Tourist Attractions in Lisboa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Lisbon

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Lisboa

Lisboa, once the capital of a mighty maritime empire that gave the world the great Vasco da Gama and Fernan Magellan, is now a picturesque and atmospheric city that still retains the memory of its former greatness. A dramatic and pivotal moment in Lisbon’s history was in 1755, when a massive earthquake destroyed Lisbon almost to its very foundations. But despite the fact that the medieval architecture and many priceless monuments were lost, the restored Lisbon of the XVIII-XIX centuries is of great interest to tourists.

The capital of Portugal holds the treasures of the Geronimos Monastery and the Ajuda Palace, winds through the quaint streets of the Alfama and Baixa neighbourhoods and flaunts grandiose suspension bridges. The city’s historical heritage is invaluable, so there is a wide field of exploration for tourists.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon

Praça do Comércio

 4.7/5

103067 reviews

The square is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is located on the bank of the river, where the Ribeira Palace used to stand, which was destroyed by an earthquake (that is why the second name of the place is Palace Square). Several centuries ago, Praça do Comércio was the front gate of Lisbon. Ships carrying wealth from the Portuguese colonies docked here and royal delegations arrived. Majestic monuments and austere administrative buildings testify to its former glory.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Rua AUGUSTA

 4.5/5

231 reviews

Lisbon’s central pedestrian boulevard is full of tourists and locals at all times of the year. It stretches from Rocio Square to the Arc de Triomphe. The street is full of unusual, atmospheric cafes and shops. The pavement of Augusta Street is hand-paved, with original ornaments woven into a whimsical pattern. The place was named in honour of Portuguese taxi driver Augusta Macedo, who drove passengers around Lisbon for almost 70 years.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Praça Dom Pedro IV

 4.6/5

14641 reviews

The square was created on the site of an ancient Roman hippodrome and has a history dating back many hundreds of years. The square is located in the Baixa district, one of the most colourful and interesting places in Lisbon. Until 1755, it was surrounded by luxurious Manuelino style buildings, as the whole city was bathed in luxury thanks to the fabulous wealth of the Portuguese colonies. After the earthquake, the entire neighbourhood and square were rebuilt.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Alfama

 0/5

Almafa is the only urban neighbourhood of which anything remains from the 1755 earthquake. Its architecture, with its chaotic streets, is in keeping with the idea of medieval cities. The neighbourhood sits on a hill and people move around it using numerous staircases. Cars can hardly pass between the old houses with shabby walls, but there is room for tram lines.

Belém Tower

 4.6/5

87129 reviews

A UNESCO-listed architectural monument of the 16th century. The tower was erected in honour of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the route to India, and at various times it was used as a defensive fort, a gunpowder storehouse, a prison and a customs office. The structure is built in the unique Portuguese Manuelino style, which was almost lost by the 19th century. The façade and interior of the tower are decorated with priceless monuments from the age of the Great Geographical Discoveries.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Pousada Palácio de Queluz

 4.4/5

500 reviews

The palace was built in the 17th century in the Rococo style. It served as the summer residence of King Pedro II of Portugal. Later, the building was used to house dignitaries. Nowadays, classical music concerts are held on the palace grounds. The magnificent Throne and Music Halls and the magnificent and lavishly decorated royal chambers are particularly attractive.

Open time

Castelo de S. Jorge

 4.4/5

83963 reviews

The castle was built in the 5th century AD on the site of a Roman fortification, and has been rebuilt several times over its 1,500 years of existence. In the 12th century it was the residence of a Moorish ruler. Portuguese monarchs lived in the castle until the XVI century. In 1755 the structure was destroyed by an earthquake to the very foundation. It was rebuilt only in the first half of the 20th century.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

 4.6/5

8151 reviews

A neoclassical structure of the first half of the 19th century, built for Luís I and his wife. The Ajuda was previously the site of an earlier royal residence from the 15th and 16th centuries, but it was destroyed in an earthquake. The palace rooms and halls are elegantly and sumptuously furnished, with wide halls and passageways decorated with sculptures, paintings and tapestries of great cultural value.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Palácio Nacional de Belém

