A trip to Lisbon would be one of the highlights of any trip to Europe. Lisbon is not only a beautiful city, but it also has many of the city's top attractions spread out among its several districts. And just outside the city, in places like Sintra, you can find places straight out of a fairy tale. Even better, Lisbon is the sort of city that can be visited for a weekend break (or much more) and still give you a terrific taste of how broad and spectacular it is. It's scenic, hilly, and shares the same creative spirit as the rest of Portugal. Plus, it's the perfect place to sample delicious Portuguese and foreign cuisine. There's something about being in this city that just makes you feel better. You will waste time and energy walking aimlessly and miss many interesting attractions if you don't have a clear plan of what to visit. While aimless wandering and exploration is not inherently negative, it can be more challenging in a city like Lisbon, which is so topographically divided between steep neighborhoods.
Given its many attractions, it's no wonder that Lisbon has become one of Europe's hottest travel spots in recent years. With this comprehensive guide, you'll have all the information you need to arrange your first trip to Lisbon and find out for yourself why it's garnering so much attention.
Belem, a district of the Portuguese capital, is a coastal UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back more than 500 years. In addition, it's one of Lisbon's top attractions, so you shouldn't miss it if you plan to stroll along the waterfront. If you're interested in going inside, you should arrive early in the day. The lines can get long here, especially on the weekends. If you value your time and would rather not wait in a long line, it is recommended that you arrive at the earliest possible moment in the morning.
Continue your exploration of Lisbon's coastline by taking in some of the other coastal pathways. Your stroll may take you all the way to the Gare de Oriente and beyond. It's perfect if you want to spend a day strolling along Lisbon's waterfront promenade. Lisbon is known for its seven hills, azulejo tiles, Manueline architecture, antique trams, evocative street art, fado music, and delicious custard tarts. It’s an unrivaled medley of history, aesthetics, culture, and cuisine. Voxcity's Lisbon walking tours take visitors through the historic districts of Alfama, Downtown, and Bairro Alto, but more importantly, they lead them to the best custard tart shops in town. Once in Belém, you have the option of taking a Vox City self-guided tour, which you can take at your leisure.
Castelo de So Jorge is one of the top locations to visit in Lisbon and a famous monument in Portugal. Our recommendation is to go after sunset, when the castle's vantage point above the city makes it an ideal spot to see the sun go down. In addition, exploring the neighborhood of Alfama and all of its charming alleyways is a breeze. Then, stop by O Velho Eurico for some delicious home cooking. It's not a fancy restaurant, but the cuisine is excellent.
Situated in the heart of Lisbon, the castle of Sao Jorge boasts eleven turrets, a museum, a bar, and a restaurant, as well as some of the city's most stunning vistas. You can visit the castle on your own or through a guided tour from Vox City.
Yes, Alfama is one of the well-loved areas of Lisbon, and a must-visit for any tourist. More so, it is very convenient to get from the city's lower regions, whether by tram, automobile, or foot.
Start your time in Lisbon off right with a Vox City guided walking tour of the historic district of Alfama, where you'll learn the city's foundational history and admire its remarkable architecture. Tours begin at Lisbon's most recognizable landmark, the Augusta Street Arch, on the Tagus Strait waterfront, between the two famous yellow ministry buildings. The oldest cafe in Lisbon, Martinho da Arcada, is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing coffee before continuing on your journey. After reviving yourself, you can begin your exploration of the Old Town in search of relics from Moorish domination, such as the Portas do Mar Arch and Alfama Tower. Once you've arrived, you should take some time to explore the area's maze of little alleys, dotted with blue-tiled homes and quaint galleries, cafes, and stores. This place is really stunning and has reeks of antiquity.
Lisbon is home to Europe's largest indoor aquarium, the Oceanário de Lisboa. It is located in Parque das Naçes, and it houses over 16,000 marine animals of 450 different species. Sharks, rays, barracudas, moray eels, and a humongous sunfish swim in a 5,000,000 liter (1,300,000 US gal) tank that serves as the museum's centerpiece.
Vox City pass includes an admission to the Lisbon Oceanarium and a guided walking tour of Portugal's charming capital. Your admission ticket will grant you access to 500 different species of marine life. The largest of its kind in Europe, it features hundreds of jaw-dropping displays that honor all forms of life on our planet. As you go around this excellent family-friendly attraction, keep a look out for sharks, sea otters, jellyfish, penguins, clownfish, and countless other fascinating water species.
As the city sprawls across seven hills, visitors to Lisbon can find numerous vantage spots, known as miradouros in the local language. The Miradouro de So Pedro de Alcântara and the Miradouro da Graça are two of our favorite central viewpoints due to their spectacular vantage points of the Castelo de So Jorge. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is another breathtaking vista. Discover the best miradouros by inquiring with the locals. Some of them are sneaky and hard to find.
Join or leave a guided walking tour whenever you like with the Vox City app, which lets you find the nearest guide and meeting point. Visit the historic sites and colorful buildings of Lisbon, such as the Praça do Comércio, Castelo de So Jorge, Belém Tower, and Lisbon Cathedral. The program also has innumerable more functions, such as free self-guided walking routes.
Located in the heart of Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio serves as the city's main marketplace. Historically, this location served as Portugal's main port and administrative center for regulating trade with its colonies. In fact, the best view of the square and the river Tejo can be had from the roof of the massive arch (known as the Arco da Rua Augusta).
Join a Lisboat sightseeing excursion sailing with Vox City and explore the city from a new angle. Visit the historic sites and colorful buildings of Lisbon, such as the Praça do Comércio, Castelo de So Jorge, Belém Tower, and Lisbon Cathedral. Take in the sights of Terreiro do Paco, 25 de Abril Bridge, Padro dos Descobrimentos, and many more fantastic landmarks as you travel along the route. The open-deck boats on the River Tagus are a great way to take in the sights while enjoying some downtime.
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