38° 42′ N, 09° 08′ W
Overview
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1. Discover Praca do Comercio
Praca do Comercio, also known as Commerce Square, is the main town square in Lisbon. It is one of the largest squares in Europe, and believe us when we say: it is huuuuge. The royal palace used to stand on this square, until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century. In the middle of the square, you find a statue of the former King Joseph I and at the back you can see the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta. This huge, triumphal arch is the ‘door’ to Rua Augusta, a big shopping boulevard and probably the most famous touristy street in Lisbon.
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2. Santa Justa Elevator
The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the most unique things to visit in Lisbon. This 45-meter high lift was built in 1992 to connect two neighborhoods Baixa and Bairro Alto. At the top of the lift, there is a stunning viewing platform from where you have a 360° panoramic view of the city.
Practical
Elevator: €5,30
Viewing Platform: €1,50
Taking the lift is free with the Lisboa Card + skip the line at the ticket counter. The viewing platform is not included.
Daily: 7am - 10.45pm and runs approximately every 10 minutes
3. Ride the iconic Tram 28
If you say Lisbon, you say yellow trams. The most iconic line is Tram 28 and it one of the most famous trams in the world. This tram line runs between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique and takes you through the hilly cobbled roads of some of the oldest parts of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Baixa and Chiado. Note that the tram is often really crowded during the day, so if you have the chance, hop on Tram 28 early in the morning in the late afternoon on your first time in Lisbon.
4. Wander through the Alfama neighborhood
Don’t just explore the historic Alfama district by tram 28, but also take a walk through the area. It is one of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods of Lisbon. Get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful, colorful facades of this most charming part of the city.
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5. Lisbon Cathedral
In the alfama district, you should definitely visit the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa. It is the oldest and most iconic church in the city. This cathedral is definitely not the most famous or imposant cathedral in Europe, but the sight of that traditional yellow tram passing by its beautiful facade makes it such a picturesque and typical Lisboa spot.
6. Take one of the traditional Funiculars
As you may have already noticed, Lisbon is built on several hills. To make moving within the city easier, various funiculars have been placed throughout the city. Hop aboard one of these fun, yellow funiculars and enjoy the real, typical Lisbon, while saving you a lot of effort. Two of the most famous funiculars are Ascensor da Bica and Ascensor Gloria. Even if you don’t want to ride one of these funiculars, it is still worth to just watch them passing by the small cobblestone alleys of the city. It’s a sight you can not miss on your first time in Lisbon.
7. Time Out Market
You cannot visit a city without also making a culinary discovery. The Time Out Market is Lisbons most famous food market. It is a giant food court with a big selection of food stalls to try different dishes from all over the world. It is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Lisbon for first timers. There is also a downstairs part to this market, called Mercado da Ribeira, where you can buy local fruit and vegetables, but only early in the morning.
8. Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries
Torre de Belem is one the most recognizable features of the city that you should definitely visit on your first time in Lisbon. This iconic fortress was built on the riverfront as a defense tower to protect the port and as a customs checkpoint during the 16th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located a little outside the city center of Lisbon, but it is definitely worth going there.
Not far from the Torre de Belem, you will also find the Monument to the Discoveries. This impressive monument is shaped like a caravel ship and features statues of some key historical features. Inside you can visit an exhibition about the explorers and their voyages. If you go to Torre de Belem, you should definitely pass by this impressive monument too.
Practical
Torre de Belem: €8
Book your tickets well in advance!
Monument to the Discoveries:
- Exhibition, viewpoint and film: €10
- Exhibition: €5
Torre de Belem: October to May: 10am - 5.30pm, May to September: 10am - 6.30pm
Closed: Mondays, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 1st May, June 13 and 25 December.
Monument to the Discoveries: October to February: 10am - 6pm, March to September: 10am - 7pm
Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 24th, 25 and 31th December.
9. Day Trip to Sintra
When visiting Lisbon, you can also make a day trip to Sintra. It is a picturesque town located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountain about 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. This town is mostly known for the Pena Palace, the colorful palace on top of a hill, from where you get some incredible views of the surrounding area. it is a very famous place in Portugal so it can get quite busy. To visit the palace itself, it is best to buy your tickets in advance and choose the day and time at which you want to visit the Palace. If you book 3 days in advance, you get a 15% discount.
Other places that you can visit during a day trip from Lisbon in combination with Sintra are Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Quinta de Regaleira.
Practical
Pena Palace Entrance fee
- Palace and park: €20
- Park: €10
Park: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Palace: 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Tickets
Discover the region in a unique way and enjoy an unforgettable trip!
Best time to visit Lisbon
Lisbon is an amazing destination all year round. However, the best time to visit Lisbon is during spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and it is less crowded. During the peak summer months, it is much more crowded, temperatures can be very warm and accommodation prices are much higher. The winter months can be quite cold and you are more likely to experience bad weather.
How to get around
Lisbon is a big city, but the best way to experience its charming streets is on foot. Be prepared for some hills, though. Thankfully, plenty of cafés and bars offer a chance to rest.
For longer distances, use public transport like buses, metro, or trains with a VivaViagem Card. Taxis (Uber, Taxify) and shared electric scooters (Lime, Bird) are also options but tend to be pricier.
If you’ll be using public transport often, consider the Lisbon Card for unlimited travel, free entry to 35 attractions, and other discounts.
How many days for Lisbon
We recommend that you allow at least 3 full days for your first time in Lisbon. This gives you enough time to really explore the center for 2 days and an extra day to visit some sights just outside Lisbon.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon’s capital has several nice neighborhoods to stay during your visit to the city. So what’s the best area to stay in Lisbon?
Baixa and Chiado are great places to stay because of their central location in the city. If you want a more romantic and charming experience, you should definitely stay in Alfama, where you find those cute, narrow streets to explore. Note that this neighborhood is up on a hill, so you will have to walk up and down a few times if you are staying here. Bairro Alto and Chiado is where the party happens. If you’re all about nightlife and being right in the middle of the action after dark, these areas are your place to be.
Hotels
Discover our favorite hotels in Lisbon and enjoy a comfortable trip!
Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon
via Booking.com
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
