Lisbon, or Lisboa, is the capital of Portugal and is the largest Portuguese city. Located on the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus, it is the westernmost capital city of mainland Europe.
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Lisbon is a stunning city with a rich history and culture. It is a city that boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a unique charm, which makes it an excellent destination for tourists from all around the world. If you are planning a holiday to Lisbon, here are the top things to do that you must not miss:
Art and Architecture
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and that means it is rich in art and architecture. It is the second oldest capital city in Europe, after Athens. Throughout the city, you can find examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern buildings. Lisbon is home to numerous museums and art galleries, showcasing some of the finest art from across the world.
Some of the famous museums you can visit are the National Museum of Ancient Art, National Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Lisbon, the National Coach Museum, the National Azulejo Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Museum of Natural History & Science.
I’ll recommend buying a Lisbon pass, which gives you access to 37 museums, monuments, and attractions in the city. It also gives you unlimited free travel by bus, metro, tram and funicular.
Landmarks
One of the most famous landmarks of Lisbon is the Ponte 25 de Abril. It looks a bit like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco but they are not related. The Christ the King monument is another lookalike monument that looks a bit like the Christ the Redeemer from Rio de Janeiro. I’ll recommend you climb up to this monument to get a really good view of Ponte 25 de Abril.
However, probably the most visited landmark of Lisbon is the Belem Tower. Officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, this a 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers. It is seen as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, similar to the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
It is one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lisbon. The other one being, the Jerónimos Monastery, also known as the Hieronymites Monastery. This is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon. And, is only about 1.1 km from the Belem Tower.
Neighbourhoods
The locals refer to the various areas of Lisbon as Bairros de Lisboa or Lisbon neighbourhoods. The city is made up of nine main neighbourhoods and each of them adds a different colour to this spectacular city.
Probably the most famous and, if I may say, coolest of the neighbourhoods is Bairro Alto. This is the centre of Lisbon’s shopping, entertainment and night life. If you are spending in Lisbon on a weekend, you have to go to Bairro Alto. It’s cobbled sloping streets with tram lines is also a popular spot for photographers.
The most charming district of Lisbon is probably Alfama. It is also the oldest district of the city and is a great place to enjoy the medieval charm of Lisbon. The narrow winding streets of this neighbourhood is sometimes described as a labyrinth. So make sure you have your bearings and a map with you.
If you make your way to the São Jorge Castle, it provides some spectacular views of the Praça do Comércio on the waterfront. It’s also probably the district to enjoy some traditional food and music, fado.
Some of the other neighbourhoods to explore would be Avenida da Liberdade, if you are into designer clothes; the riverfront of riverfront of Alcântara, known for its nightlife; and Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), which is the newest district of Lisbon. You’ll also find yourself in the neighbourhoods of Baixa and Belem a lot as most of the landmarks mentioned in this post are in those two central districts.
Sintra and Cascais
These are two beautiful and fascinating historical towns, not far from Lisbon. Sintra is located in the pine hills of Serra de Sintra. The weather of Sintra is slightly cooler than Lisbon, which encouraged the royals palaces and castles in this town. It is full of uniquely designed and colourful castles, palaces and town houses. A walking tour is probably the best way to explore this wonderful town.
Cascais is a small fishing town which is also known as “The Town of Kings and Fishes”. Similar to Sintra, this is a popular summer destination for the Portuguese aristocracy. As a result, this town is also filled with beautiful architecture and well maintained parks. Not only this, the coastline around here is absolutely gorgeous with jarred cliffs and intimate coves.
If you are short on time, you could cover both these towns by taking a day trip. Or you could pace yourself and visit them both at your own leisure.
Food, drink and music
Lisbon is a very lively city that has an exceptional culinary and musical scene. From traditional Portuguese pastries to unbelievably fresh and flavoursome seafood, this country is probably one of Europe’s best kept culinary secret. I’ll encourage you to explore the food and drink scene when you are in Lisbon. You can either do that by doing your own research or you book a guided tour. Port is one of the most famous sweet wines of the world and definitely woth trying.
Also, don’t forget to attend a Fado performance, which is Lisbon’s traditional music genre. It has been added to UNESCO’s list of World’s Intangible Heritage and a great way to spend your evening.
In conclusion, Lisbon is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or just want to relax and soak up the atmosphere. With its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Lisbon is a destination that you will never forget.
Hopefully, this has been useful for you. Leave your comments if you think I have missed something obvious. If you have any other questions, or want some help to plan your next holiday, feel free to contact me.
