Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. The city is full of historical buildings, monasteries, fortresses, churches and castles whose construction took several centuries and of course, museums. As a result, more and more people are coming to visit Lisbon and more and more guides are welcoming you to discover the capital of Portugal.
Before presenting you with a list of 14 things to see in Lisbon, I invite you to consult below a website specialising in guided tours of Lisbon. It is a site where you can book tours of Lisbon but also of the region which has a lot to offer. You will have to make a choice and you will certainly have to come back several times to have time to see everything.
The tours you book on this website are conducted by English speaking guides, are small group or private guided tours and can be cancelled 24 hours before the visit if you change your mind. You can also see before you book your visit to Lisbon what comments have been made by those who have gone before you, so there is no risk of being mistaken about the activities that will spice up your stay.
The Belem Tower in Lisbon
The most famous of Lisbon’s fortresses in terms of architecture is the Torre de Belém in Lisbon. The guide will teach you exciting stories about the name of the tower, its origin, its importance for the Portuguese … The tower of Belem, which dates back to the 16th century, is one of the most beautiful and exciting monuments of the Portuguese capital to visit. It was built by order of King Manuel I.
On several occasions during its existence, the Belem Tower has been used as a prison for the detention of state criminals.
Opening hours of the Belem Tower in Lisbon :
- October to April from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- May to September from 10:00 to 18:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- Closed: Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December.
Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon
At the very beginning of the site of this monastery is the small chapel of the Portuguese prince Enrique the Navigator . Despite the nickname given to him, the prince did not sail but only encouraged the development of navigation. Before leaving for India, Vasco da Gama prayed in this chapel. The year of the creation of the Monastery of Jerónimos would be 1496, the year in which the construction was authorized by the Pope of Rome.
The monastery was built for about 200 years. During this period many architects were involved in its construction. So we can see a combination of different styles. The triumphal temple of the monastery is also a pantheon containing the remains of kings and princes, queens and princesses of Portugal. The inner courtyard of the monastery, whose vegetation is subject to strict symmetrical laws, will make a great impression when you visit this Lisbon monument.
Opening hours of the Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon :
- October to May from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- May to September from 10:00 to 18:30 (last admission at 18:00)
- Closed: Mondays and 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December
Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon
Not far from the Belem tower stands a majestic sculpture in homage to the great navigators: the Lisbon Discovery Monument. It shows the shape of a large sail and the hull of a stone ship.
On this ship’s hull, a whole group of knights, scientists, captains and monks with the following standing towards the bow: Enrique de navigator. In the middle of the square under the monument you can see a huge mosaic map of the Earth. On it you will find written the names and dates of the major discoveries made by the Portuguese.
Opening hours of the Discovery Monument in Lisbon :
- Summer time (March to September): every day: 10:00 to 19:00 – Last admission: 18:30
- Winter schedule (October to February): Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Last admission: 5:30 pm
- Closing days: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
The Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon
The palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon was built in the 17th century. All its façades are covered with ceramics (Azulejos) made by craftsmen from Portugal and the Netherlands. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden that also has Azulejos. In the Kings’ Gallery, for example, you will see ceramic panels with the figures of fourteen horsemen. Above them are busts of 15 Portuguese rulers.
Despite the fact that the palace itself has become very dilapidated over time, the collection of Azulejos is still amazing. There is also a large flowered terrace with nine mythological marble sculptures in the garden. In the niches of the terrace there are ceramics with allegorical figures.
Opening hours of the Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Lisbon Museum, Palacio Pimenta
In the Lisbon Museum you can learn more about Lisbon’s glorious history. You will find a detailed exhibition on the city’s historical past from the 16th century to the present day.
Opening hours of the Lisbon Museum Palace :
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
- Closed on Mondays and holidays (1 January, 1 May and 25 December)
National Coach Museum in Lisbon
National Coach Museum in Lisbon
This museum houses a remarkable collection of carriages, five of which date from the 17th century. Embroidered with astonishing velvet and silk, these carriages are extremely luxurious.
The museum was inaugurated with the participation of the last queen of Portugal, Donna Amelia, at the end of May 1905, in the building of the Royal Arena built in the mid-18th century by the Italian architect Giacomo Azolini. The building was constructed in a neoclassical style.
Opening hours of the National Coach Museum in Lisbon :
- Open from 10am to 6pm (last access 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25 December.
São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
This majestic São Jorge Castle is considered the heart of Lisbon. The date of its foundation is located around the 2nd century BC. It is located at the top of a high hill.
During its existence it has been rebuilt many times but it was mostly modified in the Middle Ages. The tour of this citadel, whose architecture is strikingly symmetrical, is an essential part of your visit to Lisbon.
Opening hours of São Jorge Castle in Lisbon :
- From 1 November to 28 February from 9am to 6pm.
