Best places to visit in Rome
Discover the 10 best places to see in Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is a city steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of important monuments that reflect its rich past. If I could describe Lisbon’s places to see, I would say it is like a buffet of Portuguese delights. From the sweet and crumbly Pastéis de Belém at the Belém Tower to the salty and savory puff pastry snacks in the Bairro Alto, there’s something for every taste. Take a stroll through the historic Alfama district and listen to the sounds of Fado music echoing through the narrow streets, or catch a ride on the iconic Tram 28 and make sure to hold on tight as it winds through the city’s hills. And don’t forget to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, it is so grand and beautiful, it’ll make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. But be warned – if you get lost in the intricate carvings and stunning architecture, you might never want to leave. So bring a snack and enjoy the view!
1. Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon is like a giant history book, but with way better pictures. It’s got everything from intricate Portuguese Gothic architecture to stunning Renaissance art, and let’s not forget the stunning cloister, which features complex stone carvings of sea monsters, exotic birds and other creatures.
This magnificent masterpiece was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India. The monastery is home to several important works of art, including the tomb of Vasco da Gama, which is adorned with intricate carvings and intricate detailing.
The Jeronimos Monastery is located in the Belem district of Lisbon, which is home to several other important monuments, including the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. It’s also just a short walk from the beautiful Belem waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Tagus River.
Let’s not forget the delicious pastries nearby – they’re so good, they’ll have you singing hymns of praise to the monks who invented them! So come for the history, stay for the sweets, and leave with a newfound appreciation for all things Portuguese.
How much does it cost?
General tickets are 10€, but they also have student deals which are about 6€. I would strongly suggest buying your ticket online as you don’t have to make the tickets, especially since it can get pretty busy. We bought ours in the waiting line and it was super fast and easy.
How to get from Lisbon’s center to the monastery?
General tickets are 10€, but they also have student deals which are about 6€. I would strongly suggest buying your ticket online as you don’t have to make the tickets, especially since it can get pretty busy. We bought ours in the waiting line and it was super fast and easy.
Take the 728 bus from the city center (stops include Praça do Comércio and Rossio) and get off at the Jerónimos/Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop. This stop will drop you right in front of the monastery.
Uber (or Bolt) and Taxis are available everywhere in Lisbon and can take you directly to the monastery. While they are not expensive and easy to find, you should just be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak tourist season so it can be much longer to reach the Monastery than with public transport.
You can also take the metro to the Cais do Sodre station and transfer to the train to Cascais. You can get off at the Belém station, which will leave you about a 10-minute walk from the monastery.
If it’s nice out, you can also rent a bike, and cycle to Belèm. The road leading to it is not steep (probably the only place in Lisbon you can reach without having to face the steep hills of Lisbon) and is connected by a cycling path. The ride is about 35 minutes from Praça do Comércio to the Monastery.
If it’s nice and sunny, you can also use one of the e-scooter services like lime and bolt. If you are familiar with it a lot of people also used that to reach the monastery while enjoying the views and the nice weather of Lisbon. However, the concrete is often pretty bumpy, so if you are not a fan of riding an e-scooter maybe you should go for one of the other ways of transportations.
Overall, it is fair to say that the Jeronimos Monastery is an important symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a time when Portuguese explorers sailed to the far corners of the earth in search of new lands, riches, and knowledge. Even if you don’t know much about history, visiting the monastery is a great way to connect with Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and learn more about its place in world history. It is not too expensive, you can easily reach it and you are also already near other really cool monuments.
If you go to the Jeronimos Monastery, you should definitely stop by the small restaurant on the right corner of the monastery. Their puff pastries are realllllllly good!!!
2. Belem Tower
This iconic tower is one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks and was built in the 16th century as a defense fortification to protect the city from invaders. Today, the Belem Tower is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Did you know that the tower’s dungeon, located at the bottom of the tower where you can see the windows, was used to kill people? Apparently, they used the dungeon to kill people as the sea level would rise, the prisoners would drown as the dungeon would flood.
