Portugal Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Lisbon

Lisbon 

Between the  Praça Rossio and the Praça do Comércio  (on the Rua de Santa Justa), you will find the Santa Justa Elevator, a whimsical looking contraption designed by a student of the legendary Eiffel.

Take the elevator up the hill to the Convento de Carmo, which  has become the unofficial monument of the 1755 earthquake.  At the time of the earthquake, the Carmo was Lisbon’s largest church, but it was severely damaged during the event, losing its roof and some support structures. Visit its interesting, though small, archeological museum.

Further to the west (actually in the Barrio Alto but near the Carmo), you will find the church São Roque, one of the major highlights of a visit to Lisbon.

The church was damaged but not destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, so disregard the rebuilt but bland exterior and enter to see the beautiful and phenomenally expensive Chapel of St. John the Baptist. The chapel was built in Italy and shipped to Lisbon. Each of São Roque’s chapels is beautiful in one way or another and we recommend this stop highly. If you are interested, there is a small museum to visit that has several treasures, including a noted display of Baroque silver.

The Barrio Alto is known for its nightlife (Lisbon has quite a reputation as a party town), restaurants and “Fado”. For many, Fado is a difficult experience, as it is a form of music that must be “learned” to be appreciated.

Neighboring Chiado is an upscale shopping area that was severely damaged during a fire in 1988; new buildings have replaced the old and the area remains very popular.

The Castelo de  Sáo Jorge 

Sitting atop a hill in the center of the city, the Castelo de Sáo Jorge (open daily) attracts the eye of every tourist who visits Lisbon. The site of the castle has been in use since Roman times and was a fortified palace during the Caliphate of the Muslims. Today’s castle is largely an enhanced tourist attraction with little of the original buildings still extant. Regardless, it is one of Lisbon’s main attractions.

The Castelo provides a glorious, panoramic view of the city and the river. In addition, it provides a bird’s-eye view of the Alfama area, including the ability to see some of the fine gardens normally hidden behind courtyard walls. Remember, though, since you can see it from everywhere, you have to climb to the top of the hill to visit the Castelo.

The Alfama

Wander out of the Castelo and into the Alfama, the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon and one that retains much of this city’s historical character.  You will find the Alfama a neighborhood comprised of multistoried buildings combining shops and residences, red tile roofs, narrow winding passages, a blend of aromas from kitchens, and the ubiquitous, elderly Portuguese women dressed in traditional black.

Be forewarned, there are not a lot of notable tourist attractions in the Alfama. In addition, the Alfama is rough around the edges and not somewhere you want to wander at night.

Most of the time, you will be climbing hills and wandering blind since it is very easy to lose one’s way in the Alfama. However, we think you will find the Alfama enjoyable. You will find many restaurants offering local specialties and a several shops with interesting fine art for sale.

While in the area, you may want to consider visiting the Sé, Lisbon’s cathedral (open Tuesday through Saturday). It is not an outstanding or attractive building but does contain the relics of St. Vincent and other religious treasures in its sacristy, if these are of interest to you. Its cloister nicely offsets the drab interior of the Sé.

Most walks through the Alfama wind up at or along the river. If you still have some energy, follow its curve back to Baixa.

Click to continue to Belém, Estorial and Cascais.

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Best Places to Visit in Portugal