The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in Europe and this modern metropolis is often regarded as London’s rival. Set near the mouth of River Tagus over a series of hills, Lisbon is inextricably linked with the sea. It is vibrant and colorful and has become renowned for its sunny and warm disposition. It is blessed with world-class museums, a horde of historic monuments, and a wealth of other things to do. You can wander through the verdant gardens and parks, take a stroll down the riverbank promenade or just explore the old quarter. It is a good idea to enjoy Lisbon like the locals at an easy pace and you will quickly fall for its beguiling charm and welcoming character.
Here are some of the top things to do in Lisbon when you visit:
- Explore the Torre de Belem
If you can only visit one landmark during your tour of the Portuguese capital, it should be the Torre de Belem. This great tower soars high above the seafront and displays a fusion of architectural styles from the Romanesque to the Gothic, the Moorish to the Mudejar. It was constructed back in the 16th century under Saint John’s patronage and has watched over the mouth of the Tagus River since then. It has become one of the most iconic features of Lisbon, known as the last sight that adventures such as Vasco da Gama would have seen while drifting out into the massive Atlantic Ocean.
- Ride Tram 28
Just like San Francisco in the United States, Lisbon in Portugal is known for its historic, rattling tram lines. It is the Tram 28 that’s the most iconic of them all, which has been operating for decades up the cobbled, steep roads into the old Alfama district. The journey begins near the hills of Graca, moves towards the alleys of Escolas Gerais and comes to an end under the Estrela Basilica’s beautiful domes. You can watch decades of history pass you by when you look out the window, as there are numerous majestic castles and palaces to see.
- Visit the Alfama district
The Alfama district in Lisbon rivals the old town centers you can find in other ancient capital of Europe. It is considered the oldest part of the city, similar to the Forum of Rome, even though it is dated back to the Moors of Africa, rather than the kings of Latium. The district is formed by a warren of winding alleys and streets and every visitor should definitely check it out. You can find great cathedrals during your stroll on the corners, such as the Lisbon Cathedral. There are also hidden squares and old city walls with plenty of alfresco cafes.
- Check out the National Tile Museum
Every ceramic aficionado knows that Portugal is the country to go to for tiles. The National Tile Museum in Lisbon is dedicated to everything that’s made in a kiln. You can learn about the history of tile making, along with the technologies from the days when it was first brought to Iberia by the Moors. The blue-hazed azulejos are obviously the best thing about the exhibition. These are ceramic works of art that contributed to the country’s reputation for crafting ceramics. You will get a chance to see different types of designs and sizes and also learn about how the enchanting motifs that can be found on their cobalt surfaces are developed.
- See St. George’s Castle
The most visible landmark that you can find in Lisbon’s historic center is St. George’s Castle. The great citdadel stands firm and tall above the old Alfama district and it was built by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The subsequent rules of the city have developed it since then, including Berbers and the Reconquista knights. Today, you can admire its crenelated towers and might palisades, along with its anti-siege features like a dry moat. You will also see the Portuguese seal when you pass below the large gate.
- Learn about history in the Monastery of Jerónimos
Situated close to the banks of the Tagus River, this massive landmark has grand carvings and ornate spires that are worth checking out. The Monastery of Jerónimos was built to mark the most glorious age of Portugal called ‘The Age of Exploration’. It boasts a fusion of various architectural designs and is a testament to the cultures that explorers of Lisbon encountered. The international trade of Portugal in cumin, cloves and exotic spices generated the money used for building this structure. It has also been termed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Go underwater in the Lisbon Oceanarium
The massive Lisbon Oceanarium is nestled in the blue waters of the Tagus Estuary and rises out like an aircraft carrier. There are countless exhibits inside the structure related to marine life, which draw in more than a million visitors every year. You can get an up-close view of marauding sharks, or watch the pufferfish. You can meet cuddly penguins and see curious moray eels. There are also some interesting collections of corals and sea anemones, along with an artificial boating lagoon where you can rent a pedalo when it is sunny.
- Hop onto the funiculars
Lisbon, like Rome, was also built on seven hills. But, unlike the latter, the city’s planners came up with a series of funicular railways for transportation to and from the neighborhoods. Riding on some of the tracks is a real joy, like the old Ascensor do Lavra that dates back to the 1800s and has also gotten a national heritage tag. The Santa Justa Elevator is also worth checking out, as it takes people up from Baixa to Carmo and gives sweeping views of the downtown area of Lisbon.
Add these things to do to your itinerary when you are planning on taking a trip to the capital of Portugal and you will be able to enjoy Lisbon to the fullest.