There are several reasons why you should visit the Belem Tower. Firstly, the tower’s unique architectural design and intricate details are a testament to Portugal’s rich history and culture. Secondly, visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Tagus River. Additionally, the tower’s location in the Belem neighborhood offers easy access to other popular attractions such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. Overall, the Belem Tower is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Lisbon and looking to experience Portugal’s fascinating history and culture.
How much does it cost?
To see the tower is totally free. You can stroll around the tower and look at the amazing architecture of the tower as you enjoy a cold beer or a snack. If you want to visit the inside and climb the tower it costs around 15€.
How to get to Belém from Lisbon’s center?
Take the 728 bus from the city center (stops include Praça do Comércio and Rossio) and get off at the Jerónimos/Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop. This stop will drop you about a 15 minute walk from the tower.
Take Tram 15 from Praça da Figueira or Comércio Square and get off at the Belém stop. This will bring you about a 5-minute walk from the Belém Tower.
Take the train from the Cais do Sodré station, to the Belém station. This will leave you a 10-minute walk from the tower.
Uber (or Bolt) and Taxis are available everywhere in Lisbon and can take you directly to the monastery. While they are not expensive and easy to find, you should just be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak tourist season so it can be much longer to reach the Monastery than with public transport.
If it’s nice out, you can also rent a bike, and cycle to Belèm. The road leading to it is not steep (probably the only place in Lisbon you can reach without having to face the steep hills of Lisbon) and is connected by a cycling path. The ride is about 30 minutes from Praça do Comércio to the Belém Tower.
If it’s nice and sunny, you can also use one of the e-scooter services like lime and bolt. If you are familiar with it a lot of people also used that to reach the monastery while enjoying the views and the nice weather of Lisbon. However, the concrete is often pretty bumpy, so if you are not a fan of riding an e-scooter maybe you should go for one of the other ways of transportations.
3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Right in front of the Jeronimos Monastery you can find the Monument to the Discoveries This impressive monument was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, who played a key role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
There’s often people who play music around the area, which is quite nice as you walk along the sea. You can also find a lot of food trucks beside this monument, which serves different kinds of food. We went to a little Mexican food truck, although we did not get food cause we just had lunch, we got three beers for less than 10€. Not gonna lie, enjoying a cold beer facing the sea overlooking this beautiful monument was really nice.
4. Sao Jorge Castle
This medieval castle sits atop a hill overlooking Lisbon and was built in the 11th century by the Moors. It has since been expanded and renovated over the centuries and now houses a museum.
How much does it cost?
The entrance fee to visit São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, Portugal is 10.00€ for adults. While there is no reduced price for students, rates for seniors is 5.00€ and 5.00€ for children aged between 10 and 17, and children under 10 can enter for free.
How to get to San Jorge Castle?
The cheapest option to reach the San Jorge Castle is by foot. It is possible to walk up to the castle from the Baixa district in about 20-25 minutes. The route is uphill and involves some steep sections, but it offers great views of the city.
It is also possible to reach the castle by tram. Kill two birds with one stone and take the famous tram 28, a popular tourist attraction that takes you through the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon and up to the castle. It takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as a regular tram ticket, plus you get to enjoy a scenic ride through the heart of Lisbon.
Take the 737 bus, which also goes to the castle from the Baixa district. The journey takes about 15 minutes and the stop is located right next to the entrance of the castle.
Taxis and tuk tuk are available everywhere in Lisbon and can take you directly to the castle. The journey takes about 10 minutes and the cost depends on the distance you traveled. While the prices are quite reasonable, I would strongly advise to walk or take the tram as they are the easiest and most affordable options.
If it’s nice out, you can also rent a bike, and cycle to Belèm. The road leading to it is not steep (probably the only place in Lisbon you can reach without having to face the steep hills of Lisbon) and is connected by a cycling path. The ride is about 30 minutes from Praça do Comércio to the Belém Tower.
