Beautiful Lisbon has so much to offer visitors from the quaint trams to the picturesque backstreets. There are a lot of historic landmarks to explore with architecture ranging from Medieval to Moorish as well as modern waterfront attractions and museums.
Here are the spots that made our list:
São Jorge Castle – Explore the ruins of this ancient castle and admire the city views whilst you’re at it. With an archeological site and permanent museum exhibitions, learning about this Former Royal Palace is a great way to spend an hour or two in Lisbon if you’re a history buff.
Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa
Website | Map
Lisbon Oceanarium – This award-winning aquarium has plenty of marine life to see with a mix of tanks and open air exhibits to keep the kids and the family as a whole happy – As well as all the colorful and exotic fish species you’ll also be able to see the cute sea otters. The aquarium holds a range of special events for kids including ‘Sleeping With Sharks’.
Address: Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa
Website | Map
FREE Guide to the BEST of Lisbon
Wouldn’t you want to save time and discover the absolute BEST places in Lisbon? – Cafes, accommodation, coworking, gyms, yoga & more
There are many travel guides for tourists who want to visit Lisbon.
Lisbon Secrets is different. Get it here…
Santa Justa Lift – This historical lift (elevator) has been in place since 1902 and is a national monument. The only vertical lift in Lisbon to be move locals and tourists from one level of hilly Lisbon to another, the lift allows quick and easy access between the streets of Largo do Carmo and Rua do Ouro.
Address: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa,
Website | Map
Belém Tower – Dating back to the 1500’s, this striking fortified tower, otherwise known as the Tower of St Vincent, is located on the banks of the River Tigus. Inside you can discover the Bulwark, King’s Room, the chapel, the Governor’s room and more, whilst also taking in the breathtaking views from the terrace.
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa
Website | Map
LxFactory – This historical factory complex dates back to 1846 and is now a creative space where artists and other creatives work together to produce and present their unique ideas and work. A diverse range of events take place here, ranging from art, music, and multimedia, to fashion, advertising, and communications.
Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300 – 501 Lisboa
Website | Map
Lisbon Zoo – See tigers, lions, giraffes, elephants, gorillas, parrots and so much more as you move around the zoo following the different continent routes as you and your little ones learn all about these animals and where they live. There’s a petting farm, zoo train, and cable car too for a fun-filled family day out.
Address: Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisboa
Website | Map
Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Climb to the top of this 56 meter high monument with visitor center and admire the panoramic views of the city and of the river from the terrace. The Monument to the Discoveries dates back to 1940 when it was first (temporarily) erected as part of the Portuguese World Exhibition. It was reconstructed as a permanent monument in 1960.
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa
Website | Map
Cultural Centre of Belém – Visit this unique modern building to enjoy a wide range of cultural events from art to orchestras, ballet, conferences, and more. A range of permanent and temporary exhibitions can be enjoyed throughout the year including the Berardo Museum which is housed here.
Address: Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa,
Website | Map
Palace of Mafra – Having been a palace, convent, and basilica, the Palace of Mafra is now a museum celebrating 300 years of history with the library, trophies room, bone room, and more all waiting to be discovered. Whether you visit to discover the history and admire the architecture or simply to relax in the grounds with a picnic whilst the kids let off steam, the palace holds enjoyment for all ages.
Address: Terreiro D. João V, Mafra
Website | Map
Jerónimos Monastery – Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful gothic monastery is 500 years old and a vast place to explore. A burial place for kings and for poets, you can visit the South Portal, Main Portal, Cloister, Refectory, Chapter Room and more, as you learn about Portuguese culture and history.
Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa
Website | Map
Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere – Our Lady Of Mount Mirador provides visitors with picturesque panoramic city views. Once a hidden gem known only by locals, this is now a popular outdoor spot at sunset for photographers and tourists who want to admire the view as the sun goes down with views overlooking the Tagus estuary, the Castle of St George, and the hills of Lisbon in the distance.
Address: Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa
Website | Map
Palace of Queluz – The National Palace and Gardens of Queluz is a stunning 18th century Baroque palace with beautiful landscaped gardens. It was the residence of the mad queen Dom Maria I and her husband and children, a royal residence for 2 generations. Today you can explore the grounds and inside the palace, viewing the exquisite staterooms.
Address: Largo Palácio de Queluz, 2745-191 Queluz
Website | Map
Miradouro de Santa Catarina – Otherwise known as the Adamastor viewpoint, this popular riverside location is a tranquil spot for relaxing on a Summer evening with friends or family as you soak up the river views at sunset, taking in the music, the atmosphere, and the sights.
Address: 401, R. de Santa Catarina, Lisboa
Website | Map
Christ the King – This iconic Catholic monument and shrine towers over the southern banks of the River Tejo and depicts Christ with arms raised out to each side, blessing the city. Visitors can enjoy panoramic city views from the 80m high viewing platform.
Address: Alto do Pragal, Av. Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada
Website | Map
Lisbon Cathedral – Better known as Sé de Lisboa, this imposing 12th century cathedral has Romanesque architecture. Visitors can see the Roman, Arabic, and Medieval remains in the cloisters and visit the 4 treasury rooms.
Address: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa,
Website | Map
Palace of Ajuda – This neoclassical former royal residence today, houses the museum of decorative arts. Visitors can admire the former royal rooms whilst also seeing the museums collections which cover the 15th-20th century and include paintings, jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture and more.
Address: Largo Ajuda 1349-021, Lisboa
Website | Map
Church of Santa Engrácia – This 17th century Baroque church with striking marble interior was converted into the National Pantheon in the 20th century and contains the tombs of notable historic Portuguese figures such as presidents and writers but also the soccer star Eusébio da Silva Ferreira and fado singer Amália Rodrigues who was buried here in the 1990’s.
Address: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisboa,
Website | Map
Estrela Basilica – This beautiful basilica, otherwise known as the Basilica of the Heart of Jesus, has been in use since 1885 and was built in the neoclassical baroque style. It is noted for its dome and twin bell towers and contains the tomb of Queen Maria. Visitors can climb to the rooftop terrace to admire the panoramic city views.
Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa
Website | Map
Águas Livres Aqueduct – This historical aqueduct was built during the 1700’s and is today considered a national monument and a remarkable work of hydraulics engineering. Comprising 35 arches covering 941 meters, guided tours are available from the Water Museum.
Address: Calçada da Quintinha 6, 1070-225 Lisboa
Website | Map
Gare do Oriente – The Lisbon Oriente station is an ultra modernist train station well worth visiting even if you don’t have a train to catch due to its outstanding architecture. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava the station is a glass and metal structure combining modernist and gothic styles, the gallery resembling a steel forest canopy.
Address: Av. Dom João II, 1900-233 Lisboa
Website | Map
FREE Guide to the BEST of Lisbon
Wouldn’t you want to save time and discover the absolute BEST places in Lisbon? – Cafes, accommodation, coworking, gyms, yoga & more
There are many travel guides for tourists who want to visit Lisbon.
Lisbon Secrets is different. Get it here…
Author
Tal Gur is a world traveler and personal development enthusiast. An adventurer at heart, after trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, Tal spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey continues as a location-independent blogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, and coach. Tal’s published two books: One Year to Freedom, a 1-Year Roadmap to Living Life on Your Own Terms; and, his most recent book and bestseller, The Art of Fully Living – 1 Man, 10 Years, 100 Life Goals Around the World.
