Lisbon, Portugal
Top places to visit in Lisbon
6 places worth your time in Lisbon, with what each is actually like and when to go.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Photo: Daniel VILLAFRUELA . · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Manueline stonework from the age of discoveries, and the monastery where Vasco da Gama is buried.
- Where: Belém
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: Both are ticketed and both queue; go at opening and do the monastery first.
2. Alfama
Photo: Miguel Vieira [2] · CC BY 2.0 · source
The oldest quarter, which survived the 1755 earthquake — stepped lanes, laundry lines and fado houses.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Late afternoon, then stay for a fado evening
3. São Jorge Castle
Photo: Peter K Burian · CC BY 4.0 · source
A Moorish castle on the highest hill, with the widest view over the city and the Tagus.
4. Tram 28
Photo: Dr.G.Schmitz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
A working vintage tram climbing through Alfama, Graça and Estrela — public transport that happens to be a sightseeing route.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: Board at Martim Moniz for a seat, and be aware this is the single most pickpocketed vehicle in Portugal.
Watch outOrganised pickpocket teams work the crush at each stop on this line specifically.
5. LX Factory
Photo: ricardo from London · CC BY 2.0 · source
A nineteenth-century industrial complex under the bridge, now bookshops, studios and restaurants.
6. Sintra day trip
Photo: Bryn Pinzgauer · CC BY 2.0 · source
Pena Palace, the Moorish castle and Quinta da Regaleira's initiation well, forty minutes out by train.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Weekday, first train
- Tip: Buy palace tickets online before travelling; the on-site queues are the worst in the country.
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