Location: Lisbon
Top Things to do in Lisbon
Things to do in Lisbon, Central Portugal: The Best Sights & Landmarks
The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. The Maritime Museum is perfect for kids (and grown-ups!) who adore all things nautical, while the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves is a hidden gem of colorful artwork. To fully appreciate the city’s dramatic stone architecture you can take a guided walking tour, or customize your own tour, making sure to visit the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, and the UNESCO World Heritage site the Torre de Belem.
Restaurants in Lisbon
1. Bairro Alto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,752 reviews
Reviewed By JillianT391 - Fundao, Portugal
This is a great area to stay in if you want to experience great nightlife - lots of cafes and bar and small restaurants with a multitude of different countries' cuisines... Always buzzing, and some great views of Lisbon too!
2. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30,695 reviews
No expense was spared when they built this masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture in 1502, which was inspired by Vasco da Gama who is buried here with other great navigators of the past.
Reviewed By dewdee - Bangkok, Thailand
This 500 year old monastery is absolutely beautiful on the inside out. If you're a history buff, I recommend buying the combo 12 euro ticket which gives you access to the archaeological museum adjoining the monastery as well. Every step is worth a photo and the architecture is really stunning inside. There is also a special exhibit right now on the upper level explaining the historical timeline of the place compared alongside important milestones in Portugal's history. Very informative and educational. This is a worthwhile visit because the surrounding Belem areas are all tourist attractions and is accessible by direct bus or tram from the city center.
3. Alfama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,774 reviews
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
Reviewed By H5964BQjeang - Kent, United Kingdom
We were so impressed Alfama that we went back! The castle is lovely and has wonderful views of the city and flea market on Saturday is great fun, tram E28 is a good way to travel there and a visit to a bar or cafe is a must; with friendly people and inexpensive attractions it's well worth a visit.
4. Chiado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,954 reviews
This is the fashionable shopping district in Lisbon.
Reviewed By thenugents - Upton St Leonards, United Kingdom
We were visiting Lisbon for 5 days and rented a beautiful apartment here just round the corner from Rua Garrett. Chiado is a great shopping area as it has many quality shops and lots of lovely restaurants.
5. Panteao Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,147 reviews
The construction of the church of Saint Engracia – currently the National Pantheon of Portugal - began towards the end of the 16th century and was only completed in the 20th century. This 400-year delay originated the proverb “Obras de Santa Engracia” meaning any work that never ends. A unique testimony to Portuguese Baroque art the National Pantheon stands on a hill overlooking the river Tagus being an icon of Lisbon’s cityscape. From its terrace you can have a majestic view of the city and its river. On the inside the Pantheon houses the remains of some of the most distinguished personalities of the country.
Reviewed By eddg2019
Another of the Alfama’s hidden in plain sight gems, the National Pantheon is located in what was formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia, which had a long and turbulent history. The church was converted into the National pantheon in 1916 and contains the tombs of important Portugeuse rulers and historical figures as well as a number of cenotaphs. It is worth it to climb the six flights of stairs to the interior of the dome, which has a walkway that affords magnificent views of the intricate floor patterns below. This is not for anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. The dome level has an exit leading out onto a broad terrace that provides panoramic views over the Alfama neighborhood and beyond.
6. Vasco da Gama Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,752 reviews
Named after the famous 15th-century explorer, Vasco da Gama, this immense cable-stayed bridge across the Tagus River is eleven miles long, and punctuated with more than seven miles of bridges and viaducts.
Reviewed By gazwcave - Douglas, United Kingdom
Once the longest bridge in Europe and named after a Portuguese famous explorer, it"s a pleasure to cruise along this bridge at sensible speeds. As you leave Lisbon behind and cross the vast river. This bridge seems to go on for ever in a good way. It's a treat to drive across it at sunset.
7. Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,607 reviews
One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Reviewed By jcj1882 - London, United Kingdom
One of the things I won't forget about my trip to Lisbon is the approach to this square. When you walk from the city centre, the grand arch looms on the horizon. Once you reach the open square, you're met with stunning views of the Tejo river that are pretty unforgettable. This is a square that everyone goes to, but it's so big that it never feels overcrowded like some other tourist spots. There's not a huge amount to 'do' here per se, but nowhere else does the impressive history of Lisbon weigh more upon you. The vibe is just brilliant the views are hard to beat. So take a book, sit by the river, and just enjoy the atmosphere that this place - and this great city - have to offer.
8. Igreja de Sao Roque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,078 reviews
Reviewed By eddg2019
Taken together, the Church and Museum of Saint Roque are among Lisbon’s most important artistic, cultural, and historic repositories. In addition to the main altar, the church is noteworthy for its side chapels, particularly that of St. John the Baptist with its central mosaic panel that looks like a painting on canvas, the gilt wood Chapel of Our Lady of Doctrine, and the tile work of the Chapel of São Roque. The painted ceiling is the only one extent from the Mannerist period. The adjoining museum houses one of the most important collections of sacred art, which includes paintings, sculpture, metalwork, reliquaries, altar frontals, and the treasure of the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist.
9. Santo Antonio de Lisboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,255 reviews
Reviewed By LostALot22 - Chicago, United States
This old church was really wonderful. The alter was amazing and it is pretty well maintained. It doesn't take long to look at. And I really ejoy the old churches of Europe.
10. Altice Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By johnhO3638EN - London, United Kingdom
Visited the arena for the Eddie Vedder concert, was first amazed by how reasonable the prices were for a beer 3€ wow and a decent beer too, O2 London take note. The venue was very intimate feeling so was perfect for this gig, I had great seats and no issues finding them. Staff and security were all very polite and helpful too. Nicely done
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