Seven Delightful Attractions To Explore In Lisbon

If there is one thing I will never forget about Lisbon is how colourful the city is. Every corner, every street is a splash of bright hues, and it sometimes feels like a place straight out of a renaissance painting. As such is is not surprise that this one of Europe’s most popular city’s with travellers of all ages, and that the delightful attractions to explore in the Lisbon only further bring out its beauty.

The vibrant Portuguese city effortlessly blends traditional heritage, with striking modernism, and as a holiday destination, Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, buzzing nightlife and is blessed with a glorious coastline. 

The best part (at least from a student’s point of view) is that Lisbon also happens to be one of Europe’s least expensive capitals. 

Travel and Accommodation In Lisbon 

Travelling to Lisbon is incredibly inexpensive if you travel in the off season. If you want to make the trip in the summer, make sure you avoid bank holiday weekends and book your tickets at least 3 months in advance. Within Lisbon, its well worth investing in a Lisboa Card for discounts on local transport and attractions.

Like every big city, Lisbon has a great selection of hotels, but you can also find incredible apartments on Airbnb that provide an authentic stay in some of the most beautiful parts of the city. Whatever style you choose, just make sure to find accommodation that is well connected to tram or train lines; otherwise, you’ll be walking long, winding routes for no reason.

• Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
• TURIM Boulevard Hotel

If staying in Lisbon for the weekend seems too short, why not extend your trip by investing in Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa? It’s the perfect way to spend more time here and explore other regions in the country.

Seven Beautiful Attractions In Lisbon  

Alfama District

The iconic Alfama District is Lisbon’s version of the old town centres of other ancient Europeans capitals. It hails from the oldest part of the city and back to the Moors of Africa. Exploring the narrow, twisting alleys is often a favoured activity for many visitors, not only because it feels as though you have stepped back in time, but because of the Lisbon Cathedral, tile-fronted chapels and incredible panoramic views. Added to this already incredible list, is the St George’s Castle which is a 2000 years old structure that stands tall above the streets of the old Alfama district. There is doubt in my mind that this is the most important attractions to explore in Lisbon.

Livraria Bertrand

Livraris Bertrand is the oldest operating bookstore in the world, and a paradise for any bookworm that finds themselves in this city. The original bookshop was destroyed by the great Lisbon Earthquake of 1775, but despite this tragedy, it was rebuilt at Capela de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades and then re-established in Rua Garrett, where it still stands today as a beautiful tourist attraction.

The Municipality of Sintra

Sintra is a charming place situated around 30 minutes outside of Lisbon within the cooling hills of the Serra de Sintra. The magnificent town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular attraction for its elegant churches, mansions and grand palaces, all which were home to former Portuguese kings and queens.

The Palacio Nacional de Pena is the highlight of Sintra for its brightly coloured walls and whimsical nature is one that stands out amongst majestic pine forest. The palace is one of the best attractions to explore while in Lisbon, but getting to the castle itself is just as fun. The fantastic hike offers great views and lush routes, that make the journey to the top all the more rewarding.

However, if you wish to avoid the walk, you can also drive up to the palace.

Praça do Comércio 

The town square, which displays fascinating Portuguese history, is another part of the city that was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and was remodelled as part of the rebuilding of Baixa Pombalina neighbourhood, as ordered by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal. With three sides surrounded by distinct yellow Pombaline-style buildings, grand statues and arches, and waterfront views of the Tagus River, it is picture-perfect plaza and harbour allows for mindless wandering.

National Tile Museum and Ceramic Shops

Lisbon’s tiled facades are famous on all over social media, but there’s more to the city’s ceramic history than patterned house-fronts. Portugal is rich in clay, and has been making ceramics for centuries so visit Cerâmicas na Linha and the National Tile Museum, to shop learn more about this luxurious art form.

Cabo da Roca 

Cabo da Roca is a cape forming the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range, mainland Portugal and the Eurasian landmass. This a great place to watch the sunset during the summer months. 

Belém Tower 

The 16^th-century fortification served as a point of embarkment for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Exploration and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Lying on the banks of the Tagus River in all its limestone glory, this famous landmark of Portugal is popular with tourist for photo ops and visitors can also climb its narrow set of stairs for panoramic views of the seascape ahead.

Average Cost For Three Days In Lisbon Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £120

Accommodation: £80 (£160 per double)

Attractions: £30

Food and amenities: £100

Keep In Mind

Many of the attractions to explore in Lisbon are in close proximity to one another, so I highly recommend participating in a walking tour of Lisbon. Within two hours, you can see most sites with a knowledgeable guide and learn the history of the city as well as the places you may want to revisit if you have the time. 

Practical Information About Lisbon

Location: Portugal, Southern Europe 

National Languages: Portuguese

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Spain