Explore Lisbon's heart: Discover top city-center attractions, from historic squares to iconic landmarks. Your Lisbon adventure starts here!
Hey there, Lisbon explorers! If you are planning your next trip to our sunny city, this guide is for you. We'll take you on a whirlwind tour of the coolest and most iconic places you can't afford to miss in Lisbon's downtown. From the historic Praça do Comércio to the lively Rossio Square, we've got the inside scoop on where to go for the best experiences.
Before starting our tour, you must know what are the most important neighborhoods of Lisbon. Starting with Baixa, the "lower town" is known for being the historical heart and center of commerce of Lisbon. Here you can walk on the streets that will take you to Praça do Comercio and Praça do Rossio, and take a ride in the famous elevator Santa Justa to get into the agitated Bairro Alto, the "upper town" part of the city, where the nightlife never dies, and you have several miradouros to observe the historical Alfama. Between the lower and upper town, you will find the beautiful Chiado neighborhood. And a little bit distant from the city center we have our breathtaking views of Belém, full of historical monuments and "pasteis de nata".
Now it is time to grab your map, put on your comfy shoes, and let's discover Lisbon's secrets together.
Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. Its steep and narrow alleyways were home to fishermen for many years and inspired the most beautiful Fado songs, but they were definitely not designed for wheeled traffic. To reach the upper part of the neighborhood, you can choose to take a leisurely stroll from the city center or hop on the nostalgic Tram 28, a comfortable and picturesque option that will drop you off at the top of the neighborhood.
The visit will take more than a morning, as the area is quite extensive, so we suggest you start early, so you can enjoy the São Jorge Castle without many queues, and be able to take a ride on Tram 28 before rush time begins! It's also advisable to take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding streets, and you will have no problems finding traditional restaurants for a very Portuguese lunch. So now, let's check the main attractions of this fabulous neighborhood:
The São Jorge Castle is one of the most well-known monuments in Lisbon. Whether by day or by night, its image stands out on the hill where the neighborhoods of Castelo and Alfama are located. Built in the 5th century by the Visigoths, the São Jorge Castle was expanded by the Moors in the 9th century and underwent modifications during the reign of Afonso Henriques. In 1938, it underwent a complete restoration. Its period of greatest splendor extended from the mid-13th century to the early 16th century when the castle was occupied by the kings of Portugal.
The price to enter the castle is 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for young between 13 and 25 years old.
The Lisbon Cathedral, commonly referred to as Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest and most significant church in the city. Its construction dates back to the 12th century, and its predominant style is Romanesque. Throughout its history, Lisbon Cathedral has evolved into one of the most important examples of Portuguese fortitude, surviving various natural catastrophes and standing resilient. As a result, it underwent several renovations over time.
While there is an entrance fee to visit the cathedral's cloister, the experience is well worth it and highly recommended. Prices vary from 3 euros for kids between 7 and 12 years old, and 5 euros for adults. The entrance is free for kids under 6 years old, and it is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the best way to get there is to take the bus line 37, or tram line 28 or 12.
As a historical symbol of Lisbon, it's not surprising that the small yellow carriages of Tram 28 are very often full of tourists, but the tram is also used by locals as their main transport. Its entire route from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique takes approximately one hour and you can expect big queues, but the waiting is definitely worth it. While on it, you will be able to appreciate the view from Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia (we will talk about it later ;), and unveil the charming streets of Alfama and Baixa.
The single ride ticket costs 3 euros and can be purchased with the driver. If you have a Lisboa Card (it's a tourist passe that you can purchase for 24 hours/22 euros, 48 hours/37 euros, or 72 hours/46 euros, and provides you with free access to some attractions and unlimited rides on all public transports), the ride is free.
Fado is the musical expression of Lisbon's soul. The word 'fado' comes from the Latin 'fatum,' which means 'destiny.' The frustration and fatalism that arise in the humble suburbs, taverns, and ports of the city are reflected in a piece of melancholic and nostalgic music. As the Portuguese often say, fado sings the sadness of what is gone, the lost empire, the homeland that could not be, the man who lost his glory. This is nothing more than the history of Lisbon, its scarred soul, so beautifully sung by the great poets Camões and Pessoa.
In Alfama, you can find the Fado Museum, which not only shares the history of Lisbon and Fado but also offers classes and immersive experiences for the community. You can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday, and the regular ticket costs 5 euros. The entrance is free for kids under 12 and 2.5 euros for ages between 12 and 23.
