{"id":9246,"date":"2024-08-08T18:20:47","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T18:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/11-things-see-first-visit-lisbon\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:05:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:05:07","slug":"11-things-see-first-visit-lisbon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/11-things-see-first-visit-lisbon\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Very Best Things To Do In Lisbon"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are so many totally gorgeous and some of the best things to do in Lisbon perched all across the city. Plus, with it being one of the fastest-growing and most beautiful cities in Europe<\/a>, it’s well worth taking a trip to this totally stunning Portuguese gem (that I properly love).<\/p>\n

With an incredible history, vibrant neighbourhoods and enough lip-licking grub to discover. Honestly, it’s a city that really draws you in when visiting Portugal<\/a> and, kinda long for once you’re back home. We’ve been quite a few times and totally loved it.<\/p>\n

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Now, if it’s your first time in the city, you’ll probably have started prepping as soon as the flight confirmation drops into your mailbox.<\/p>\n

That being said, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also be scurrying around at the last minute after forgetting all the key places you wanted to see.<\/p>\n

If you’ve never visited Lisbon, or Portugal<\/a> for that matter, you’re in for a treat. It’s a totally stunning country and I really hope you love it. Take a look at some of the very best things to do and see on your first visit to Lisbon.<\/p>\n

1.) Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Almost fairytale-like to explore, Torre de Belem has a much harder-edged history than most of us realise. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in Lisbon, if you want to know more about its age of discovery.<\/p>\n

Perched on its own within the Tejo riverfront, it was built to protect the port and was the point where lots of explorers started their journey to the New World.<\/p>\n

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Nowadays, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth an exploration of its own; thankfully, minus those 16th-century battles for the harbour!<\/p>\n

To make things easier (and save money), get this Lisbon Card<\/a> that will get you free admission to Lisbon’s museums, historic buildings and sights that you can’t miss. Plus, it gives unlimited free public transport (which is great in a hilly city like Lisbon).<\/p>\n

Also, when visiting, make sure to plan your trip early (and if you’re not keen on crowds, maybe avoid weekends). It’s a very popular site with fewer people visiting first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n

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Finally, if you follow the coastline up to Vasco da Gama Bridge<\/em>, you’ll come across the pretty impressive Gare Do Oriente. <\/em>It is one of the new architectural masterpieces in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

Also, if you’re looking for the best hotel in Lisbon<\/a>, then make sure to book this room at The Lumiares Hotel & Spa<\/a>. It’s a Small Luxury Hotels of the World<\/em> property and is not only chic, but very charming! It’s got a totally bohemian vibe and is right in the heart of Lisbon, making it the perfect place to explore the city. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Santa Justa Elevator<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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This is one of my favourite places to see in Lisbon (shhh, don’t tell the others).<\/p>\n

Although not as iconic as, say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it really is integral to the identity of Lisbon and a truly beautiful lift. There are not many times when I imagined I’d call a lift beautiful – but this is one!<\/p>\n

Nestled in the Baixa neighbourhood of Lisbon, Santa Justa gets busy very quickly, and often lines start to appear later in the morning\/afternoon. Visit early and watch the city come alive!<\/p>\n

For a really fun way to see the best places in Lisbon, make sure to book this incredible Tuk-Tuk tour<\/a> around the city. They’ll pick you up from your hotel, and up to six people can hop inside your private Tuk-Tuk.<\/p>\n

It’s a great way to see all the main sights of Lisbon, without any aching feet! Just be sure to book the Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Tour<\/a> before arriving, as tickets sell out, as it’s one of the best things to do in Lisbon, especially on a sunny day.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best viewpoints in Lisbon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Experience a Candlelight Concert<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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One thing not to miss in Lisbon is a Candlelight Concert that takes place right in the heart of the city. These 60-minute concerts are absolutely beautiful to experience within the stables of the Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll get to experience Candlelight shows, like \u2018Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons<\/em>\u2019, which plays some of the band’s iconic hits. Honestly, seeing Clocks played by a string quartet, by candlelight, is just beautiful.<\/p>\n

Just be sure to book these tickets<\/a> before arriving in Lisbon. This way, you can choose the category of seats you prefer before they sell out. It really is one of the best things to do in Lisbon, especially if you\u2019re looking for evening plans in the city.<\/p>\n

4.) Explore the Alfama <\/strong>neighbourhood<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Lisbon is a city that’s made up of many exciting districts, which is perfect for us travellers to go and explore, but not so ideal when you’re visiting for a short period, when there are so many to choose from.<\/p>\n

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One place you have to visit is the Alfama Neighbourhood, it’s technically one of the oldest parts of the city, even though it was originally outside the city walls some 700 years ago.<\/p>\n

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Pack a comfy pair of shoes and get exploring the neighbourhood’s winding and hilly streets. You’ll have earned your lunch (or dinner) after walking this neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

Also, another great place to stay in Lisbon is the Epic Sana Marqu\u00eas Hotel<\/a>. This hotel has some of the prettiest rooms and the rooftop verander has the best views for a hotel in all of Lisbon. It’s so worth booking for that alone! <\/p>\n

