If you're looking for a weekend getaway to Europe, Lisbon is the place to be. It's one of the most underrated and beautiful cities to explore, eat, drink, and shop. In this post, I'll share with you the TOP 14 places you MUST see in Lisbon, Portugal - you can easily do everything on this list in 2-3 days!
Top 14 Places to see while you're in Lisbon, Portugal:
1. Rua Augusta
Also known as the “Door to Lisbon” this bright building with arches sits between Praca do Comercio and the shopping center of Lisbon.
📍: 1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Santa Justa Lift
This historical elevator built-in 1902 was a connection between two districts to help people with the difficult climb up the hills. Today it’s a gothic architectural style shortcut from the street of Rua Augusta to Carmo Convent in the higher parts of the city.
📍: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to go up the elevator is about 5 euros / 6usd*
3. Carmo Convent
This monastery from 1389 was dug up and restored in the aftermath of an earthquake and fires. It’s impressive to see the remnants of Portuguese history. From this location, you can also get a great view of Rossio Square. If you take the Santa Justa Lift all the way up, just walk across to the other side and you will find the entrance to Carmo Convent.
📍: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter is about 5 euros / 6usd*
4. Pink Street
Wander around Lisbon's old red-light district on Cais do Sodro, known as the famous Pink Street for photos during the daytime and to enjoy drinks with new friends during the nightlife.
📍: 1200-370 Lisbon, Portugal
5. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
This dreamy monastery was once a place for sailors to pray before they set out on the seas. The garden is surrounded by historical architecture and is a must-see on my list! The lines to enter do get very long, so make sure to head out early and make this one of your first stops!
Note: This destination is closed on Mondays.
📍: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter is about 10euros/ 11usd*
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is located just about 6 miles from Lisbon. To get here, you can take Tram 15 (or 15E) departs from Praça da Figueira, Belém (heading towards Algés – Jardim) runs every 10-15 minutes, and takes about 25 minutes. Get out at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop.
You can get a Viva Viagem travel card at a metro station to ride the tram, approx. 6.45euros/ 8usd* per day for unlimited rides.
6. Padrão dos Descobrimientos
Just across the street is a monumental statue dominating the shoreline, made to celebrate the Portuguese explorers of the 16th century. You can pay to enter inside and even go to the very top of the statue to get a bird's eye view of the city.
📍: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter about 3euros/3usd
7. Belém Tower
This castle-like fort surrounded by water from 1519 is within walking distance from Padrão dos Descobrimientos. The entries from the inside and rooftop are limited, you can get tickets here. Note: The tower is closed on Mondays.
📍: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter 9euros/9usd
8. Pasteis de Belem
Just before you head back to the city center if you’re looking to try some authentic dessert from Lisbon, don’t forget to try the original world-famous custard tarts of Lisbon; only a few steps away from Mosteiros dos Jeronimos.
📍: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
9. Castelo de S. Jorge - BEST SUNSET SPOT!
End the day with the most memorable sunset view overlooking all the red rooftops of the Alfama district at one of the city's iconic landmarks. You can see this castle on a hill from almost anywhere in the city.
💡: Arrive at least 1 hour minutes before sunset, depending on when you go it can get packed!
📍: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter is 10euros/11usd *
10. Time Out Lisboa
This place is a foodie's dream destination! About 40 different restaurants and kiosks serving the country's best dishes, ALL IN ONE PLACE. That’s right, there’s no way you won’t be able to find something to eat here.
📍: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
11. Portas do Sol Viewpoint (Miraduoros)
Get your postcard shot right here! If you need another place to catch a good sunset this is it! With several viewpoints in this district, places to sit, eat, and relax - well, it’s another great place to end the day in this picture-perfect city.
📍: Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal
12. Praça do Comércio
Walk all the way down to Praça do Comércio through Rua Augusta to eat outside in the nice breeze while sipping on wine by the riverside.
📍: 1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal
13. Praça da Figueira
I like to call this the center of everything. A great place to stay close to the city center, surrounded by transportation, safety officers, and amazing food at all hours of the day.
📍: 1100-241 Lisbon, Portugal
14. Sintra
A small dreamy town; full of breathtaking castles on the hillside of Portugal, just 40 min outside the city center of Lisbon.
📍: Peña Palace - Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
💰: Entrance is 7.5euros/8usd*
🚊: You can get here by taking the Sintra train from Rossio Station (1100-197 Lisbon, Portugal). The ticket is about 5 euros/usd* Once you arrive at the Sintra train station you will see several tour buses and taxis to get you to the top of the hill to start with the most famous palace - Peña Palace (start here). As you walk down the hill (suggested) you will find other MUST SEE palaces like:
1. Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
2. Monserrate Palace
3. Quinta da Regailera
4. National Palace of Sintra
📍: National Palace of Sintra - Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra, Portugal
💰: Cost to enter 10euros/usd*
Best time to visit Lisbon
The best time to visit Lisbon is between March-May or September - November when temperatures are cooler. The high season is typically between June - August when the city is more crowded and prices are much higher.
Where to stay in Lisbon
The neighborhoods that feel really safe and closest to everything, including transportation, are Barrio Alto, Chiado, Alfama, and the center of Baixa, close to Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio
Transportation in Lisbon
Walking - Once you are close to the city center, every landmark is not very far apart, the city is very walkable. By foot is the best way to experience the shopping areas, restaurants, the people, and the beautiful architecture of Lisbon.
Public Transportation - You can take the bus, metro, and train to get around the whole city using a VivaViagem card for about 7 euros/day*.
Scooters are also available around the city, although not super ideal to ride over the cobblestone sidewalks in the city center, but a great choice for the sidewalks and pavement on the outskirts. They have scooters like Lime, Wind, Tier, Byrd.
Things to Know
Language: Portuguese.
Currency: Euro (.83 EUR = $1 USD) Check the current exchange rate
Outlets: Portugal uses type F and type C plugs with 230 voltage. There aren't a lot of outlets, so make sure to bring battery packs or plugs with multi-outlets.
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📍: Destination address
💡: Travel Tips
*💰: Cost - Provided at the exchange rate or rates at the time of purchase. Prices are all subject to change.