- From 1 March to 31 October from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sé Cathedral Lisbon
Sé Cathedral in Lisbon is located in the most picturesque district of the Portuguese capital, Alfama. The cathedral is considered one of the oldest religious monuments in the city. It was built in 1150 on the site of the old mosque during the reign of King Afonso Henriques of Portugal. Different architectural styles were mixed: Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic: the cathedral has constantly changed its style from the 5th century. For example, it was taken by the Visigoths in the 5th century and the Moors in the 9th century.
The arch, built in the 18th century, is inlaid with more than four thousand precious stones. The portal and the circular stained glass window are located between two toothed towers.
The Estrela Basilica in Lisbon
The Estrela Basilica in Lisbon is one of the most beautiful and majestic church structures in Portugal and Europe. It is located in Estrela, a residential area of Lisbon and was built in the eighteenth century.
During the construction of the Basilica of Estrela, two architectural styles were used: neo-gothic and baroque. The three-part facade of the basilica decorated with statues of angels is particularly impressive. The interior of the basilica is just as beautiful: not only are there paintings by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni, but also a work depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.
Opening hours of the Estrela Basilica in Lisbon: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00.
Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon
This beautiful tower is a rather peculiar lift in Lisbon. It was designed by a Portuguese engineer, Raoul Mesnier du Pons and has in its materials a little air of the Eiffel Tower.
The elevator is made of cast iron and its facades are decorated in a neo-gothic style. The Santa Justa Elevador de Lisboa has two cabins with a wooden interior. The panels of the cabins are decorated with mirrors and bronze elements.
Opening hours of the Santa Justa lift in Lisbon :
- To visit the lift: every day from 7am to 9pm.
- To use it as a means of transport: from 1 May to 31 October from 7am to 11pm and from 1 November to 30 April from 7am to 10pm.
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon
The list of Lisbon’s sights will not be complete without a visit to Lisbon’s magnificent Botanical Garden. It is perhaps considered the most romantic place in the city. Here tourists can get acquainted with quite rare and exotic plants. The garden was laid out after the earthquake of the 18th century.
Opening hours of the Lisbon Botanic Garden :
- From 9am to 6pm in winter
- From 9am to 8pm in summer
- From 10am on weekends
- Closed December 24, 25 and January 1
Lisbon Zoo
Visitors to the city, especially tourists with children, will also enjoy the zoo. There is a terrarium, an amusement park, you can watch shows with dolphins and take a small cable car that goes around the Zoo and will allow you to discover it with a little more height!
Opening hours of the Lisbon Zoo :
- From September 21st to March 20th: from 10 am to 6 pm (last entrance at 5.15 pm)
- From 21 March to 20 September: from 10am to 8pm (last entry at 6.45pm)
The Belem Tower in Lisbon
The most famous of Lisbon’s fortresses in terms of architecture is the Torre de Belém in Lisbon. The guide will teach you exciting stories about the name of the tower, its origin, its importance for the Portuguese … The tower of Belem, which dates back to the 16th century, is one of the most beautiful and exciting monuments of the Portuguese capital to visit. It was built by order of King Manuel I.
On several occasions during its existence, the Belem Tower has been used as a prison for the detention of state criminals.
Opening hours of the Belem Tower in Lisbon :
- October to April from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- May to September from 10:00 to 18:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- Closed: Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December.
Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon
At the very beginning of the site of this monastery is the small chapel of the Portuguese prince Enrique the Navigator . Despite the nickname given to him, the prince did not sail but only encouraged the development of navigation. Before leaving for India, Vasco da Gama prayed in this chapel. The year of the creation of the Monastery of Jerónimos would be 1496, the year in which the construction was authorized by the Pope of Rome.
The monastery was built for about 200 years. During this period many architects were involved in its construction. So we can see a combination of different styles. The triumphal temple of the monastery is also a pantheon containing the remains of kings and princes, queens and princesses of Portugal. The inner courtyard of the monastery, whose vegetation is subject to strict symmetrical laws, will make a great impression when you visit this Lisbon monument.
Opening hours of the Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon :
- October to May from 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- May to September from 10:00 to 18:30 (last admission at 18:00)
- Closed: Mondays and 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December
Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon
Not far from the Belem tower stands a majestic sculpture in homage to the great navigators: the Lisbon Discovery Monument. It shows the shape of a large sail and the hull of a stone ship.
On this ship’s hull, a whole group of knights, scientists, captains and monks with the following standing towards the bow: Enrique de navigator. In the middle of the square under the monument you can see a huge mosaic map of the Earth. On it you will find written the names and dates of the major discoveries made by the Portuguese.