If it’s nice and sunny, you can also use one of the e-scooter services like lime and bolt. If you are familiar with it a lot of people also used that to reach the monastery while enjoying the views and the nice weather of Lisbon. However, the concrete is often pretty bumpy, so if you are not a fan of riding an e-scooter maybe you should go for one of the other ways of transportations.
The San Jorge Castle is located on a hill and involves some steep climbs and stairs. Make sure to keep that in mind if you decide to reach it by foot!
5. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is located at the heart of Lisbon and is surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, and shops. This grand square is where locals and tourists gather to people-watch, sip coffee, and take selfies with the statue of King Jose I. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun, enjoy the river breeze, and pretend you’re royalty for a day (or at least until your coffee runs out). Just watch out for the seagulls, they have a tendency to steal your snacks!
6. Igreja de São Domingos
The Igreja de São Domingos in Lisbon is an important national historical and cultural landmark that is worth visiting. What is unique about this church is that through its history, it has twice been a victim of a major catastrophe. The first was the 1755 earthquake, and then a fire in 1959 that destroyed its gilded decoration and precious paintings.
The reason it is a must-to-see place is because of its unique interior. In fact, while the church has undergone some restoration after the fire, the interior is still untouched and was never restored after the fire. When you enter the church you can still clearly see the signs of the 1959 disaster. The scorched pillars mixed with the amazing pink marble ceiling makes this church a unique place to visit.
How much does it cost to visit the Igreja de São Domingos?
The entrance for the Igreja de São Domingos is free of charge. If you have few coins, you should know that donations are always appreciated to help maintain the church and its historic artwork.
7. Convento do Carmo
The Carmo Convent is like a real-life game of Jenga, but with much more history and without the stress! This historic ruin is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It was originally built in the 14th century as a Gothic church for the Carmelite Order, but was largely destroyed by the devastating earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755.
Today, the ruins of the Carmo Convent serve as a very popular attraction and mostly a poignant reminder of the earthquake’s destructive power. You can go and wander through the vast, open-air space of the church, which has been left largely untouched since the earthquake.
While the ruins of the church are pretty amazing, the Carmo Convent also houses a small archaeological museum, which showcases artifacts from Lisbon’s past, including ancient Roman statues and pottery, medieval coins, and Islamic ceramics. One of the most notable exhibits is the collection of mummies that were discovered in Egypt in the 19th century and brought to Lisbon by the Portuguese royal family.
How much does it cost to visit the Convento do Carmo?
The entrance fee to visit the Carmo Convent is 5.00 € for adults. There are some discounts available for students, Lisbon City Card holders, and groups, so make sure to ask when you buy your tickets. There are also reduced rates for seniors, children aged 7-18 and free entrance for children under 7.
8. Rossio Square
This historic square has been the heart of Lisbon’s social and political life for centuries and is home to some of the city’s most important buildings, including the National Theatre and the Rossio Train Station. This giant open space is a great spot if you’re looking to catch a street performance while enjoying a cup of coffee (or a beer)!
9. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator right in the middle of the city, where backpackers can get a bird’s-eye view of the city and feel the wind in their hair. This ornate wrought-iron elevator was built in the early 20th century and connects the Baixa district with the Bairro Alto neighborhood. To be fully honest, the lift’s stunning views of the city and the Tagus River are worth the ride alone. If you are looking for a way to get a great view of the City, the Santa Justa Lift is a can’t-miss attraction.
I recommend going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds! While it is a can’t-miss attraction, it is also usually really busy which can easily ruin the mood and the view.
10. Museu Nacional do Azulejo
The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is dedicated to the history and art of the famous Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. This museum is basically like one giant mosaic of color and history, where each tile tells a unique story about Portugal’s history. It’s the perfect spot to step up your Portuguese tile trivia game and to admire the country’s most beautiful tilework. Whether you’re a tile enthusiast or just looking for a fun cultural activity, this museum is definitely worth visiting.
Marie-Pier Allard
Traveller by day, blog writer by night