With its classical style and geometric streets, where facades are often adorned with the typical Lisbon tiles, this is the most central and commercial district, bustling with activity during the day. In this neighborhood, you'll find the most emblematic squares and streets. It begins at Restauradores Square and, through Avenida da Liberdade, leads to Marquês de Pombal Square, where modern Lisbon begins.
To be able to fully enjoy and visit all the important tourist points of Baixa, we suggest you reserve an entire morning or evening in this neighborhood. Even knowing that there are a lot of important points to cover, they are all connected and you can do it all by foot. The order we suggest you follow is the following:
Located in the center of Baixa, around this square, you can find a number of the city's most iconic buildings, such as the Teatro Eden and Condes Cinema buildings. At the center of the plaza towers a 30-metre-high white obelisk, built to commemorate Portugal’s fight to regain independence in the 17th century after 60 years of Habsburg rule. Restauradores Square is also aligned with the fabulous Avenida da Liberdade.
Located in the Baixa district, at the northern end of Rua Augusta, and close to Restauradores Square, Rossio Square is the liveliest area in the city and a gathering point for both locals and visitors.
On the sides of the square and along the streets in its vicinity, you'll discover shops, bars, and some of the city's most famous restaurants. Thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and central location, Rossio Square and its surroundings are one of our favorite areas to stay in Lisbon. There you can find important points of the city, like:
The National Theater Dona Maria II. Built in 1842, the theater replaced the former Estaus Palace, which had served as the headquarters of the Portuguese Inquisition since the mid-16th century. Close to it, you can find Cafe Nicola, one of the most traditional cafes in Lisbon.
The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the quickest ways to travel from Baixa to Bairro Alto. Just like the trams, it's not just a mode of transportation but also a tourist attraction. As a means of transportation, it opened its doors to the public on July 10, 1902, under the name Elevador do Carmo. From its top, we have a beautiful view of Baixa, making it one of the city's prime viewpoints since its inception.
Built on the spot where the Royal Palace once stood before it was destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755, the Commerce Square is Lisbon's most important square, and for decades, it served as Lisbon's gateway to maritime trade. Nowadays, it is a space where you can always find some entertainment, and two spots in there deserve some special attention: The Rua Augusta Arch and the Equestrian Statue of José I.
The Rua Augusta Arch marks the beginning of the street bearing the same name, which is the most important street in downtown Lisbon, where you can enjoy a day of shopping and traditional Portuguese restaurants.
The Equestrian Statue of José I was crafted in bronze by Machado de Castro in 1775, portraying José I, the Portuguese king during the time of the Lisbon earthquake. It is the perfect spot for a nice picture of the city.
The Commerce Square is located just less than 400m from Baixa, and 5 minutes walking from Cais do Sodre, you can easily get there by taking the blue or green line in the metro.
Marquês de Pombal Square marks the beginning of the new Lisbon. The name pays homage to the governor of Lisbon between 1750 and 1777. The buildings surrounding the square house the corporate headquarters of major companies, as well as Portugal's leading banks and grand hotels.
When it comes to tourist visits, the best way to explore the surroundings of Lisbon's Marquês de Pombal is by walking along Avenida da Liberdade, where you can shop in the most luxurious stores, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If you have the time, you can also take a leisurely walk through Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon's largest park, which is home to the Estufa Fria, an important botanical garden.
Marques de Pombal is very well connected, and the easiest way to get there is by taking the yellow or blue metro line. It is also close to Baixa, 1.9km of distance, or one metro station away.
It is considered to be one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lisbon today, but the truth is that Chiado has never gone out of fashion. It's located between Bairro Alto and Baixa and boasts a vibrant cultural and artistic nightlife. In Chiado, you'll find numerous theaters, museums, bars, and restaurants. It is a perfect fit for where to start your night while you walk in the direction of Bairro Alto.
Luís de Camões Square is a historical landmark in the city of Lisbon and is one of the settings of the Carnation Revolution. It marks the boundary between Chiado and Bairro Alto. It is named after the statue of the great poet Luís Vaz de Camões, author of "Os Lusíadas" (an epic poetry masterpiece, it was also the first Portuguese epic published in printed form), and it is one of the oldest monuments in the capital. Located around it, you can find the popular coffee A Brasileira, a common meeting point for tourists and locals.
After enjoying a delicious coffee in front of the Camões statue, it is time to take your night for a truly Portuguese experience, and go up to the "Upper city" of Lisbon, the famous Bairro Alto. At night, it is common to see groups of international and local students greeting around to have some beers and the traditional Ginjinha shots (an alcoholic drink commonly drunk in chocolate cups). During the day, you can take a historical ride in the Bica Elevator and appreciate Lisbon's view from one of the various miradouros you will find in this neighborhood like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara.
