Lisbon is a vibrant mix of culture, history, art and architecture, making it a great destination for travelers of all kinds. From its stunning landmarks and delicious cuisine to its lively nightlife and friendly people, Lisbon has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Lisbon is a great place to visit.
Day 1 :
The Tram 28 is a historic tram line in Lisbon whose route has been in operation since 1873. It is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and a ride on the tram is often referred to as “riding the 28”. The tram runs through some of Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods and landmarks, including the Alfama district, the Lisbon Cathedral, and the Praça do Comércio. The tram has become a symbol of Lisbon and is a great way to explore the city.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is located in the Alfama district of Lisbon and was constructed in the late 18th century. The miradouro was originally known as the “Miradouro das Janelas Verdes” (Viewpoint of the Green Windows) due to the many green-shuttered windows that overlook the Tagus River. The miradouro was renamed in 1924 in honour of Saint Lucy. The miradouro is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to take in the stunning views of the river, the Lisbon skyline and the iconic 25th of April Bridge.
The Alfama district of Lisbon has a long and fascinating history. The area is believed to be one of the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The area was heavily damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and much of the Alfama district was rebuilt in the years following the disaster. Known for its narrow, winding streets, colourful buildings and restaurants. The Feira da Ladra Flea Market is another popular attraction, where visitors can find unique souvenirs and antiques.
Portas do Sol is a historic area in the Alfama district. The area is believed to have been named after the gates that once stood here, which were built in the 16th century and served as the main entrance to the city. Home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Lisbon Cathedral, the Castle of São Jorge and the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora. Known for its stunning views of the city, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
At São Jorge Castle, there are a number of sights to see and explore. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and ruins, take in the stunning views of the city, visit the archaeological museum, and wander through the gardens and courtyards. In addition, there is a café and a shop that sell souvenirs and other items.
The Igreja de São Vicente de Fora is a 16th century Baroque church located in Lisbon, Portugal. The church was built between 1582 and 1629, and is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon. The church is renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and its beautiful azulejo tilework.
The National Pantheon of Lisbon is a beautiful neo-classical church that is dedicated to those who gave their lives for the country. Inside the Pantheon, visitors can admire the impressive architecture and decoration, including marble columns and ornate statues. There are also tombs containing the remains of several former Portuguese kings and other famous figures. The Pantheon is also home to the tomb of Portugal’s most famous poet, Luís de Camões. The church also features a number of other artifacts, including old paintings and sculptures.
The Miradouro da Graça is a picturesque terrace located in the Graça neighborhood of Lisbon. It is one of the city’s most popular viewpoints and boasts stunning views of the city. It has a long history, in the 19th century, the terrace was transformed into a public park, and the original wall that once surrounded the area was removed. Today, the Miradouro da Graça is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, offering stunning views of the city and a peaceful place to relax.
The Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa, is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in the 12th century. The original structure was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake, but was rebuilt soon after. The cathedral has been renovated several times over the centuries and today is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The cathedral is the oldest church in Lisbon. It has been a major center of pilgrimage for centuries and is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal.
Located in the riverside area of the city, the Casa dos Bicos’ archaeological centre houses archaeological exhibits from various periods, including some over 2000 years old.
The house, built in the early 16th century, has a curious façade of spikes, influenced by Italian Renaissance palaces and Portuguese Manueline styles. It survived the disastrous 1755 Lisbon earthquake that destroyed much of the city, but over time was abandoned as a residence and used as a warehouse. After a 20th-century renovation, it became the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation and a location of the Museum of Lisbon.
Praça do Comércio is a large public square located in the center of Lisbon. Situated at the end of the Cais do Sodré and is one of the most iconic sites in the city. The square was the site of the Royal Palace until it was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755. After the earthquake, the square was rebuilt and became the official port of Lisbon, where ships from all over the world would arrive and trade their goods. It's lined with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the river and the many shops, restaurants and cafes surrounding it.
The Baixa district extends from Rossio Square to Praça do Comércio. It was first developed in the 18th century, when the city was destroyed by a major earthquake. Following the disaster, the city was rebuilt in a neoclassical style, and the Baixa district was the first area to be reconstructed. The area became a vibrant commercial district, with a number of busy streets, squares and shops. Today, the district is still a busy area, with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Praça da Figueira has gone through many chances. In the 16th century the square did not exist, and most of its area was occupied by the Hospital Real de Todos os Santos, the most important in the city. In 1755, after the great earthquake which destroyed most of Lisbon, the hospital was greatly damaged and demolished. The large area previously occupied by the hospital was turned into an open market square. Around 1885, a large covered market was built. This market existed until 1949, when it was demolished. Since then, it has been an open space.
The bronze statue that you see in the middle of the square is of King John I.
