755. The area is again great for walking and one of the best routes goes from Commerce Square over to Rossio Square in the heart of the city.
LOCATION:
BaixaTRAM/ METRO: Rossio Station
Our Favourite Travel Camera & Lens
Sony A7IV & Sony FE 24-105 f4
The Sony a7IV is the perfect travel camera. Offering incredible image quality, great portability and a varied lens selection.
Our favourite travel lens is the Sony FE 24-105 f4. it’s a great all-rounder, super sharp and a perfect focal range for travel.
Squares and Downtown
Baixa (Pombaline Lower Town) is the area covered by central Lisbon and was constructed after the 1755 earthquake and is one of Europe’s first great examples of neoclassic design and urban planning. During our time in Lisbon, the area was one our of favourites to wander and is also a great place to find somewhere to eat due to its many cafes and Restauradores Square.
Not only does this area feature many of the sights mentioned above but it is also full of a host of elegant squares in which to sit and admire this charming city. Some of the best include: Marquess of Pombal Square, Praça da Figueira, Terreiro do Paço, Rossio Square and Praça do Comercio.
Book a Tour
Best Place to Book Tour
As much as we love independent travelling, sometimes the best way to access certain places, experience local culture and get real authentic information is on a tour.
For the best trips, tours and guides we always use Get Your Guide.
Info
TRAM/ METRO: Baixa
Also:
Cascais is also a great day trip from the city taking only 40 minutes on the scenic Cascais line originating from Cais do Sodre station and costing around €3. It is a nice change of pace from the hectic city centre and one of the closest beach resorts to the capital. It also has some lovely squares and architecture of its own to be explored.
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Things we didn’t do but you should check out:
I am really not sure how we managed to miss these, especially Belem, but we did! But hey ho, it gives us a great reason to revisit one of our favourite cities! I can’t offer much advice about these but I recommend doing some research and adding a few to your itinerary!
Belem Tower
Jeronimos Monastery
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Monastery of São Vicente
Lisbon Cathedral
Church of Santa Engrácia
Estrela basilica
Mafra national palace
A few other photos of Lisbon just in case you’re not convinced you should visit yet!
Thanks for reading! Do you have any tips we have missed out on?
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