 4.5/5

1754 reviews

The residence of the Portuguese President, located in the Belém neighbourhood. Earlier during the monarchy, the rulers of Portugal stayed here. The palace was built in the mid-16th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. The prevailing architectural styles of the complex are Baroque and Mannerism. The façade is decorated with Portuguese azulejo tiles depicting mythological heroes and epic scenes.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Jerónimos Monastery

 4.6/5

46160 reviews

One of Portugal’s key landmarks, recognised as a national monument at the very beginning of the 20th century. Since 1983 it has been included in the UNESCO heritage list. The monastery houses the remains of the great navigator Vasco da Gama. The monastery was erected towards the end of the 16th century with the proceeds from the newly discovered lands. The history of Geronimos is closely linked to the grandiose period of the Great Discovery and the power of Portugal.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Church Santa Teresa de Jesus de Carnide

 4.6/5

15 reviews

A medieval monastery dating from the 13th to 14th centuries, built by the nobleman Nuno Alvares Pereira for the brothers of the Carmelite order. This noble knight sold all his possessions and cut his hair as a monk. In 1755, an earthquake destroyed the building and many priceless relics were lost. After restoration, the complex was used as a warehouse and barracks, and later the walls were used as an archaeological museum.

Open time

Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

 4.5/5

4132 reviews

The complex was built in the XVI-XVII centuries on the site of the church of St Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon. The monastery is one of the most revered in Portugal, and for some time it was the residence of the city archbishop. The monastery is built in late Renaissance style. Its walls are richly decorated with mosaics depicting battle scenes and the façade is decorated with azulejo mosaics. On the territory of San Vicente de Fora is the tomb of the Braganza dynasty.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Basilica of Estrela

 4.6/5

6052 reviews

A church built on the orders of Queen Mary, who was grateful to Heaven for the arrival of her long-awaited heir. The Basilica is considered one of the most picturesque churches in Lisbon, it is built in Baroque style with neoclassical elements. The temple was begun after the Lisbon earthquake (the Queen was late in fulfilling her promise, as her son José was already 18 at the time).

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 – 7:45 PM

Church of Saint Roch

 4.6/5

5243 reviews

Jesuit Church, one of the oldest churches of this order. It was built on the site of a cemetery in the 16th century. The temple was named in honour of Saint Roch, the patron saint of the sick. The interior is characterised by opulence, King João V took part in its creation. The walls are decorated with skilful frescoes by famous Portuguese painters, many elements are made of marble and decorated with gilding.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Lisbon Cathedral

 4.4/5

25564 reviews

Lisbon’s main cathedral, dating from the Early Middle Ages. It is believed to have been the site of a Roman temple, which the Visigoths converted into a Christian church. During the period of Arab rule on the Iberian Peninsula, the temple was destroyed and a mosque was built in its place. In 1150 a new building appeared, which stood for six centuries until the earthquake. However, the cathedral was not completely destroyed by the elements, it was reconstructed, diluting the strict Romanesque architecture with Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassicism.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Church of Nossa Senhora da Porciúncula

 4.5/5

97 reviews

A majestic and monumental structure of pink marble in the Portuguese Baroque style, which has a second name – the National Pantheon of Portugal. The church was begun in the XVII century and finished only in the XX. The role of the pantheon was given to the temple under dictator A. Salazar. Political figures, famous writers and other representatives of culture are buried in the church.

Open time

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

 4.7/5

14561 reviews

An art gallery with samples of European, ancient and Oriental art. The museum was organised on the funds of Armenian magnate G. Gulbenkian in 1969, who emigrated to Portugal after World War II. The museum exhibits a large collection of paintings, jewellery, sculptures and applied arts. Works by Rembrandt, Manet, Degas, Rubens and Renoir can be viewed here.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Museum of Ancient Art

 4.6/5

6377 reviews

The collection is based on works of art confiscated from monastic orders. These religious orders were dissolved at the beginning of the 19th century and some of their wealth fell into the hands of the State. The museum exhibits works by Portuguese masters from the fourteenth to nineteenth centuries, paintings by European artists, collections of sculpture and ceramics, textiles, furniture and other decorative objects.

Open time

National Coach Museum

 4.6/5

8746 reviews

A museum that houses a collection of carriages of the royal family. It was created with the participation of the last Queen Amelia of Portugal, as she wished to preserve the carriages and show them to the public. Subsequently, the collection was enriched with specimens from France, Austria, Italy and other European countries. In the museum you can see carriages of the XVII-XIX centuries. In 2015, a new modern building was built for the exposition.