Read more: Best restaurants (with views) in Lisbon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Ride Tram 28<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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This is one of the most famous trams in the world and is easily up there as one of the best things to do in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

You see, Tram 28 is to Lisbon what red telephone boxes are to London; it’s a tram that you’ll almost certainly see but should also ride.<\/p>\n

The route of Tram 28 takes you through some of the oldest parts of the city. Embrace its rickety tracks (bumps and all) and enjoy these historic trams first thing in the morning or late afternoon.<\/p>\n

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After all, very few of us like getting on a hot, crowded, un-airconditioned tram.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best restaurants with views in Lisbon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) Explore Sintra<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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You’ve probably seen how much I love Sintra<\/a>, but just in case you haven’t, let me tell you again! This place is gorgeous.<\/p>\n

Around 30 minutes from the city itself, it’s an incredible area to see the historic palaces and castles that sit elegantly on the hills.<\/p>\n

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It’s easily reached by hiring a car, catching the train or even booking this amazing Sintra tour from Lisbon<\/a>. It’s a great way to explore Sintra, without any of the hassles of trying to drive or renting a car.<\/p>\n

Just be sure to book these Sintra Palace entry tickets<\/a> if you’re not booking an organised tour. This way, you won’t be stuck in the really long queues for tickets.<\/p>\n

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It’s a must-see out of all the best things to do in Lisbon and within easy reach of the city centre itself.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best things to know about visiting Sintra<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) Start your evening with a Ginjinha<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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This traditional drink is a firm favourite in Lisbon and one you should definitely try (for completeness’ sake, of course).<\/p>\n

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Made from sour cherry, you’ll see it served all across the city. It’s a little tart and might be strong; but well worth trying.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8.) Visit the Monastery of St Jerome (Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled within the historic district of Bel\u00e9m, where you literally can’t miss it!<\/p>\n

After booking these entry tickets<\/a>, head inside to explore some of the awe-inspiring architecture and stunning history of this gorgeous place.<\/p>\n

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Again, as I’ve said before, arrive early and try to avoid weekends for fewer crowds and make sure to get these tickets before arriving<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You’ll save lots of time and won’t have to queue in the searing heat to get to the ticket office.<\/p>\n

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Though it’s sometimes closed on a Monday so remember this.<\/p>\n

Book: Tickets to enter Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

9.) Head across to Cascais<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Cascais<\/a> was once the holidaying spot of the rich and famous. Imagine it like Portugal’s version of Monte Carlo.<\/p>\n

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Cascais is about 30 minutes by train (or you can drive over) from the city itself and is a great place to chill out and relax in the town or on the sandy beaches.<\/p>\n

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Don’t forget to visit the Boca do Inferno, a great vantage point to see the cliffs and formations that make this region so rugged and beautiful.<\/p>\n

Read more: Spending a day in Cascais<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10.) See the sunset at Miradouro da Gra\u00e7a<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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One great thing about Lisbon is that its hilly nature gives way to lots of little Miradouro (terraces) that have sprung up all across the city.<\/p>\n

Head across to Miradouro da Gra\u00e7a for some lovely views across Lisbon and even Lisbon Castle itself.<\/p>\n

It’s a gorgeous place to sit back, relax and enjoy a well-earned rest. Well, all whilst planning the other spots and best things to do in Lisbon during the rest of your day.<\/p>\n

11.) Eat A Pastel de Nata<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Don’t leave Lisbon without trying these! It’s almost criminal to have visited and not gorged on at least one of the delicious sweet tarts.<\/p>\n

Head over to Past\u00e9is de Bel\u00e9m<\/a> for some of the best (and iconic) in town.<\/p>\n

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With such a high footfall you’re almost guaranteed a completely fresh (and still slightly warm) Pastel de Nata from Past\u00e9is de Bel\u00e9m.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, you can book this beautiful sunset cruise<\/a> on a vintage sailing boat, taking in all the coastal spots around Lisbon. You’ll get plenty of snacks and delicious Portuguese wines, too.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

12.) Visit Castelo de S\u00e3o Jorge<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Perched on top of the highest hill in Alfama, Castelo de S\u00e3o Jorge has had a diverse past, being home to the Romans, the Visigoths and even the very first king.<\/p>\n

It’s a great place to wander and see one of the oldest parts of the city, again, just make sure to pack some comfy shoes!<\/p>\n

13.)  Explore the plazas and squares of the city<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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There are lots of little squares and plazas for you to explore in Lisbon and they’re usually filled with independent bars and cafes that line their edges.<\/p>\n

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Honestly, just take a stroll around the neighbourhood and give yourself at least one afternoon to stroll around.<\/p>\n

It’s beautiful!<\/p>\n

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Do as locals do and head across in the early evening for a little tipple before heading out for food.<\/p>\n

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Lisbon is a very sociable city, and it’s well worth just taking some time to enjoy the city’s rhythm. It really is one of the best things to do in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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14 Best Places In Portugal To Visit<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n