The Rossio Square has been the heart of Lisbon since the 13th century. It has been used for a variety of purposes throughout its history. It was a place of popular revolts and celebrations, bullfights and execution during the Inquisition and the site of public executions during the Portuguese Civil War. It was also home to the city’s first railway station, which opened in 1856. The Rossio has been a meeting place for people of Lisbon for centuries. Some of the cafés and shops of the square date from the 18th century. The building of the Maria II Theatre and the Public Gardens to the north of the square only made the area more attended by Lisbon high society in the 19th century. Nowadays it is constantly populated by Lisboners and tourists.
The Santa Justa Elevator is a historic iron lift located in the centre of Lisbon, Portugal. It was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and built in 1902. The elevator is 45 metres (148 feet) tall and is a popular tourist attraction due to its unique architecture and panoramic views. It connects the lower streets of the Baixa district with the higher streets of the Bairro Alto district.
The Elevador da Bica is a funicular railway in Lisbon, Portugal, located in the Bairro Alto district. It runs between the Cais do Sodré train station and Calçada do Combro, near the Miradouro de Santa Catarina. It is one of the oldest funiculars in Lisbon, having been opened in 1892, and is an important part of Lisbon's public transport system. The funicular is a popular tourist attraction, as it offers stunning views of the city and the Tagus River.
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina, or Santa Catarina Viewpoint, is one of the most popular viewpoints in Lisbon, offering stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. The viewpoint was built in the late 19th century, and it was originally used as an open-air theater and a popular gathering place in the city. The viewpoint was also used to host events such as concerts, circuses and theatrical performances. In the 20th century, the Santa Catarina Viewpoint underwent several renovations and improvements. Today, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy the stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
The Pink Street, or Rua Nova do Carvalho, is located in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon and is one of the city's most popular nightlife spots. The street acquired its name in the 1950s when it was filled with nightclubs, cabarets, and brothels, as well as becoming a popular spot for jazz musicians and artists. During the Carnation Revolution of 1974, the street was filled with protesters and the area was eventually shut down. In the early 2000s, the street was renovated and filled with new businesses, including bars, restaurants, and clubs. Today, it is a vibrant area with a lively nightlife scene and is known for its pink street lights.
Day 2 :
The Belém District has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 16th century. The area was originally the site of a small fishing village, but it was soon transformed into a bustling port town. Over the centuries, the district became home to some of Portugal’s most iconic monuments, such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Many of the world's most famous explorers departed from the Belém District of Lisbon. The Portuguese Age of Discovery was a period of exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries, and ships loaded with supplies and crew left from Belém and sailed around the world to explore unknown lands. Some of the most famous explorers who set off from Belém include Vasco da Gama and Pedro Alvares Cabral.
Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortress located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém in the municipality of Lisbon, Portugal. It was built as part of a defense system at the mouth of the Tagus River and served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon for many centuries. The tower was built in the Manueline style, a type of architecture unique to Portugal. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) is a cultural center located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in the late 1980s and opened in 1992. The CCB is home to a variety of cultural institutions, including an art gallery, an auditorium, a library, and a cinema.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is a monument located on the bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, the great Portuguese explorer who led the Age of Discovery. The monument is shaped like a ship's prow, and features statues of Henry the Navigator and various other famous figures from Portugal's Age of Discovery, including Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias.
Jerónimos Monastery is a 16th-century monument located in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon, Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The monastery was built to commemorate the arrival of Vasco da Gama from India in 1498. It is a spectacular example of Manueline architecture and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The monastery is surrounded by a large garden and is home to several chapels and tombs.
The Jardim Botânico Tropical de Lisboa (Tropical Botanical Garden of Lisbon) was founded in 1873, making it the oldest botanical garden in Portugal. The garden was originally founded to promote the study of tropical plants, and over the years it has become a popular tourist attraction. Today, the garden is home to over 800 species of plants, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors to the garden can explore the various paths and trails, or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and history of the garden.
Museu Nacional dos Coches is a museum dedicated to historical carriages, located in the Belém district of Lisbon. The museum was founded in 1905 and is home to an impressive collection of more than 50 historical carriages, including royal carriages, coaches, sedan chairs and more. The collection dates back to the 17th century and includes some of the most iconic royal carriages used by the Portuguese royal family. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, making it the perfect place to learn more about Portuguese history and culture.
The MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is a museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and technology. It is located in the Belém district of the city, on the banks of the Tagus River. The museum was designed by the British architect Amanda Levete and opened in October 2016. It features a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.
The Jardim Botânico Tropical de Lisboa (Tropical Botanical Garden of Lisbon) was founded in 1873, making it the oldest botanical garden in Portugal. The garden was originally founded to promote the study of tropical plants, and over the years it has become a popular tourist attraction. Today, the garden is home to over 800 species of plants, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors to the garden can explore the various paths and trails, or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and history of the garden.
LX Factory is a former industrial complex, in 1846, one of Lisbon’s most significant factories, the weaving and textile company Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense, found its home here.
now home to a vibrant creative hub featuring a variety of restaurants, shops, galleries and more. The area has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and is a great spot to explore and enjoy the creative culture of Lisbon. In recent years, the LX Factory has also become a popular venue for cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions and workshops.