Open time

MAAT

 4.3/5

20517 reviews

The museum is housed in a former power station that supplied the city with electricity for several decades. The building is a rare and interesting example of Portuguese industrial architecture, with a mix of Art Nouveau and Classicism. In the museum, visitors can look at the equipment, observe the processes of electricity production or listen to an informative lecture.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Museu de Marinha

 4.5/5

11031 reviews

The exhibition is located on the grounds of the Jerónimos Monastery. In the distant past, Portugal was a great maritime empire with numerous colonies all over the world. Museum exhibits remind the visitor of those glorious times. There are various models of ships, maps, navigational instruments used by Portuguese explorers in their voyages.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Jardim Zoológico

 4.5/5

37783 reviews

The city zoo is located in a very picturesque area decorated with architectural monuments. It is home to about 300 species of animals, mainly felines, primates and animals imported from colonial Portugal. The Zoo declares the main purpose of its existence to be the preservation and revitalisation of rare and endangered species. Some animals in the zoo are adapted for release into the wild.

Open time

Oceanário de Lisboa

 4.7/5

82616 reviews

The Oceanarium is considered the largest in Europe and is home to more than 450 species of marine life (16,000 individuals). The main aquarium covers an area of 1 thousand m² and reaches a depth of 7 metres. The aquarium contains quite rare marine species: moonfish, sea beaver, spider crab and others. In separate aquariums there are inhabitants of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Santa Justa Lift

 4/5

46158 reviews

The city lift connecting Rua do Oro Street and Largo do Carmo Square. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century to help pedestrians who had to climb a fairly steep slope to get from the Baixa neighbourhood to the Chiado neighbourhood. The lift was designed in a graceful neo-Gothic style. It was initially propelled by steam engines, which were later replaced by electric ones. The lift is a popular tourist attraction.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:45 PM

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

 4.6/5

53627 reviews

Monument erected in honour of the figures of the Age of Exploration. This imposing monument was built during the reign of the dictator Salazar. It is distinguished by its majestic style and enormous size, with a height of 50 metres. The architect wanted to emphasise the importance of the discoveries made by Portuguese navigators. At the top of the monument is a panoramic observation deck.

Open time

Aqueduto das Águas Livres

 4.4/5

3405 reviews

The aqueduct was built in the first half of the 17th century and survived the 1755 earthquake. It is still part of the city’s water supply system. The arches of the aqueduct reach a height of 60 metres. Up to the middle of the 19th century it was possible to walk along it, but it was decided to close the passage because of frequent suicides. Nowadays, the aqueduct can be visited by an organised group.

Open time

Ponte 25 de Abril

 4.5/5

14824 reviews

An iron suspension bridge from the 1960s, spanning the Tagus River and connecting two urban districts. The structure is 2.22 kilometres long. It is considered one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Until 1974, the structure was named after António Salazar, but after the Red Carnation Revolution on 25 April it was renamed in honour of this significant day for Portugal.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Vasco da Gama Bridge

 4.6/5

8262 reviews

The most impressive and longest European bridge over the Tagus River, spanning 17 kilometres. The grandiose structure was erected in just 3 years, despite the incredible scale of the project. The bridge was launched on 29 March 1998. This date was not chosen by chance, as it was in 1498 that Vasco da Gama set sail on the sea route from Europe to India. The bridge was built with funds from the private company Lusoponte.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

LxWay Apartments Yellow Tram

 4.6/5

5 reviews

The narrow and uneven streets of central Lisbon are lined with tram routes that have been in service for over a hundred years. The famous yellow trams belong to the Lisbon tram network. Route 28 is particularly popular. It passes through all the historical districts of the city, makes many sharp turns and stops at very colourful places. Tram 28 is constantly packed with tourists, as many people prefer to get to know the city by travelling.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Viewpoint of Monte Agudo

 4.6/5

1969 reviews

Lisbon is spread out over rolling hills, often requiring a great deal of physical effort to get from one part of the city to another, with many stairs and slopes to climb. There are observation platforms scattered all over the city, offering magnificent views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, suspension bridges and the ocean coast. The best are Santa Lucia, Senhora do Monte, Graça, the Sun Gate and the one on Cape Roca.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM