The Best Travel Guide to Lisbon (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Lisbon

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Overview

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Lisbon The guide was updated: 2024-06-23

Lisbon's unique mixture of tradition and modernity, of small town and metropolis, captivates visitors from near and far. Excellent shopping, ornate architecture, late and safe nightlife, as well as restaurants with some of Europe’s best seafood are just a few of the reasons to visit this magnificent European capital.

Facts

Population:	Capital city: 544,851 Metro area: 3 million
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112
Newspapers:	Público – www.publico.pt Diário de Notícias – www.dn.pt Correio da Manhã – www.cmjornal.pt Time Out Lisbon – www.timeout.com/lisbon
Website:	www.visitlisboa.com
Opening hours:	Shops are generally open between 9 am and 7 or 8 pm on weekdays. Many smaller businesses will close for lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm. Bigger shops will stay open throughout the day and will also open until early afternoon on Saturdays.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information — Turismo de Lisboa Rua do Arsenal, 21, Lisbon +351 210 312 700 atl@visitlisboa.com

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Section in Lisbon

A true modern metropolis that can compete with any world capital in the number of attractions, Lisbon is a city that is on the up and up. Best known for its colonialist history, rich architectural tradition and Fado music, the city is perfect for long walks — hike up the hills of Alfama or at St George's Castle to get the most spectacular views. Romans, Berber pirates, Moorish builders and brutal Reconquista knights left their mark on the urban fabric of the city. Most of the best sights, restaurants and nightlife spots are situated along the river. Dive headfirst into the bohemian atmosphere of Lisbon.

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest structures in Lisbon. This was once a fortress (taken from the Moors in 1147), and now a must-see landmark with a fantastic view of the city. Peacocks and peahens a plenty around the grounds. Humans have been living on the castle hill since at least the 8th century BC, while the first fortifications date from the 1st century BC. Truly a historic place!

Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour

Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour

Experience Lisbon's rich culture and see landmarks like the Sé Cathedral and Commerce Square on an entertaining and informative guided walking tour. Stroll the historic cobbled lanes and steep inclines of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, then head to the elegant Chiado district with its art deco style. Plus, learn about Fado–a music genre that can be traced to the 1820s in Lisbon–and stop by the city's best cafes and boutiques with your expert local guide.

Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery

In Belém (situated west of the city along the river) lies Lisbon’s, and possibly Portugal’s, most important historical monument. Here you can see an opulent church and cloistered garden built in the elegant Manuelian style at the beginning of the 16th century, when Portugal was a great seafaring power. Within walking distance of many other sights, the Gothic Jerónimos Monastery is a must-see on any itinerary.

National Tile Museum

National Tile Museum

National Tile Museum is devoted to the quintessentially Portuguese tiles seen so frequently on buildings across the country. The collection is housed in a monastery, the varying architectural styles and decorations of which give a quick walkthrough the country's major movements. One of the highlights is an enormous tiled fresco which shows Lisbon as it was just before the big earthquake in 1755.

LxFactory

LxFactory

LxFactory is an art centre with a strong industrial feel in the Alcântara district of Lisbon. Located on the grounds of one of the most significant textile factories dating back to mid-19th century, this complex of hipster delights boasts galleries, shops, restaurants and performance spaces. Slightly off the beaten track, but an absolute must-visit if you want to experience the more alternative and young side of Lisbon.

Parque Das Nações

Parque Das Nações

The area where Expo 98 was held has been successfully transformed into a centre for exhibitions, leisure and culture. The extensive amount of building since the Expo almost overshadows pearls such as Siza Vieira’s Portugal pavilion and Santiago Calatrava’s adjacent Oriente Station. Green park spaces with public art link landmark contemporary buildings like the Camões Theatre and the Lisbon Oceanarium. Trendy waterfront restaurants, the glass-roofed Centro Vasco da Gama mall with shops and cinemas — everything you need for a fun weekend. Kid-friendly exhibits attract families to the Knowledge Pavilion, while the Telecabine Lisboa cable car offers sweeping views with a touch of adventure.

Surfing

Surfing

Take a break from city life and catch some Atlantic waves. One of the surfing companies located in the city is Get Stoked, which holds courses for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Tram 28

Tram 28

Lisbon trams have transported people through the city since 1873. Even if today trams compete with the metro, they are still the perfect way to see the city and to get an overview. Tram number 28 is an old-fashioned vehicle that goes around town and you can hop on and off during your trip.

Church of São Roque

Church of São Roque

Don't be fooled by the exterior — the Church of São Roque is one of the world’s most decadent and expensive churches, covered in gemstones, marble, mosaics, gold, silver and bronze. It took 130 Roman artists to create this masterpiece — one of the first Jesuit churches in the world. After being blessed by the pope, it was transported to Lisbon in 1574. Within the same complex, you'll find the São Roque museum that offers a sizeable collection of Portuguese sacred art.

Lisbon Food & Wine Tour

Lisbon Food & Wine Tour

Savour the best gourmet foods Portugal has to offer on a food and wine tour of Lisbon. You'll get to meet plenty of locals as you make stops at small businesses that produce and sell delicious cheeses, pastries and Port. Whet your appetite with petiscos — Portugal’s version of tapas; learn about Lisbon’s cafe culture, try the famous Portuguese codfish cake with a glass of refreshing vinho verde (green wine). A local guide will make sure you don't miss any essential delicacies and get just enough fun and interesting facts to appreciate the Portuguese cuisine to the max.

Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon zoo is located right in the city centre. Home to over 360 different species, there is always something happening in the park. Fun for all the family.

Gulbenkian Foundation

Gulbenkian Foundation

The largest cultural institution in Portugal was founded in 1955 when Calouste Gulbenkian, the Armenian oil millionaire, donated his estate to the country that had welcomed him during World War II. This museum houses his extensive collections and is part of a larger complex that includes concert halls, a park, restaurants and a museum of modern art.

Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium

This is one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, with more than 100 different species. Some of the animals that are exposed here are barracudas, tuna, sharks, rays and one of the most popular attractions is a large sunfish — an adventure for all ages.

São Pedro de Alcântara Garden & Viewing Platform

São Pedro de Alcântara Garden & Viewing Platform

To get a panoramic view of the city you can take the Gloria Elevator from Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara up to the garden, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Here you can take a stroll between sculptures and busts of heroes and gods from Greco-Roman mythology.

Pavilion of Knowledge

Pavilion of Knowledge

The Pavilion of Knowledge science centre is one of the extant gems of the 1998 World Expo. It was first built to focus on the mysteries of the oceans, but today it provides permanent exhibitions on chemistry, physics and other science subjects, mainly for the younger crowd.

Fronteira Palace

Fronteira Palace

This Renaissance palace, still inhabited by the 12th Marquis of Fronteira, is shown to the public through guided tours. It was built as a hunting pavilion in 1670 for the first Marquis of Fronteira — one of the most powerful families in Portugal.

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