20+ Amazing Places To Visit In Lisbon, Portugal

With magnificent castles, colorful red-roofed houses, and the gentle Tagus river, Lisbon has the charm of a city with thousands of years of history. 

This comprehensive Lisbon travel guide introduces the best places to visit in Lisbon, Portugal, and tips for ticket prices, opening hours, and how to get to these attractions.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Lisbon, Portugal.

This romantic terrace offers an outstanding view of Alfama and the sea. From here, you can see the bright red-roofed, tile paneled white houses, the Tagus River, and the dome of the Panteon Nacional.

You can also find a small market around the corner and a tunnel with a beautiful display of graffiti explaining the history. 

How to get to Miradouro de Santa Luzia

It’s about 10 min walk from Praça do Comércio and en route to the iconic yellow Tram 28.

Elevador de Santa Justa

Elevador de Santa Justa, or Santa Justa Lift, is a unique elevator built in the 19th century. It’s located at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, connecting the Baixa neighborhood and the Largo do Carmo hilltop area.

The Santa Justa Lift has a height of 45 m and opened on July 10, 1902.

It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake by the famous Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard and is an excellent example of anti-earthquake construction in Lisbon.

You can take the elevator, then follow the spiral staircase to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the Tagus River.

Elevador de Santa Justa admission fees and opening hours

• Ticket price: The round trip fee for the elevator is €5.15. The viewpoint costs € 1.50 (elevator not included).
• Opening hours: The elevator is open every day from 7 am – 11 pm (May to October) or 7 am – 10 pm in the winter (November to April).

How to get there

Since the elevator is also part of the Lisbon public transport system, you can get there for free using a day pass or Viva Viagem card.

• Address: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
• Metro: Baixa / Chiado‎, blue and green lines.

Carmo convent ruins

About a 1-minute walk from Elevador de Santa Justa is the Carmo Convent Ruins, one of Lisbon’s most unique places to visit.

This hauntingly ruined medieval convent resulted from the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 1755, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake.

This earthquake struck Lisbon at 8.5 – 9 magnitude, with its epicenter in the Atlantic Ocean about 290 km southwest of Lisbon. Then, 40mins later, a giant tsunami wave came to the harbor and downtown, sweeping away people, boats, and buildings.

Although a reconstruction program started within the years after the earthquake, people deliberately decided to leave the ruins to commemorate the loss and destruction.

What you notice these days are the uncovered arches standing bare against the sky.

Also, you shouldn’t miss the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo on your trip. Carmo Archaeological Museum displays a great collection from all periods of Portuguese history.

The center of the church has a series of tombs, fountains, windows, and other architectural relics from different places and styles.

Carmo ruins admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: Carmo convent is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm (to 7 pm from May to September). It’s closed on Sundays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
• Entrance fee: 

How to get there

Address: Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal

Museu do Fado

Museu do Fado is a must-see for music lovers.

We stumbled upon Fado Museum while wandering through the Alfama neighborhood, and it was a pleasant discovery. 

The museum presents the heart and soul of Portugal’s peculiar brand of music, the Fado. With films, audiovisual presentations, and objects, it shows the cultural and social influence of Fado since its origins.

Here, you can also learn about the historical and technical development of the Portuguese guitar and “Fado houses.”

The exhibitions are excellent, and you should use the audio to listen to the different artists and the sound for the projected videos. 

Museu do Fado admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: Fado museum is from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm) with the last admission at 5.30 pm. It’s closed on Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May, 24th, 25th, and 31st of December.
• Entrance fee: 

How to get there

• Address: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, 1 Alfama
• Buses 728, 735, 759, 794
• Metro: Estação de Santa Apolónia
• Train: Santa Apolónia Train Station

Oceanário de Lisboa

Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the best oceanariums we’ve visited.

The aquariums are arranged according to four main habitats: Antarctic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and North Atlantic. In each habitat, you can hear different recorded sounds in each part of the world.