Opening hours of the Discovery Monument in Lisbon :
- Summer time (March to September): every day: 10:00 to 19:00 – Last admission: 18:30
- Winter schedule (October to February): Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Last admission: 5:30 pm
- Closing days: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
The Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon
The palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon was built in the 17th century. All its façades are covered with ceramics (Azulejos) made by craftsmen from Portugal and the Netherlands. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden that also has Azulejos. In the Kings’ Gallery, for example, you will see ceramic panels with the figures of fourteen horsemen. Above them are busts of 15 Portuguese rulers.
Despite the fact that the palace itself has become very dilapidated over time, the collection of Azulejos is still amazing. There is also a large flowered terrace with nine mythological marble sculptures in the garden. In the niches of the terrace there are ceramics with allegorical figures.
Opening hours of the Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira in Lisbon: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Lisbon Museum, Palacio Pimenta
In the Lisbon Museum you can learn more about Lisbon’s glorious history. You will find a detailed exhibition on the city’s historical past from the 16th century to the present day.
Opening hours of the Lisbon Museum Palace :
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
- Closed on Mondays and holidays (1 January, 1 May and 25 December)
National Coach Museum in Lisbon
National Coach Museum in Lisbon
This museum houses a remarkable collection of carriages, five of which date from the 17th century. Embroidered with astonishing velvet and silk, these carriages are extremely luxurious.
The museum was inaugurated with the participation of the last queen of Portugal, Donna Amelia, at the end of May 1905, in the building of the Royal Arena built in the mid-18th century by the Italian architect Giacomo Azolini. The building was constructed in a neoclassical style.
Opening hours of the National Coach Museum in Lisbon :
- Open from 10am to 6pm (last access 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25 December.
São Jorge Castle in Lisbon
This majestic São Jorge Castle is considered the heart of Lisbon. The date of its foundation is located around the 2nd century BC. It is located at the top of a high hill.
During its existence it has been rebuilt many times but it was mostly modified in the Middle Ages. The tour of this citadel, whose architecture is strikingly symmetrical, is an essential part of your visit to Lisbon.
Opening hours of São Jorge Castle in Lisbon :
- From 1 November to 28 February from 9am to 6pm.
- From 1 March to 31 October from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sé Cathedral Lisbon
Sé Cathedral in Lisbon is located in the most picturesque district of the Portuguese capital, Alfama. The cathedral is considered one of the oldest religious monuments in the city. It was built in 1150 on the site of the old mosque during the reign of King Afonso Henriques of Portugal. Different architectural styles were mixed: Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic: the cathedral has constantly changed its style from the 5th century. For example, it was taken by the Visigoths in the 5th century and the Moors in the 9th century.
The arch, built in the 18th century, is inlaid with more than four thousand precious stones. The portal and the circular stained glass window are located between two toothed towers.
The Estrela Basilica in Lisbon
The Estrela Basilica in Lisbon is one of the most beautiful and majestic church structures in Portugal and Europe. It is located in Estrela, a residential area of Lisbon and was built in the eighteenth century.
During the construction of the Basilica of Estrela, two architectural styles were used: neo-gothic and baroque. The three-part facade of the basilica decorated with statues of angels is particularly impressive. The interior of the basilica is just as beautiful: not only are there paintings by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni, but also a work depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.
Opening hours of the Estrela Basilica in Lisbon: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00.
Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon
This beautiful tower is a rather peculiar lift in Lisbon. It was designed by a Portuguese engineer, Raoul Mesnier du Pons and has in its materials a little air of the Eiffel Tower.
The elevator is made of cast iron and its facades are decorated in a neo-gothic style. The Santa Justa Elevador de Lisboa has two cabins with a wooden interior. The panels of the cabins are decorated with mirrors and bronze elements.
Opening hours of the Santa Justa lift in Lisbon :
- To visit the lift: every day from 7am to 9pm.
- To use it as a means of transport: from 1 May to 31 October from 7am to 11pm and from 1 November to 30 April from 7am to 10pm.
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon
The list of Lisbon’s sights will not be complete without a visit to Lisbon’s magnificent Botanical Garden. It is perhaps considered the most romantic place in the city. Here tourists can get acquainted with quite rare and exotic plants. The garden was laid out after the earthquake of the 18th century.
Opening hours of the Lisbon Botanic Garden :
- From 9am to 6pm in winter
- From 9am to 8pm in summer
- From 10am on weekends
- Closed December 24, 25 and January 1
Lisbon Zoo
Visitors to the city, especially tourists with children, will also enjoy the zoo. There is a terrarium, an amusement park, you can watch shows with dolphins and take a small cable car that goes around the Zoo and will allow you to discover it with a little more height!
Opening hours of the Lisbon Zoo :
- From September 21st to March 20th: from 10 am to 6 pm (last entrance at 5.15 pm)
- From 21 March to 20 September: from 10am to 8pm (last entry at 6.45pm)