It is a place that deserves to be visited during the day and the night, so you can see how different the scenario can be.
The Bica Elevator, one of Lisbon's most picturesque funiculars, has been connecting Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto for almost 130 years. Among all the elevators and funiculars in the city, this particular one located on Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, is likely one of the most photographed modes of transportation in Lisbon. During this journey of about 200 meters (a drop of almost 50 meters), passengers traverse a narrow street where neighbors chat on the sidewalks, clothes hang from windows, and the bars, depending on the time of day, are filled with young people.
The price is 3,80 euros and gives you the right to two trips. Anyone who has the Lisboa Card doesn't have to pay for the ride.
Lisbon is full of Miradouros where you can enjoy the amazing views of the city, and grab some drinks while watching the sunset. But there is one miradouro in particular that you can't miss while visiting Lisbon and Bairro Alto, and this is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Being there is a perfect invitation to admire a geometric garden adorned with statues of heroes and gods from Greco-Roman mythology, such as Minerva and Ulysses. It also offers the most privileged and complete panoramic view of São Jorge Castle and its walls, the Alfama neighborhood, and Baixa.
If you want to find out more about the miradouros in Lisbon, check out our Blog Post and take yourself on a beautiful adventure!
Belem is no doubt one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, and a must-visit in every tourist list. Here you can eat the delicious Pasteis de Belém, and visit several monuments, like the Mosteiro dos Jerônimos, Belém Tower, and Monumento dos descobrimentos.
To get to Belém, you can take a train from Cais do Sodre in the direction of Cascais or Oeiras and stop at the Belém station. it will take you approximately 10 minutes and you won't have problems with parking.
Along with the Belém Tower, it is one of Lisbon's most significant tourist attractions. Inside its walls, you can find the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. Built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama's return from the Indies, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The entrance is free, and it is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (October to April), and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (May to September), closing on Mondays and holidays.
Situated by the Tagus River, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site in 1983. Originally, it served as a defensive fortress to protect Lisbon. Later on, its purpose shifted to that of a lighthouse and customs center. The tower consists of five floors, culminating in a terrace. All the floors are connected by a narrow spiral staircase, which, on crowded days, may have long queues or require you to wait your turn to ascend or descend, potentially creating a somewhat claustrophobic experience, but for sure still worth the visit.
The opening hours follow the same as the Jerónimos Monastery, and the ticket price for adults is 6 euros. Kids under 12 years old don't have to pay.
Less than 1km away from the Belém tower you can find the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). With a height of 52 meters, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos commemorates the fifth centenary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who was a discoverer of the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. It features a sculptural group in the shape of the prow of a caravel, with the Infante (Prince Henry) leading the way for various figures connected to Portugal's significant discoveries in history. From the top of it, you can contemplate a panoramic view of Bélem, and most importantly, the marble mosaic located at the base of the monument, representing a compass rose with a world map at its center.
The price to go up on the monument is 6 euros for adults, 5 euros for adults over 65 years old, and free for kids under 12 years old, and you can make it to the top using an elevator.
For a truly immersive experience of Belém in a single day, we highly recommend you reserve an entire evening, combining visits to all the iconic monuments and culminating your day with a picturesque picnic along the riverbank, overlooking the stunning Belem Tower as the sun sets. This area in front of the tower comes alive with vibrant energy, featuring music and an array of enticing food trucks. It's the perfect opportunity to savor a refreshing Piña Colada to complement your delectable Pastéis de Belém, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and moments that encapsulate the essence of this historic district.
The 25 de Abril Bridge is not just a bridge, it's a symbol of Lisbon's blend of old and new. With a length of 2.277 meters, the 25 de Abril Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in Europe, and the first to be built in Lisbon. It has two levels: the upper level for cars and the lower level, built in 1999, for trains. After 45 months of construction, the Bridge was opened to traffic on August 6, 1966, under the name Salazar. Following the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, the Bridge was renamed to its famous name.
Due to its resemblance and being manufactured by the same company, it is often compared to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is not only a must-see but also one of the most classic postal cards of the city and you won't have problems finding beautiful pictures of it.
Taking into account that the Bridge is also far from the city center if you don't have much time while visiting Lisbon, don't worry about crossing it, you can still enjoy its view from Belém!
As we wrap up our Lisbon adventure, we've uncovered some incredible spots that make this city truly special. From the ancient São Jorge Castle to the sweet treats in Belém, Lisbon's got something for everyone. Remember, Lisbon's heart is always open to explorers like you. So, keep coming back, and keep discovering more of this amazing city's charms. See you on your next visit to Lisbon!