Welcome to Lisbon, the charming capital of Portugal. At least for us, the Glutendtrotters, it is one of the jewels of Europe. If you are planning your next trip to visit Lisbon, this post will guide you through the 10 must-see spots you cannot miss in this Atlantic gem.
We are completely in love with our neighboring country, its beauty, its culture, and its gastronomy. That is why we hope all the information we have compiled sparks your interest in getting to know such a wonderful and cosmopolitan city.
We dedicated a week to exploring Lisbon and its surroundings. But we are sure that if you don’t have that much time, with our help and good organization, you can see the most iconic sights in 3 days.
However, make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot! Lisbon is a beautiful city, but its cobblestone sidewalks, hills, and stairs will get you in shape. Don’t worry about the extra pounds, as you’ll burn off all the calories from their famous Pastéis de Belém without even realizing it.
We recommend reading our article on the best free tours in Lisbon in Spanish.
Here is a tourist itinerary of the 10 must-see places to visit in Lisbon:
1. BELÉM
We arrived in Lisbon in the evening and the next morning we headed to Belém. To make the most of our time, we went by car, but you can get there by tram or bus without any problem.
We started the visit with a walk to see the impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) before arriving at the Belém Tower.
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortress that served as a starting point for many of Portugal’s exploration voyages.
In addition to its historical importance, the tower is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.
Don’t miss the chance to climb to the terrace to enjoy a panoramic view of the Tagus River.
We saw it in the morning, but at sunset, it must be spectacular.
Jerónimos Monastery
A few minutes’ walk from the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery is another impressive example of Manueline architecture.
We had done our homework and went with pre-purchased tickets, thinking we would save time, but the queue is inevitable.
We read online that by buying a combined ticket for the National Archaeology Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery we could skip it via an interior door between the two buildings, but unfortunately, the museum is under construction until 2025. So, we had to wait.
Mind you, you won’t be short of water, soft drinks, or hats if the sun beats down on you when you visit. There are dozens of street vendors ready to solve any needs that arise during the tedious wait.
The monastery church is especially notable, as it houses the tombs of historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões.
And the cloister is simply spectacular. It features the intricate filigree work so typical of Lisbon. It is well worth it.
Pastéis de Belém
Right next to the Jerónimos Monastery, you will find the Pastéis de Belém bakery, famous for its custard tarts.
Although it’s not the only place that sells them, if you walk through the streets you will find cafes where you can taste them without such a crowd, and accompanied by a coffee!
These delicious pastries are a tradition you cannot miss. The recipe is a well-kept secret, which makes them unique.
And if you don’t eat gluten, like us, we have to tell you that there is a bakery that was recommended to us, Zarzuela, where they make them gluten-free. We weren’t lucky enough to fit it into our schedule and route, but the Google reviews are very good.
Please, if you go there to try them, share your experience with us. We missed out… but now we have an excuse to return.
2. TRAM 28
Although Tram 28 might seem like a typical tourist gimmick to visit Lisbon, we recommend taking it at the beginning of your trip to familiarize yourself with the city. It is worth getting up a bit early and heading to the starting stop to avoid waiting too long. But the truth is, it runs very frequently. There is a large influx of people, but it clears out quickly.
Our advice is to take it at the first or last stop. At the intermediate stops, it often doesn’t even stop.
Tram 28 is a picturesque and practical way to explore the city. This vintage-style tram will take you through some of the most iconic neighborhoods of Lisbon, from Graça to Estrela, and will offer you a unique insight into local life.
3. PRAÇA DO COMERCIO
Praça do Comercio is one of the largest squares in Europe and a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists right in the city center.
The square is flanked by yellow buildings and is open towards the Tagus River, offering a spectacular space for walking and taking photos.
Do not miss the Arco da Rua Augusta, which offers a panoramic view of the square. It is the gateway to the busiest area, filled with shops.
And if you’re up for it, this is one of the spots with the most Tuk Tuks available for a fun sightseeing tour. The friendly and cheerful nature of the people of Lisbon makes this unique transport an essential experience for your trip.
4. BAIXA
Next to Praça do Comercio, when you come to visit Lisbon, you will find Baixa. It is the commercial heart of the city, known for its straight streets and neoclassical architecture. Here you will find a variety of shops, from luxury boutiques to souvenir stores. Rua Augusta is especially popular. Mimes, dancers, and musicians brighten the walk for all the passersby wandering through there.
Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is a wrought-iron structure designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel.
This elevator is not only a work of art in itself, but it also offers one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon. From the top platform, you can see everything from São Jorge Castle to the Tagus River.
If you prefer to walk and don’t mind climbing some stairs, you can reach the top for free and avoid the long queue that usually forms at the base of the lift. Just wander around a bit; behind the elevator, you can access Rua do Carmo where you will find a sign for the elevator, and by going up some stairs, you will arrive without any problem.
