If you want to make the most of your visit to Lisbon, we bring you 10 options that are a must on your trip to this beautiful portuguese city.
Each one will have a bit of its history, to give you an introduction to what you can find in these wonderful places.
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St. George’s Castle
This castle was built in the 5th century and was enlarged in the 9th century by the Arabs, it became the royal palace around the 13th century, which was its period of maximum splendor, even after several earthquakes that occurred between 1290 and 1360, which ruined its main structure.
This place had both social and military functions, and until the beginning of the 16th century it was occupied by the kings of Portugal.
Jeronimo’s Monastery
The construction of this architectural jewel began in 1501 and ended at the end of the 16th century. It was built to celebrate the return from India of Vasco de Gama (Portuguese explorer, discoverer of an important trade route between Europe and India), a character whose remains rest in this monastery.
It houses the church of Santa Maria de Belém, and it is located in the Belém district. Likewise, it is an example of the richness of Portugal after the discovery of the commercial route to India.
Tram 28
Despite the construction of the metro in the city of Lisbon, the Tram No. 28 is still active and rounding around the narrow streets of Lisbon, since no other type of vehicle can navigate through tight spaces and quite steep slopes.
Generally, it is more advisable to start the routes in the downtown area of Lisbon, to enjoy a more quiet tour. With this route you can see wonderful landscapes, also on the way you can visit several tourist places in the city.
Alfama district
This site has quite an interesting history, it was first inhabited in the Visigothic period (early 5th century to early 8th century), but along the years it has been identified as a fishermen’s neighborhood located on the slopes of St. George’s Castle.
It is one of the neighborhoods that best survived the great earthquake of 1755 and although it has changed a lot due to the tourism boom, it still retains that traditional environment that is different from other European neighborhoods.
Santa Justa Lift
It was inaugurated on July 10, 1902, and designed by the Portuguese architect Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard. Previously, this large structure was powered by steam, but in 1907 it switched to electric traction.
In reality, it no longer has a transport functionality, it is purely a tourist attraction, where you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view and have a coffee on the terrace.
Chiado
Well-known Portuguese writers and poets used to meet in this place at the beginning of the 20th century, that is why you can find a statue of the poet Fernando Pessoa.
Currently, this neighborhood is one of the most commercial in the city, especially in Rua Garret, you will find bookstores and boutiques of emerging designers, in contrast you can visit the Livraria Bertrand, a bookstore considered the oldest in the world, founded by two French in 1732 .
Barrio Alto
View to the Bairro Alto district in the historic center of Lisbon, traditional facades in the streets of the old town, Portugal Europe
This is a commercial and residential area that perfectly brings together the architectural history of the city, since the 80s it is known for its nightlife, for the many restaurants, bars and musical houses, which can be visited by tourists of all ages. .
Terreiro do Paço / Comércio Square
It was built on the spot where the Royal Palace used to be, which was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755.
Its U-shape has restaurants and cafes, government offices, and points of interest such as the Arc de Triomphe on Rua Augusta and the Equestrian Statue of Joseph I.
Belém’s pastries (Pastéis de Belém)
From around 1837, retired Clergy workers began selling Pastéis de Belém in a small place.
At that time Belém was far from Lisbon, and the place was frequently visited by the crew of the steamboats that arrived at the coast.
Of course, these delicacies are not only prepared there, you can get them in other local pastries, but the difference is that the secret recipe for the Belém pastries has not changed since 1837.
Thus, over time, Pastéis de Belém has become a site of tradition, a place that you can’t miss visiting.
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Belém Tower
This tower was built in the 16th century from 1515 to 1519, under the direction of Francisco de Arruda, with the idea of creating a fortress to protect the entrance to the port of Lisbon, over time it had different functions, even a prison.
In 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Monument to the discoveries
It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (Portuguese politician, infant and duke).
This monument has impressive sculptures that represent important people who stood out in the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
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