Explore one of the most historic and most powerful cities during the ancient times and see the top 8 places to visit in Lisbon. Being the capital of the rich monarchy of Portugal, Lisbon is home to a multitude of awe-inspiring structures that tells stories of Portugal’s glory days. Despite the developments and changes that took place over the centuries, Lisbon has stayed true with its heritage, cultures, and traditions. Every tourist will enjoy all of Lisbon’s narrow cobblestone paths as well as the sprawling structures that hold that stories of the past.
Before venturing to the capital city of Portugal, you may need to secure a Schengen tourist visa to be allowed entry to this country. t is quite easy to get a Schengen Visa – all you need to do is complete the following requirements:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
Top 8 Places to Visit in Lisbon:
There are many places to see in Lisbon and tourists might just have a difficult time choosing which among these places to see. For this reason, this top 8 places to visit in Lisbon list is made to give tourists the best areas to see within the city.
Top 8: The Old Town of Portugal
Many historical events took place in Lisbon that unfortunately damaged some of the ancient structures of the city. One of these events is a strong earthquake that happened sometime in the 18th century that wrecked most of the buildings in the city. Luckily one of the unscathed areas is still very much preserved and well managed by the country’s government. This Portuguese old town is known as Alfama.
It may not be located at the center of the city but it continues to attract many tourists because of its unique style and setting. Alfama is actually proof that Portugal was once occupied by the Moors and this old town is where most of the influential Moorish families retreated to. The structures at present may not really showcase Moorish architectures but the narrow, winding alleyways and the uniquely designed terraces still show hints of the past.
While wandering the paths in this old town, make sure to visit the Fado Museum and eat in one of the hole-in-a-wall type of restaurant in the area. For easier travel, ride the city’s Tram No. 28 to avoid the crazy uphill walk to Alfama.
Top 7: Castelo de Säo Jorge
Sitting atop the hill, overlooking the famous Alfama and Tagus River, is the most visited old structure in Lisbon. Castelo de Säo Jorge is a fortification built during the Moorish reign to protect the kingdom from Christian Reconquistas. However when the Christians overthrew the Moorish kingdom, this structure became the Portuguese king’s “alcacova” or the king’s fortified residence.
Tourists continue to flock to this site to see Portugal’s glorious past and, not to mention, to gaze at the amazing view of the entire citadel and the river.
Top 6: Praça do Comercio
Another historic site that every tourist must see is Praça do Comercio. Literally translates to the “place of commerce,” this ancient town’s square was initially built and developed to spearhead trade and commerce in Lisbon. It was constructed near the Tagus River to make trading to and from the city port easy and accessible.
Unfortunately during the strong earthquake, this square was ruined. It was reconstructed soon after by a local architect named Enrique dos Santos who was commissioned by King Jose I himself. Until now, this square is graced by thousands of tourists every month which makes it worthy of being part of the top 8 places to visit in Lisbon list.
Top 5: Sé de Lisboa Catedral
Just a few paces away from Praça do Comercio is the Lisbon Cathedral. Built sometime in the 12th century, Lisbon Cathedral became the symbol of the Christian growth and power in Portugal.
Soon after the Moors have been overthrown, the new kingdom made plans of building this cathedral to be the seat of the bishop. As the construction of the entire cathedral was divided into several phases, the architectural style of the Lisbon Cathedral became a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanic.
Top 4: Igreja de Säo Vicente de Fora
From one holy structure to the next, the Monastery of Saint Vincent sits inside the famous Alfama district as the center of Christian faith. Named after the patron saint of Lisbon, St. Vincent, this church cum monastery was built in the 1500s to house the holy relics of the saint. As the name “monastery” suggests, this structure was used as a priest formation center but was eventually converted into a church.
Tourists who will visit this monastery must go inside the building and see the Baroque-style canopy over the altar as well as the large wooden sculptures of saints made by the famous Portuguese artist, Joaquim Machado de Castro.
Top 3: Elevador de Santa Justa
You might be wondering why visiting an elevator is part of the top 8 places to visit in Lisbon. Well, you must know that this century-old elevator was the primary lift of the city’s pedestrian to make the uphill walk within Baixa, the city center, a more pleasant one.
The elevator connects to different walkways or footbridges that connects to higher sections of the hill. At the top most section of the lift is a lookout platform that oversees the entire city center. In the 19th century, this elevator was powered by a steam engine and operates on coal and fuel. Now, this elevator was transformed into an electric-powered machine. Tourists can still enjoy a ride in this old elevator and see the fantastic view of Lisbon and Tagus River.
Top 2: Museo Colecção Berardo
Since you have already visited quite a number of historical landmarks within Lisbon, it is just right to see what the present popular artworks are in the city. Just a few kilometres west from the Lisbon Cathedral, Museo Colecção Berardo or the Berardo Collection Museum is an art gallery showcasing modern art pieces made by local and other European artists.
There are more than 1000 artworks permanently displayed in this museum and few hundreds on temporary exhibits. The entire collection is valued for more $450M. So if you want to see expensive art pieces sitting under one roof, then go visit this museum.
Top 1: Jardim de Belem
End your top 8 places to visit in Lisbon adventure by taking a leisure walk within the Jardim de Belem.
This several hectares of garden is the best place for a lazy picnic or an outdoor game with the family. See all the different flora in the heart of the city as well as some of the well-maintained fountains and statues sitting in every hidden corner of the garden. Spending a couple of hours in this vast greenbelt within the robust city is the perfect way to end your Lisbon adventure.
Top 8 Places to Visit in Lisbon – Prepare Agora!
Before you say “Olá Lisboa!” make sure you have prepared the necessary documents to get your Schengen tourist visa. If you plan to extend your itinerary to other European countries, it is best for you to know the different countries part of the Schengen area so you can apply for the most appropriate type of Schengen Visa. Should you need further assistance in getting a visa or itinerary, contact us through our website or our WhatsApp (+1 201-554-8735).
Enjoy your trip as you explore the top 8 places to visit in Lisbon.
