Lisbon's Landmarks: What to See & Do in Portugal's Capital

Belem Tower

Built in the early 1500s, this stunning example of Manueline architecture was designed to protect Lisbon from enemy attackers and served as a ceremonial embarkation point for adventurous souls during the Age of Exploration. Spend some time following the spiral staircases to see the various levels, each designed for a different purpose. On the south facade of the tower, there is a large balcony, the loggia, which was used for various court celebrations. I highly recommend some time sitting in one of the turrets adjoining the courtyard, listening to the wind bluster and the water lapping. A moment of pure serenity.

Jeronimos Monastery

Located very close to the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery is another monolith of Manueline architecture and one of Lisbon’s most important sites. The name harkens to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome who used to inhabit the monument. It is also the resting place for one of Portugal’s most famous historical figures, Vasco de Gama. The building is awe-inducing with intricate stonework everywhere. No matter what time of day you go, there will be a line, as the number of tourists in the space at any given time is tightly controlled. I highly recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to opening time to secure quick entry.

LX Factory

Housed in a former factory, this industrial complex is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and offices. Street art seems to occupy every available inch of space and is an aesthetic delight. Be sure to check out Ler Devagar, a bookstore with an Escheresque floor plan filled with pockets of surprises.

Miradouros

A hilly city like Lisbon is filled with steep streets and marvelous views. These miradouros, or viewpoints, are like confetti—sprinkled throughout the city, adding sparkle. Save them on a Google Map and search for nearby ones whenever you’re sightseeing. Some of my favorites include the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Located in the Alfama neighborhood, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the most popular ones in the city. If you want to avoid lots of other tourists, get here early. The nearby area is filled with restaurants where you can stop and have a bite to eat. Then, walk to the nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which features beautiful azulejo tiles and a stunning garden.

National Tile Museum

Housed in a former convent, this museum is dedicated to one of Portugal’s most important cultural artifacts, the azulejo. These decorated tiles have occupied an important place in Portuguese society since the 15th century. The museum guides the visitor through the history of these tiles from the 15th century to the present day. The translated English signs leave something to be desired; there is an audio guide, but the Wi-Fi in the building is spotty. I recommend checking the day before to see if you can download the guide before your visit!

Castelo de São Jorge

Situated on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, this 11th-century castle provides incredible views of Lisbon. Buying tickets online saves you the hassle of waiting in line and is highly recommended.

Tram 28

These vintage tram cars have become one of Lisbon’s most renowned attractions. They are also still operational modes of transportation and can be used to explore some of Lisbon’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

MAAT

In a city filled with museums, MAAT (the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) is a favorite. Located right along the water, the building the museum is housed in is as noteworthy as the exhibits contained within, with a distinctive curved shape that stops visitors in their tracks. Plan to spend a few hours here.

Feira de Ladra

Held every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara, behind the monastery of São Vicente de Fora, this is Lisbon’s most famous flea market. Plan for extra space in your luggage and get your souvenirs here.

Llivaria Bertrand

Recognized as the oldest bookstore in the world, Llivaria Bertrand has been selling books continuously since 1272. Frequently found on lists of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, this shop is a bibliophile’s dream.

Pastéis de Belém

Since 1873, this family-run company has been cranking out the famous pastel de nata egg tarts. The lore is that these treats were first baked at the Jeronimos Monastery down the road until 1843, when the monastery was closed. A former monk then moved into a sugar refinery down the road, and Pastéis de Belém was born! Today, the shop cranks out nearly 20,000 of these tarts a day. Come early to avoid a long line and get them fresh out of the oven.

Time Out Market

When I was in Lisbon traveling solo, this was one of my favorite spots to go. Curated by Time Out Magazine, the market houses stalls for 26 different restaurants, eight bars, and a variety of stores. I liked being able to try multiple restaurants each time I went and getting a bird’s-eye view of the Lisbon culinary scene. Note that they don’t take cash, so make sure you have a credit or debit card handy.

Pastelaria Versailles

Open since 1922, this Art Nouveau café’s scenery is nearly as beautiful as the pastries are tasty.

Zé da Mouraria

A great place to try classic Portuguese fare. Meat and seafood are the main options here, and the portions are large. This place is only open for lunch and closed on Sundays, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Taberna da Rua das Flores

Housed in an old grocery store, this dozen-table restaurant is a classic Portuguese tavern where decor is left minimal to let the food shine. With no reservations and a dedicated following, be prepared to wait; it’ll be worth it.