Best 10 Must-See Attractions in Lisbon: A Traveler's Guide
Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, is a city where timeless charm and modern vibrancy meet. Dive into the heart of this coastal haven, and explore a collection of the best attractions that stand as a testament to Lisbon's rich heritage. Whether it's the ancient allure of São Jorge Castle or the historical significance of Belém Tower, Lisbon is sure to leave an incredible mark on the heart of every traveler.
Find out below the top 10 best attractions with our expert guide to Lisbon's landmarks:
1. Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
Terreiro do Paço, also known as Praça do Comércio, stands as one of Lisbon's most grandiose and historic squares. Lining the banks of the Tagus River, this plaza is the very heartbeat of Lisbon, framed by lemon-yellow facades and crowned with the statue of King José I. Once the site of the royal palace before the devastating earthquake of 1755, Terreiro do Paço was meticulously rebuilt to become a symbol of the city's resilience and renewal. Today, it is a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, offering spectacular river views, iconic outdoor cafes, and street performers that animate its vast, marble mosaic pavements.
2. Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)
São Jorge Castle, perched on a historic Lisbon hilltop, has been a fortified site since before Roman times, later reinforced by Visigoths and Moors. It was captured by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, in 1147—his statue now stands near the entrance. The 1930s cleared the castle of modern additions, restoring its ancient walls and medieval battlements. Today, visitors can ascend the towers for city views. Surrounding ruins offer a glimpse into the past, from prehistoric settlements to a palace that fell in the 1755 earthquake.
3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
Commissioned by King Manuel I to commemorate Prince Henry the Navigator, the Jerónimos Monastery has been a Portuguese national monument since 1907 and a UNESCO site since 1983. Inaugurated in the 16th century and part of the National Pantheon since 2016, it houses the tombs of luminaries like Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. Nearby, just 500 meters away, visitors can indulge in the famous Pastéis de Belém pastries.
4. Sé Catedral de Lisboa (Sé Cathedral)
When you see onlookers in awe at the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major often called Lisbon Cathedral or simply the Sé (Sé de Lisboa), they're likely captivated by its historic and romantic design, established in 1147. Echoing the architectural style of Coimbra's cathedral, Lisbon's Sé boasts intricate features like a Gothic cloister from the time of King Dinis (1279-1325). Historians and visitors alike value the numerous modifications it has experienced, mirroring the evolving tastes of Portuguese royalty, and the dedicated restorations aimed at maintaining its venerable charm.
5. Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
The tower was commissioned by King Dom Manuel I during Portugal's Age of Discovery as a strategic defense point at Lisbon's harbor entrance. Its stonework bears the era's iconic motifs, including the Crosses of Christ and maritime ropes, as well as images of St. Vincent and rhinoceros, representing the exotic reaches of the Portuguese empire.
6. Convento do Carmo (Carmo Convent Ruins and Museum)
The Carmo Convent in Lisbon, a roofless beauty since the 1755 earthquake, stands as a striking gothic relic and a tribute to the city's past. Its enduring arches date back to the 1300s, with later Manueline details added, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Portuguese Gothic architecture. Among its historical treasures are the preserved mummies of two Peruvian children, a haunting encounter with history.
7. Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (Ajuda National Palace of Lisbon)
Started in 1802, construction of the palace halted abruptly in 1807 as Portugal's royal family fled to Brazil to avoid Napoleon's troops, leaving it noticeably incomplete. Despite its unfinished state, it functioned as a royal dwelling in the late 1800s. Today, parts of the palace operate as a museum, and others accommodate the Ministry of Culture.
8. Panteão Nacional ( National Pantheon)
Finalized in 1966, 285 years after its foundation, The church's dome turned into a classic example of long-term projects that take ages to finish, inspiring the local saying "a job like Santa Engrácia" for any endless task. Rising from the site of an earlier church demolished after a scandalous 1630 robbery, the construction faced a legend of perpetual incompletion due to the wrongful execution of an accused Jew. After the initial structure collapsed in 1681, rebuilding began with a design reminiscent of St. Peter's in Rome, featuring a marble-dominated interior. Designated as the national Pantheon in 1916, it now houses the remains of Portuguese luminaries such as General Humberto Delgado, fado singer Amália Rodrigues, and footballer Eusébio.
9. Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)
The Elevador de Santa Justa, an iconic example of industrial ironwork and a cherished Lisbon landmark, was recognized as a national monument in 2002. Crafted by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, an apprentice of Eiffel, this 15-meter elevator has connected downtown's Rua do Ouro with the higher Igreja do Carmo since 1901. A spiral staircase leads visitors to a platform atop the lift, offering panoramic views of the city.
10. Igreja e Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora)
The church itself is worth a look, but the old monastery remains the main attraction. Its cloisters are richly decorated with early 18th-century tile panels, some of which illustrate the fables of La Fontaine. Inside, you’ll also find the royal pantheon of the Bragança family, Portugal’s last dynasty.
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