If you are anything like me, then you know the feeling of getting to a city and not knowing where to start looking around. Before you get there, you do a little bit of research, but not enough to plan out the whole itinerary for your trip. So you get stuck wandering around aimlessly, in fear that you will miss the most important attractions in the city. This happened to me in Lisbon, which is why I am giving you the ultimate Lisbon travel guide.
Start by visiting Lisbon and its many viewpoints
Lisbon has very cute streets and some very nice viewpoints which I had to include in his travel guide. The first couple days here should be spent wandering around and discovering the city. Check out the colourful buildings, the trams and walk around on foot as much as possible!
Here are some viewpoints in Lisbon which I found very beautiful:
- São Nicolau – this is a church located near the city centre and it offers some of the best views of the city. If you are already in the area it is definitely worth a visit!⠀
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara – this is a terrace open spot overlooking the city. It is a great place to sit down and relax during a long day of sightseeing as there are benches facing the view. You will probably find yourself here at some point as it is near the center.
- Miradouro da Graça – this stunning spot is probably my favourite for views. It is best to come here for sunset to absorb all the beautiful colours and watch as the sun rolls down into the sea.
Visit the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem
These are the most famous landmarks in Lisbon and they are really worth a visit.
The Joronimos Monastery was built in 1502 and classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since then it has become one of the defining buildings of Portugal. Although the outside offers a spectacular view, the inside is also worth a visit to find out more about the fascinating history behind it. The entrance to the main chapel is free, but the entrance to the monastery costs €10 and is free for children under 14. If you are planning to go during a high touristy season, I would recommend getting your tickets in advance to avoid the crowds at the ticket office!
The Belém Palace is the most famous landmark in Portugal for obvious reasons. The UNESCO World Heritage site attracts around 500,000 visitors each year! If you would like it is also possible to go inside for only 6 euros (good luck trying to avoid the crowds). If you are visiting Lisbon the Belém Palace is definitely worth a visit as it it just a tram ride away.
Try the Pastel de Nata
You really cannot leave Portugal without trying Pastel de Nata. The BEST place to eat these in Lisbon is called Manteigaria. It is a pastel de nata factory where you can see the cooks produce the pastries right in front of you. The most difficult thing is stopping when you start. The crispy outside meets the soft inside to create the most ideal pastry on earth.
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If you are venturing towards Belem, Pasteus de Belem near the Belem palace also offers some of the best Pastels de Nata. You may have to queue but every minute is worth it!
Visit Sintra and Palacio de Pena
Sintra is really close to Lisbon and is incredibly beautiful. I would recommend definitely visiting Sintra even if you are in Lisbon for a couple of days.
If you have not heard of Pena Palace, then you have seen a picture. This castle looks like one from a fairy tale, like those castles you see in films about princesses.
To get to the castle, the walk up is a long and steep one. If you are prepared to walk, it will take about 10-15 minutes by foot. If not, then you can take the bus. However most people prefer to walk as the bus requires waiting and is usually pretty crowded.
Because the castle is located on a steep hill, you can see expansive views of the city as well as the sea from there. It is definitely worth going inside and getting an audio guide to see how the palace looks from the inside and learn some interesting history. The entrance fee is €7.50 and the audio guide is €3.
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is a rock formation located near in Sintra, 32 km away from Lisbon. It is a very beautiful place, with dramatic landscapes and beautiful flower fields. This point is famous as it marks the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Up until the 14th century, it was believed to be the edge of the world.
If you are going to Sintra, you can visit Cabo de Roca on your way back to Lisbon. Or if you want to take a day trip here from Lisbon, you can get there by car or the bus, which will cost anywhere between €3-€5. ⠀
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Did you find my Lisbon travel guide useful? Is there anything else you would add? Let me know!
