Discover Lisbon’s 9 Best Spots!

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Lately I have had a couple of people asking me for tips of Lisbon. So I thought, why not write an article about it! So here you will find my favorite spots in Lisbon, a city I have visited twice. Once with my family (2015) and the second time with a friend (2022).

What to expect in this article

1. Cristo Rei statue from Lisbon

The Cristo Rei statue in Lisbon is a popular tourist attraction (that looks like the Jezus statue in Brazil) which offers a unique perspective on the city. It is located on a hill overlooking Lisbon and the River Tagus, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. You can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean from the top, making it one of the best places to get a panoramic view of Lisbon.

And you know what is even better (or maybe I am just a stingy Dutchie), it is free to visit!
When I was standing here, I wondered if I was in Portugal, Brazil, or San Francisco, as the bridge in front of the statue is the same as in the USA.

The statue is a must-visit destination in Lisbon, offering a unique combination of religious, historical, and cultural significance.

The easiest way to reach the statue is by taxi. On the way back we did take a bus, but you have to walk a little for it.

One thing: You don’t have to start at this place, you can also end here if you want. Or go around sunset, as we did.

2. Belem tower & Padrão dos Descobrimentos

After visiting the Cristo Rei, you should go to the other side of the bridge and visit the Belem Tower. This iconic tower is a symbol of Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was built in the 16th century to commemorate Portugal’s maritime discoveries and serves as a monument to the Age of Discovery.
You can go inside, but I have never done that. I think the architecture itself is beautiful enough to pay a visit.

Same goes for Padrão dos Descobrimentos. As it is pretty close to the Belem tower, you can visit it for 5 minutes. This is also a Monument for the Portuguese Age of Discovery. One of the most famous people that you can see is Vasco da Gama.

Want to read more about Portugal?

Noshi Cute coffee garden in Porto for lunch 10

Noshi: Fun coffee garden in Porto for brunch

14 March 2022 No Comments

I fell in love with Noshi – coffee garden in Porto and after reading this blog, you might too. A hip, delicious and Instagram-worthy café in a nice area. That’s

Portugal boat Culatra. Sleeping on a boat!

Sleeping on a boat called ´Booby Blue´ in Portugal

27 February 2020 No Comments

Sleeping on a boat sounds like a dream to me! Did you ever sleep on a boat? Would you like to do it? I did it in Portugal and it

3. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos Lisbon

As you are on the side of Belem, you have to visit one of the most beautiful and impressive monuments in Lisbon, Portugal. The monastery’s architectural style is a unique blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture, which reflects the country’s maritime heritage and wealth during the Age of Discovery.

The tombs of important Portuguese figures, including Vasco da Gama, are also located in the monastery.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a stunningly beautiful and impressive monument in Lisbon that should not be missed. You can easily walk here from the Belem Tower and have some food in a restaurant nearby.

4. Pink Street of Lisbon

Once you have finished visiting one side of Lisbon, you have to go to the buzzing center. Pink Street, or (Rua Nova do Carvalho), is a popular tourist destination in Lisbon. It is a street that has been painted pink and has become a trendy spot for bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

Did you know that Pink Street used to be a red-light district? In recent years it has undergone a transformation and has become a trendy spot and a famous umbrella street. Umbrella streets are popping up in more and more cities, and Lisbon is not staying behind. It might be a bit crowded, as many people want to visit this street, but it is fun to walk through.

5. Praça do Comércio in Lisbon

If you have not been to Praça do Comércio, you have not visited Lisbon. Also, you can’t miss it, if you stroll through the center and check out the famous Santa Justa lift.

It is a central point of the city’s history, culture, and commerce (comercío) for centuries. The square is located at the heart of the city, right by the Tagus River. It is surrounded by beautiful 18th-century buildings and has a large marble statue at its center. You can chill by the water and even see the Cristo Rei statue and the famous bridge.

Do you know the square was heavily impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755?
After the earthquake, a massive reconstruction effort was launched to rebuild the city, including Praça do Comércio. The square was redesigned in a neoclassical style and became a symbol of Lisbon’s recovery and rebirth.

6. Castelo de São Jorge of Lisbon

One of my favorite places to have an amazing view over Lisbon (next to the Cristo Rei statue) is the São Jorge Castle.

Castelo de São Jorge, or St. George’s Castle, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lisbon.

The castle has a rich history, dating back to the 6th century when it was originally a Visigothic fortification. It was later taken by the Moors in the 8th century and became an important defensive structure in the region.
In the 12th century, the castle was conquered by Christian forces and became the royal residence of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Over the centuries, the castle underwent many changes and was also used as a military prison in the 20th century.

In addition, Castelo de São Jorge is also known for its beautiful gardens, with many peacocks roaming the garden.

7. Tram 28 through Lisbon

Once upon a time, in the sun-kissed city of Lisbon, a legendary tram called Tram 28 embarked on a magical journey through time and culture. It was no ordinary tram; it was a storyteller, a portal to the heart and soul of the city.

Step onto Tram28 and be transported through winding streets, where history comes alive with each sway and rattle.

Traverse steep hills and narrow alleys, passing colorful façades and hidden squares. Tram 28 unveils the city’s hidden gems, from the enchanting Alfama district to the majestic São Jorge Castle. It also carries you through Baixa, where resilience and revival intertwine. Let Tram 28 be your guide, as it spins tales of Lisbon’s past and present, igniting your imagination and leaving you with cherished memories of this captivating city.

I hope this little romantic story will be as romantic as the tram28 going through Lisbon.

8. Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro de Santa Luzia en Mirodouro das Portas de Sol

These are just 3 out of the many viewpoints in Lisbon. The city is very hilly and you can see the gorgeous view of the city and the sea from many places in the metropolis. One of my favorites is also Observation Deck Park Eduardo VII. The picture below is from when I was a kid, stunning right!?

9. Street art in Lisbon

You might not expect it, but there is a lot of street art in Lisbon. It is in many places in and outside the center. Even when we were lost near the sea toward Belem Tower we came across some really cool street art of a rabbit. So go on a journey through the city and find the best pieces. I am sharing two of my favorites in the picture below. The first one is nice because it is apparently a famous Fado singer.

Some more tips for visiting Lisbon

We visited Lisbon in January and it was a great decision. There are generally fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. This means shorter lines at popular attractions. The first time I visited Lisbon it was hard to get a good picture of the Belem Tower, but now we had the place to ourselves and made some really good pictures.
Lisbon has become popular for electric scooter/step rentals, with companies like Bolt offering scooter-sharing services. Using an electric scooter can be a convenient and fun way to get around the city, especially for shorter distances. When we downloaded the app we had an offer of using the scooter all day for only 10 euros. Not bad! Only: make sure that you are driving in the indicated zones in the app, we didn’t, which is why our step stopped working and we had to walk a little.

Lisbon is made up of several vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. Take the time to explore different areas such as Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Belém to experience the local culture, architecture, and cuisine. It really all is a bit different.
Don’t forget to check out my other tips about Portugal here!

Complete Algarve in just one weekend!?

Don’t miss trying Portugal’s famous pastry, the Pastel de Nata. These delicious custard tarts can be found in many bakeries and cafes throughout the city, and they make for a delightful treat during your visit
Experience the soulful and melancholic Fado music, which is an essential part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage. Visit a traditional Fado house in neighborhoods like Alfama to enjoy live performances and immerse yourself in this unique musical style.
Lastly, try to visit Sintra or Cascais. These are both not too far away, but a perfect day trip. Cascais for its beach and chill vibes and Sintra for the beautiful palaces and castles. I would love to return here one day, as I was a kid when I last visited this place.