The main highlight of Lisbon Oceanarium is the massive central tank system that holds a substantial 5 million liters of seawater. It has an area of ​​up to 1,000 m² divided by transparent glass panels.

Some marine species you can find here are sea urchins, corals, groupers, moonfish, barracudas, sharks, otters, octopuses, and penguins. There is a separate area for amphibians.

There are clear descriptions in two languages: Portuguese and English.

Oceanário de Lisboa admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: Lisbon Oceanarium opens from 10 am to 8 pm. The last entry is 7 pm.
• Ticket prices:

* 2 adults + 2 children up to 12 years old, extra child 6€; ticket available at the ticket office.

Igreja de São Roque

The earliest Jesuit church in Portugal, the Igreja de São Roque, was built in the 16th century. At the time of its construction, it was the most expensive chapel in the world.

Although this church may not look too big and prominent outside, the interior dazzles with its baroque richness and intricate decorations.

Interestingly, this church is one of the buildings that survived the tragic 1755 earthquake in Lisbon.

Next to the church is the Museu de Sao Roque, where you can see the collections of religions and beliefs.

Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal.

Igreja de São Roque admission fees and opening hours

• Ticket price: Admission to the church is free. However, if you want to visit Museu de Sao Roque, you must buy a ticket for €2.5/person.
• Opening hours: It opens from 10 am to 6 pm and closed on Monday. The Church of Saint Roch is one of the oldest and most important religious churches in Lisbon.

Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon, and with good reason.

The castle was built in the middle of the 11^thcentury, which means it’s one of the best places to learn about the history of Lisbon.

On top of that, Castelo de São Jorge has some of the best viewpoints over Lisbon because it sits on a hilltop. And as if Lisbon’s castle wasn’t great enough already, it’s also home to many beautiful peacocks.

Castelo de São Jorge is such a special place that it has been recognized as a national monument of Portugal since 1910. It’s one of the must-visit attractions on a trip to Lisbon.

It’s best to visit the castle in the morning before the big crowds arrive.

Castelo de São Jorge admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: São Jorge castle is open every day from 9 am to 9 pm (March – October), and 9 am to 6 pm (November to February). 
• Ticket price: The ticket costs €10. However, you can get a discount if you’re a student or above 65 years old.

How to get there

Castelo de São Jorge is located in one of Lisbon’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Alfama. There are so many great things to see in Alfama, which is why walking to the castle is recommended.

However, you can also hop on bus #737 towards “Castelo” or go on the historic tram #28 if you don’t want to walk up the hill.

• Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal. At the top of São Jorge Hill.
• Tram: Miradouro Santa Luzia, line 28.
• Bus: Castelo, line 737.

Praça do Comércio

One of the most famous plazas in Lisbon, Praça do Comércio is a large, open square bordering the harbor on the south and opening to Augusta Street on the North.

The majestic Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta) serves as a gateway from the famous square to central Lisbon.

The plaza, known as the Square of Commerce in English, is not only a popular attraction for tourists, it’s also a National Monument of Portugal.

It served as the heart of commerce and Portugal’s economy in the 18th century. Merchants and sailors would come and go from this harbor, trading their goods from abroad.

In the center of the square, a bronze statue of King Jose I riding a horse and cruising snakes in his path towers over onlookers and passersby.

Praça do Comércio is always bustling with activity. It hosts numerous events and celebrations throughout the year and is always filled with tourists sightseeing, dining, and shopping, as well as locals passing through to catch a tram or bus.

The plaza is also home to the oldest cafe in Lisbon, Martinho da Arcada, established in 1782.

If you visit Lisbon with kids, stop inside Lisboa Story Centre on the southeast corner of Praça do Comércio.

This interactive museum is dedicated to the history of Lisbon and presents the story and the events that have shaped the city in a playful and fun way.

How to get there

• Metro: Terreiro do Paço‎, blue line; Baixa / Chiado‎, Green and blue lines.

