Sao Jorge Castle– This is the castle you can see up on the hill while in downtown Lisbon. It was built on the highest hill as a defensive structure and if you visit on a guided tour (which I recommend) you can learn how the castle was built to stop invaders from successfully seizing the structure (it never was seized) Super interesting how the stairs were built and the walls and turns of the castle were all designed to keep invaders out.
Unsure of exactly how old this structure is, it could have been here in some form during the Iron Age around 700AD and has been used for various purposes by many different groups of people over the years. It has also been rebuilt into what you see today.
There are incredible views of the city from the top of the highest tower at the castle and you can walk around the edge of the walls as well. The grounds are pretty and there are a few very noisy peacocks that live there and are quite popular with visitors snapping photos of them. There is also a smallish museum onsite with archeological finds preserved from excavations of the area.
Se De Lisboa Cathedral– A beautiful cathedral in the Alfama neighborhood.
This cathedral itself started construction in 1147 and has been renovated over the years due to destruction from the 1755 earthquake and more. It is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon and is a must see if you are in the neighborhood or on your way to see the Sao Jorge Castle. It is believed that if you place your hands on the walls and make a wish that your wish will be granted.
Monument to the Discoveries– This monument, located in Belem on the edge of the Tagus river, was created to celebrate the age of discovery. The 15th and 16th centuries in Lisbon saw the creation of larger boats and Vasco de Gama’s sailing expedition to India opened up the spice trade in Portugal. The monument is huge and if you want you can even go to the top of the statue and look out over the city.
This is located in a square near the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem and a lot of guided tours of this area will stop here. If you are a bit hungry there are a few food trucks and pop-up type stands, including a Tex-Mex place and an Oyster bar. We had already eaten so we didn’t try any of the food here but it looked delicious. The day we visited a local was in the square singing Whitney Houston loudly for tips, and wouldn’t you know it good old Whitney got stuck in my head for the rest of the afternoon!
Praca do Comercio and Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch– The main square of Lisbon. It is located next to the Tagus River and is a large open square lined with restaurants and museums along the perimeter. Most of the restaurants here looked a little too touristy for us, however they are rated fairly well on Google. This square is interesting in that during the Portuguese inquisition they would parade prisoners here to torture and kill for the crime of not being (or being able to prove) that they were catholic. The higher your crime the worse the punishment. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the inquisition you should check out my info below on a fun tour you can take of the city to learn more of the history.
Because Lisbon is the second oldest city in Europe, there is plenty of history behind all of the buildings and churches and squares. I do recommend taking a tour of some kind because it really makes the experience of the city so much richer to know the history along with admiring the old architecture.
If you are into shopping, take a walk down Rua Augusta. The main street the starts under the large arch on the North end of the square. We unknowingly came to visit the day several large cruise ships were docked and this street was a madhouse. Way to many people for us to enjoy strolling down the path. There is however a Mantagaria bakery with the best pastel de nata that we had in Lisbon located on this street. There was a line but it moves fast. Get more than you think you need cause you will want some for later (we got the box of 6)
There are also a ton of street restaurants here with staff standing on the street with menus trying to get you to come to their restaurant. We steered clear of all of these places in favor of smaller more intimate places. It appeared to be all tourists eating at these establishments and I suspect the locals don’t visit these eateries.
Definitely a lively, bustling street to walk down, just try to avoid coming here when cruise ships are docked at port.
Shadow Tours– If you are looking for an unusual walking tour I highly recommend checking this one out. Our guide took us to various stops in the city on an hour and 45 minute walk.
The walk itself is easy and most people should be just fine doing it. We learned about the Portuguese inquisition and stopped at the various places in the city where events during the inquisition took place. Our guide was a fantastic story teller and was very enthusiastic.
Guitar Concert at St. Pauls church– This was one of my favorite activities during the evening in Lisbon. We walked over to the church of St. Paul and sat and watched an incredible guitar player. He took us around the world with various music inspired by the travels he has been on. We also heard some of his own original compositions. This is a small group activity and so it was intimate. There wasn’t a bad seat there. We are getting too old for staying out late and drinking or dancing (try Pink Street @ night for this) not that we are old, just tired 😉
Museau de Marinha– My husband a former US Marine, requested to come to this museum while were were visiting Lisbon. In fact he let me plan the whole trip as long as I included a visit to this interesting museum. Located next to the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, we spent about 2 hours looking around and reading about the Maritime history of Lisbon and Portugal. Clearly a very niche museum, you will learn all about the Portuguese Navy, Fishing, Exploration and Trade boats, with models, art and artifacts spread out leading you from the oldest dates into modern times. All the signs are in Portuguese and English, so you can read about the displays.
Although I’m not as into this subject as my husband, I found the museum interesting and informative. I do love a good historical museum.
Carmo Convent– This old convent that was ruined in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 is open to the public. You can view the walls that are still standing, and visit the small museum inside. This is such a photogenic spot.
The history of this city (Lisbon is the 2nd oldest city in all of Europe!) is so intriguing. From the moorish rule to the take over of Lisbon by the christians, exploring the world with their ships and the spice trade with Asia and Africa. At every spot you visit there is a story and a history.
I really enjoyed Lisbon as a whole and recommend coming here, I would love to come back and explore more of Portugal in the future and wouldn’t mind spending a few days in Lisbon again.
I hope you find this helpful. Check out my other Portugal posts for more information. You can also see all of my travel adventures for this year on www.Thebeckeffect.com
I hope you get out to see the world!
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