So much for the idea that the internet teaches you nothing—our daughter Paola showed us this discovery from TikTok.
As a reward, you can eat a “pastel de bacalhau” (codfish fritter) while sitting on the terrace of the restaurant you’ll find right upon arrival. You will have earned it, without a doubt. We are sorry to tell you that we have not found them gluten-free.
5. CHIADO
Chiado is the bohemian and artistic neighborhood of Lisbon, full of bookstores and fashion boutiques.
There you can find historic cafes like A Brasileira, famous for its statue of Fernando Pessoa. It is an ideal place to enjoy the culture and art of Lisbon.
Or the Bertrand Bookstore, the oldest in the world, dating back to 1732. It survived the earthquake and is still in operation. It has around 70,000 books distributed across six rooms divided by arches. It has a very cozy atmosphere, perfect for having a coffee or a glass of wine in its “bar,” which you’ll discover at the end. You can’t miss it.
Aitana, the eldest of the tribe, could not resist and picked up an English copy of a book she wanted, a great souvenir of this trip.
Also, here you can find Grom, a gluten-free ice cream shop where you can have a delicious Italian gelato. The price is a bit high, but you surely won’t regret it.
6. BAIRRO ALTO
Bairro Alto lives up to its name. Oh my, how hard it was for us to get up to the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint; only we know the struggle. However, the view from there is privileged and one more reason to visit Lisbon.
It is the center of Lisbon’s nightlife. During the day, it is a quiet neighborhood with many shops and cafes, but at night it transforms into a lively entertainment hub with a wide range of bars and clubs.
And to make the most of the situation, we couldn’t resist having dinner at a nearby gluten-free Italian place, La Trattoria, which we 100% recommend. The venue, the service, and the value for money—everything was a 10.
The only downside was that on our way back to our apartment, we got a bit lost in the darkness of the night, and it turned into quite a tourist odyssey.
We learned two very important things that day: when we go out to dinner with the girls, we will always take our car, as it’s not easy to find a taxi for five; and that Lisbon’s funiculars are essential. We had to walk the route of one of them and believe me, when we reached the top, our feet were exhausted.
Another adventure to tell! My daughters say I like getting lost, and it’s true—you do sightseeing without looking for it and discover incredible places by accident.
Read also: Where to eat gluten-free in Lisbon
7. SÂO JORGE CASTLE
Sâo Jorge Castle is located on a hill overlooking the city between Graça and Alfama.
From its ramparts, you will have panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
The castle also houses an archaeological museum and offers a fascinating look into the history of Lisbon.
8. ALFAMA
Alfama, the oldest neighborhood you must visit in Lisbon, is the home of Fado, the traditional Portuguese music.
This neighborhood is like a small village, with narrow streets, winding stairs, and laundry hanging in the windows.
It is the perfect place to get lost and discover the authentic Lisbon. We went back again because the atmosphere is extraordinary and the views from different points are beautiful at sunset.
9. MIRADOURO DAS PORTAS DO SOL
The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the busiest viewpoints in Lisbon.
From here, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the city, the ideal place to watch the sunset.
And next to it, another essential for us, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, behind the church of the same name. It might not be as well-known for the views—which are stunning—but surely for its poetic and romantic atmosphere. This viewpoint features a characteristic colonnade with bougainvillea draped over it and beautiful tiles that represent Praça do Comercio in Lisbon (before the great earthquake that besieged the Portuguese capital) and the battle between Moors and Christians at Sâo Jorge Castle.
You can enjoy both in just a few steps.
10. THE OCEANARIUM
Although we mention it last, that doesn’t mean it is less impressive. In fact, our daughters would consider it one of the best places we visited in Lisbon, especially Manuela. Now, whether with children or without, visiting Lisbon includes an unmissable stop at the Lisbon Oceanarium during your trip to the Portuguese capital. You can get tickets on their website to better plan your time.
It is the second largest in Europe.
Located in the modern Parque das Nações, the Oceanarium offers an educational and entertaining experience with a variety of marine ecosystems and species from all over the world.
We were particularly impressed by the size of the central tank at the Oceanarium and the artificially created ecosystems that recreate each environment so realistically, from the chill of the Arctic to the tropical humidity.
Also, visiting the grandeur of Parque das Nações is worth it; it certainly won’t leave you indifferent.
In short, Lisbon is a city that has it all: history, culture, gastronomy, and much more. With its relaxed atmosphere and rich heritage, it is a destination that invites you to explore and fall in love.
I hope this post has given you a good idea of what to expect on your trip to this wonderful city! Please share your experience with us. We love it when you tell us your anecdotes and discoveries.