Time Out Market Lisbon

In one of the most vivid neighborhoods of Lisbon, Cais do Sodré, right across the ferry terminal and metro station, you will find the Time Out Market.

It is located in the original, historic Mercado da Ribeira, built in the 1890s.

Time Out Market is not your typical food hall. Planned by the famous Time Out Group, an innovative media group that creates city guides, you will find the city’s best food experiences, combined with special performances and unique retailers.

Bring your appetite or plan on visiting this food hall more than once. We had a really tough time deciding which of the more than 50 stalls to eat and drink from when we first entered the massive hall.

You will find a great introduction to traditional Portuguese cuisine and delicious global foods. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the Pastel de Nata, little custard tarts, which Lisbon is famous for.

Even though some of the foods are created by famous Michelin chefs, you don’t have to spend a fortune on this culinary experience. Plan around $25 for a drink, full meal, and dessert.

Best time to visit

For your best chances to snag a seat in the middle of the food hall, we recommend visiting when the doors open at 10 am, since it is usually very packed during the day.

If you don’t mind walking a little, it is also a great idea to grab some snacks and a drink and make your way to the waterfront to enjoy a little picnic outside.

Since 2014 the Time Out Market in Lisbon has attracted food lovers from all over the world. That is why the media group decided to expand to cities like Montreal and New York City. Even more Time Out Market openings are planned for the future.

National Pantheon

One of Lisbon’s most famous attractions is the National Pantheon, also known as the Church of Santa Engrácia.

This national monument built in the 17th century was initially meant to be a church and later converted into a Pantheon. It is a stunning monument that is well worth a visit.

The Pantheon is located in the Alfama neighborhood, one of the best places to stay in Lisbon, on a privileged spot, as it overlooks the city of Lisbon and the River Tagus.

In the Pantheon, you can visit the tombs of Portugal’s most famous personalities like Luis de Camões (famous poet), Vasco da Gama, and Henry the Navigator, the fado singer Amália Rodrigues, and the football player Eusébio.

Fun fact about the Pantheon

The original church started being built in 1663 and was only finished in the 20th century, 350 years later. There is even an expression in Portuguese, “Como as obras de Santa Engrácia,” which means “like the construction of Santa Engrácia,” which refers to when something is never completed.

Next to the Pantheon, there is a flea market where you can find cool souvenirs and antiques every Tuesday and Saturday.

National Pantheon admission fees and opening hours

• Ticket price: The entrance fee is €4.
• Opening hours: It is closed on Mondays and is open from 9 am to 6 pm (from April to September).

Jerónimos Monastery

The UNESCO recognized Jeronimos Monastery is truly a wonderful place to visit in Lisbon. This landmark is called Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Portuguese.

The monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful expedition to India, so perhaps this modern Gothic-Renaissance style resembles the Taj Mahal in India.

Visiting the monastery, remember to visit the grave of Vasco da Gama located at the entrance.

Jeronimos Monastery admission fees and opening hours

Ticket prices

There are two main parts of Jerominos: the monasteries (must buy a ticket €10 but it is worth it, the tour time is also quite long) and the main church. This part of the church is free to enter.

The ticket price per adult is €10. If you add in Belém Tower, it’ll be €12 or €16 for the combination of Belém Tower and The National Archaeological Museum.

Opening hours

• The Monastery of Jeronimos is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm (May – September), or 10 am to 5:30 pm (October – April).
• It’s closed on Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 December.

How to get there

• Address: Praça do Império, 1400, Belém‎.
• Tram: line 15.
• Bus: Mosteiro Jerónimos, lines 727, 28, 729, 714 and 751.
• Train: Belem, Cascáis Line.
• Boat: Belem Ferry Terminal

Museu Nacional de Arqueologia

The National Archaeology Museum exhibits the most impressive archaeological collection in Portugal. This museum is adjacent to the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belem district, so we recommend visiting it if you have time.

We love the Egyptian and Islamic halls in this museum. 

Museu Nacional de Arqueologia admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: The National Archaeology Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm). It’s closed on Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, and 25 December. 
• Ticket prices: The entrance ticket is €5.

How to get there

• Address: Praça do Império, 1400, Belém‎.
• Tram: line 15.
• Bus: Mosteiro Jerónimos, lines 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51 and 112.

Belem Tower

Another must-see place in Lisbon is the Belem Tower. This 15th-century tower fortress was used to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s port. Now, it’s a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Belem Tower is located at the mouth of the Tagus River, about 6km from the city center. Because of its popularity, you can see a long line of visitors here. 

Buy a ticket and climb about 200 steps. You will reach the top and have a beautiful view of the Tagus River.

Belem Tower admission fees and opening hours

• Ticket prices: The entrance ticket is €6. 
• Opening hours: Belem Tower is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm (May – September), or 10 am to 5:30 pm (October – April). It’s closed on Mondays.

How to get there

• Address: Belém Coast, 6 kilometers west of Lisbon.
• Tram: line 15.
• Bus: lines 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51 and 112.
• Train: Belem, Cascáis Line.

Museu Nacional dos Coches

After seeing the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, we visited the Museu Nacional dos Coches.

The National Coach Museum displays extensive and beautiful collections of horse-drawn carriages, coaches, and early motorized cars, dating back to the 17th century.

The earliest was 1619, and the fanciest ones were from the 1700s, but there were also some from the 1800s and 1900s. Each carriage is richly decorated, showing the status of its owners.

There are many interesting coaches, such as The Mail Coach, The Ocean Coach, and The Processional Coach. You can also see the coach where the last king of Portugal’s father and brother were assassinated in 1910.

Museu Nacional dos Coches admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: The National Coach Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm). It’s closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, Easter Sunday, June 13th, 24th, and 25th December.
• Ticket prices:

How to get there

• Address: Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, 1300. Belém.
• Tram: line 15.
• Bus: lines 14, 27, 28, 29, 43, 49 and 51.
• Train: Belem, Cascáis Line.

The Monument of the Discoveries

The Monument of the Discoveries, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos as it’s known in Portuguese, is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Lisbon.

This dazzling white monument, sitting on the banks of the Tagus river in Belem, celebrates Portuguese sailors’ exploration of the world.

Boats would depart from here to distant places in the Portuguese world such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa, Macau, and Timor.

This monument is as much a celebration of the powerful maritime culture of Portugal as it is of foreign cultures arriving back in Europe.

The beautiful, 52-meter tall monument is adorned with 33 figures of Portuguese sailors and explorers, such as Magellan, Vasco do Gama, and Bartolomeu Dias, amongst others, peering out over the blue waters of the Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. 

For an incredible view over Belem, you should ride the fast elevator to the top of the roof. From here, you’ll have a sweeping view across the river, the Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery.

The massive compass and map that you’ll see from the top was a gift from the South African government to Portugal. After coming down, check out the map and trace the wonderful discoveries of the Portuguese explorers.

Visiting Belem and its incredible monument is a must-do on any Lisbon itinerary. 

Monument of the Discoveries admission fees and opening hours

Ticket prices

It’s free to look at the monument from outside, but it costs €6 to go up to the observation deck. Lisbon Cardholders get a 30% discount. 

Opening hours

• October – February: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Mondays are closed.
• March – September: Every day from 10 am to 7 pm.
• The last admission is 30minutes before closing time.
• Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December

How to get there

• Address: Belém Coast, very close to Belem Tower.
• Tram: line 15.
• Bus: 28, 714, 728, 729 and 751.
• Train: Belem, Cascáis Line.

MAAT, Lisbon

MAAT, also called the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, is the latest addition to Lisbon’s rich museum collection and a new popular spot located at the city’s riverfront.

The museum is a 21st-century iconic symbol with its futuristic design.

MAAT is dedicated to art, architecture, and technology. The museum’s design connects deeply with the river without losing sight of the city.

Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, MAAT is a work of art, standing amongst the many historic buildings and monuments in Belém, including Monument of the Discoveries, Tower of Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery, with a great view of the Tagus River and the city on its back.

For a day in Belém, have a stroll by the river, taste an authentic Portuguese tart at the Pastéis de Belém, and appreciate its sleek curves on the outside.

Then, enter the museum to visit international exhibitions featuring contemporary artists, architects, and more.

The museum is part of a bigger campus, including the old Tagus Power Station and a landscape project by Lebanese architect Vladimir Djurovic.

How to get to MAAT

It is easy to take a tram from the city to Belém, and both the MAAT and the Tagus Power Station offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month.

MAAT admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: 11 am to 7 pm.
• Ticket prices:

Pena Palace and Park

Don’t forget to take a day trip to visit the colorful, whimsical, and fairytale Pena Palace and Park.

Pena Palace and Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Its uniqueness and fusion consist of different architectural styles, from Neo-Gothic to New-Manueline to New-Islamic to Neo-Renaissance.

Pena Palace sits high in the Sintra hills, surrounded by Pena Park. The park consists of a forest and lush exotic gardens with 500 different species of trees originating from around the globe.

How to get to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is located just outside of Lisbon in the historic town of Sintra. Take the train, the Sintra Line, and you’ll arrive at the town’s center in less than 45 minutes.

Next, hop on the tourist bus 434, taking you up the steep hairpin that turns up the mountain to Pena Palace and Park.

Pena Palace admission fees

There are two different entrance fees – a “Palace and Park Ticket” and a “Park Ticket.”

• The Palace and Park ticket allow full entry to the Palace – exterior and interior and the Park.
• On the other hand, the Park ticket provides entrance to the Palace exterior only and the Park.

Pena Palace and park opening hours

• Park: 9 am to 7 pm
• Palace: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

Best time to visit Pena Palace

This place is one of the most visited attractions in all of Portugal.

Therefore, the best time to visit Pena Palace and Park is in the morning or at the end of the day. Otherwise, it will be difficult to appreciate this majestic place as there are far too many people.

Quinta da Regaleira

After Pena Palace, we visited the quaint Quinta da Regaleira and explored its enchanting beauty.

There are many things to see and do here. Stroll through vast tunnels and descend a spiral staircase to reach the mysterious underground tower known as the Initiation Well.

There are also numerous pits and underground passages, impressive statues, shortcuts hidden among paths, mysterious homes, and underground corridors carved into the rock.

Quinta da Regaleira admission fees and opening hours

• Opening hours: The Quinta da Regaleira is open between 9:30 am – 8 pm (summer season) and 10 am – 6:30 pm (winter season), with the last admission 1 hour before closing.
• Ticket prices:

Castelo dos Mouros

The Castelo dos Mouros is a fascinating and must-visit on any Portugal road trip. Much less popular than the pretty (but busy) Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros is an excellent alternative if the queues at the Palacio are too long for your liking.

This ancient castle dated back to the 8^thcentury and was built by the Moors (hence the name).

Perched on a 450-meter hill, this well-restored castle can be reached by hiking a lovely (though challenging) trail through the forest. This will take less than an hour if you are reasonably fit.

We had no issues getting to the top. Bring a bottle of water and wear proper footwear. You don’t need heavy-duty hiking boots, but flip-flops aren’t suitable either.

One of the highlights of the Castelo dos Mouros is the breathtaking views. You’ll be able to see the colorful Palácio da Pena as well as the beautiful coastline.

It’s also a lot of fun walking around the walls, though please mind your step as steps can be uneven.

Castelo dos Mouros admission fees and opening hours

• Ticket price: Once you reach Castelo, you’ll need to purchase tickets. A ticket costs €8.00 for adults and €6.50 for kids.
• Opening hours: The castle is open between 9:30 am – 8 pm(summer season), or 10 am – 6 pm (winter season).

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