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As the second-oldest capital in Europe, Lisbon was once home to some of the world’s greatest explorers; today it is one of Europe's most vivid, charming and picturesque capitals. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and built on a series of hills with lovely views over the Tagus River, Lisbon is an excellent holiday destination that combines rich history with modern culture, lively nightlife with traditional quarters, and sandy beaches with amazing climate. To get you exploring this contemporary European city, we've put together a handful of our favorite spots for breathtaking views in Lisbon and some of the most important landmarks to see in the city.
3. Santa Catarina: This terrace viewpoint offers views to the port and the 25 de Abril Bridge is very popular among Lisbon’s bohemian crowd.
Our Favorite Viewpoints In Lisbon
1. Sao Pedro de Alcantara: A beautiful garden with panoramic views across the city. Especially beautiful at night when the city below is lit up!
1. Sao Pedro de Alcantara: A beautiful garden with panoramic views across the city. Especially beautiful at night when the city below is lit up!
2. Senhora do Monte: The highest and most romantic viewpoint of the city that offers stunning views of the sunset.
3. Santa Catarina: This terrace viewpoint offers views to the port and the 25 de Abril Bridge is very popular among Lisbon’s bohemian crowd.
4. Graca Viewpoint: Situated on the hill of Santo Andre with a view that stretchs across the old neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Best Things To Do In Lisbon
1. Tram 28
This guest-friendly route passes through some of city's most notable neighborhoods such as Graca, Baixa, Bairro Alto and some of the city’s most popular attractions. Many of the trams used on the Tram28 route date back to World War II.
This guest-friendly route passes through some of city's most notable neighborhoods such as Graca, Baixa, Bairro Alto and some of the city’s most popular attractions. Many of the trams used on the Tram28 route date back to World War II.
2. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is a 19th century lift that transports passengers up the steep hill from Baixa district to Largo Do Carmo and the ruins of Carmo church. Visit for wonderful panoramic views over the historic center of Lisbon.
3. St. George's Castle
Standing on the highest hill above Lisbon, this 11th century fortification is one of Lisbon’s most visited landmarks. Step back in time and admire its imposing towers, fortified walls, beautiful courtyards, and the breathtaking views to the city and the Tagus River.
4. Belem Tower
Standing on the Tagus River, the Belem Tower is a Unesco Word Heritage fortress that was originally built to defend the Lisbon harbor entrance. The Belem Tower represents the Age of Discoveries (late 15th to 18th century) and features beautiful stonework motifs and sculptures depicting historical figures. Take a deep breath and climb up its spiralling staircase to admire the magnificent views over Belem and the river.
5. Jeronimos Monastery
This capturing Unesco World Heritage Site was built during the Age of Discovery, to celebrate the achievements of the great Portuguese explorers. The monastery with its intricate cloisters and stunning stonework is a remarkable piece of architecture and an integral part of Portuguese culture and identity.
Standing on the Tagus River, the Belem Tower is a Unesco Word Heritage fortress that was originally built to defend the Lisbon harbor entrance. The Belem Tower represents the Age of Discoveries (late 15th to 18th century) and features beautiful stonework motifs and sculptures depicting historical figures. Take a deep breath and climb up its spiralling staircase to admire the magnificent views over Belem and the river.
5. Jeronimos Monastery
This capturing Unesco World Heritage Site was built during the Age of Discovery, to celebrate the achievements of the great Portuguese explorers. The monastery with its intricate cloisters and stunning stonework is a remarkable piece of architecture and an integral part of Portuguese culture and identity.
6. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Calouste Gulbenkian is a fascinating fine arts museum that holds an amazingly diverse collection of artifacts spanning from Egyptian treasures to impressionist paintings. Save some time to admire René Lalique’s beautiful jewelry collection, including the world famous ‘Dragonfly’.
The Calouste Gulbenkian is a fascinating fine arts museum that holds an amazingly diverse collection of artifacts spanning from Egyptian treasures to impressionist paintings. Save some time to admire René Lalique’s beautiful jewelry collection, including the world famous ‘Dragonfly’.
7. The Alfama District
The Alfama, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, is filled with history, maze-like cobblestone streets, cozy little restaurants, and traditional Fado clubs. Take your time to explore this beautiful district that has retained its charm through the years and get a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon.
The Alfama, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, is filled with history, maze-like cobblestone streets, cozy little restaurants, and traditional Fado clubs. Take your time to explore this beautiful district that has retained its charm through the years and get a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon.
8. Vasco Da Gama Bridge
Named after Vasco da Gama, the celebrated 15th-century explorer, this giant cable-stayed bridge is the longest in Europe. Spanning across the Tagus River, the bridge is 17 kilometers long, and was completed in 1998. Even though the bridge cannot be accessed by foot it can be viewed from various parts of Lisbon, including the cable car at the Parque das Nacoes.
Named after Vasco da Gama, the celebrated 15th-century explorer, this giant cable-stayed bridge is the longest in Europe. Spanning across the Tagus River, the bridge is 17 kilometers long, and was completed in 1998. Even though the bridge cannot be accessed by foot it can be viewed from various parts of Lisbon, including the cable car at the Parque das Nacoes.
9. Sintra Town
Dotted with pastel colored mansions, glistening palaces and surrounded by dewy forests that roll down to the Atlantic, Sintra is a fairytale-like town and a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit the Pena Palace, an iconic palace that is considered to be the greatest example of 19th century romanticism in Portugal. Visit the Sintra National Palace and its impressive ‘Swan Room’ decorated with 27 gold collared swan frescoes. Other notable landmarks in Sintra include the Quinta da Regaleira residence, the Castle of the Moors, and the Convent of the Capuchos.
Dotted with pastel colored mansions, glistening palaces and surrounded by dewy forests that roll down to the Atlantic, Sintra is a fairytale-like town and a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit the Pena Palace, an iconic palace that is considered to be the greatest example of 19th century romanticism in Portugal. Visit the Sintra National Palace and its impressive ‘Swan Room’ decorated with 27 gold collared swan frescoes. Other notable landmarks in Sintra include the Quinta da Regaleira residence, the Castle of the Moors, and the Convent of the Capuchos.
10. Visit The Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon’s Oceanarium is truly impressive! Since its completion in 1998, the oceanarium’s main purpose is not only to showcase but also to conserve the oceanic ecosystem it holds. Its wrap around tanks will make you feel like you are underwater as you observe 8000 marine creatures swimming in 7 million liters of seawater. Don’t miss the Indo-Pacific coral reef, the Magellan penguins, and the re-created tropical rainforest!
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