Full of scenic trams, stunning views every where you look, and delicious food, Lisbon can really offer you all…
With the trams at the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta
Tram 28
One of the most popular attractions in Lisbon is riding on the many trams dotted around the city, an iconic symbol of Lisbon; in particular the tourist tram Tram 28 and the Hills Tramcar Tour. You can’t go 5 minutes without seeing one of these!
(Centre) Hills Tramcar Tour, (Left & Right) Tram 28 tourist tour
The tour lasts about an hour and a half and takes you past the many different sites of the city including the Panteão Nacional, Sé de Lisboa, Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, Castelo de São Jorge, and much more! All of this for less than €3.
Take a look at the map below to see the route:
Castelo de São Jorge
Climb to the top of São Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon and you will be met with the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The site itself is pretty extensive; apart from the castle with its eleven towers, you’ll also be able to visit a small museum. Don't be disheartened if upon your visit you may see a huge line leading all the way up to the castle, but if you buy your ticket online (which I recommend you do), you can skip the queue and head right in. Entrance to the castle is just €5! The silhouette of the Castle stands out both by day and when illuminated at night, and can be seen from all angles of the city.
Apart from the Jardim do Castelo de São Jorge, there are plenty of other great places to capture an amazing view of Lisbon. From the many viewpoints (or Miradouros) such as Miradouro de Santa Lucia and Miradouro da Senhora del Monte.
The Sé de Lisboa (the cathedral of Lisbon), is considered the oldest church in the city. The popular Tram 28 tour passes right passed and you can hop off at this particular destination. Both the Sé de Lisboa and the Carmo Convent (as pictured below) have been rebuilt many times in different architectural styles due to earthquakes causing major structural damages and even collapses of some buildings. The cathedral is free to enter whereas the Carmo Convent requires a €5 entrance fee.
There are so many other attractions and unique streets in Lisbon. Head over to Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta to see the arch and the main square, have a Super Bock or Sagres beer (your choice 😉) in the sun, and you are also just a few minutes from the sea! Then visit Pink Street, which like the name suggests, is a pink street with colourful umbrellas above you - a good photo opportunity for all those influencers out there.
(Left) Panteao Nacional, (Centre Left) Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, (Centre) Pink Street, (Centre Right) Livaria Bertand – Chiado, (Right) Santa Justa Elevator
The Livaria Bertand – Chiado is the world’s oldest bookstore, originally founded in 1732 is also worth a visit. Take a ride up the Santa Justa Elevator for €5 and enjoy the view from the centre of the city. There is a free way up supposedly through the H&M store but I never found it unfortunately! As I said before, you can’t miss seeing the trams, but along Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and the Ascensor/Elevator da Bica, is one of the best places to spot them.
If you have more time then make sure you visit Belem, a town just outside of the city of Lisbon. It is very accessible, you can take a short bus, train or taxi there for a relatively cheap price, we’re talking less than €10! I must admit, I don’t think you can visit Lisbon without visiting Belem…
Belem Tower
The Belem Tower: an iconic site to Portugal, like I said you cannot visit Lisbon without visiting this place! It is officially called the Tower of Saint Vincent and is a 16th Century fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. In this day and age it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, a landmark of Portugal due to its proximity to the ocean and its maritime discoveries of new worlds. If you wish you may go inside the tower for €6 but I believe it is not worth it since the outside is what gives it the "wow-factor".
Jerónimos Monastery
Another UNESCO World Heritage sight is Jerónimos Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. Tickets to enter cost €10. Be prepared that no matter what time of day it is, you will need to queue to enter even if you have bought the tickets online - and you may even need to queue for up to 1 hour! But if there's a queue then it must be worth it to go inside right?
Inside the grounds of Jeronimos Monastery
Whilst you're in Belem it is worth also paying a visit to the Padrão Dos Descobrimentos (the Monument to the Discoveries); discover all the explorers, authors and historic figures of Henry the Navigator's voyage to the newfound lands. And whether you're in Lisbon or Belem, or flying overhead, you can't miss the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, since it is the longest suspension bridge in Europe. You'll think you're in San Francisco as it very much resembles the Golden Gate Bridge, must probably because it is designed by the same architect.
(Left) Padrão Dos Descobrimentos, (Right) Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
Fooooood!
Head to one of the restaurants I have recommended down below and make sure you try some of this delicious food; some of it is a must when visiting Lisbon (probably when visiting Portugal too!)
(Left) Pastéis de Nata & Ginja cherry liquor, (Centre Left) Mussels, shrimps, tuna & octopus Portuguese style, (Centre) Super Bock beer, (Centre Right) Grilled mixed fish & picanha, (Right) Pastéis de Belém & Sagres beer
1) Maria Catita
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 30, 1100-389 Lisbon, Portugal
2) Manteigaria
Avenida 24 de Julho 50, 1200-109 Lisbon, Portugal
3) Pastéis de Belém
Rua de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal
4) O Trigueirinho
Largo dos Trigueiros 17, 1100-611 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon has made it to the list of one of my favourite cities I have been to, could it make its way onto your list too? I look forward to finding out!
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