Things to see in Lisbon
Attractions
Rua Augusta Arch
Take a lift to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch for breathtaking views over Praça do Comércio square, Sé Cathedral and São Jorge Castle. The arch was built to celebrate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake and marks the start of the central Baixa area, which bustles with shops, cafés and market stalls.
Address: Baixa, Rua Augusta, Lisbon,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 1000-2100.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
Completed in 1515, Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's most famous sights. Built to defend the River Tagus and harbour, it was the last thing intrepid seafarers saw as they sailed away to expand the Portuguese Empire. Inside is a rather average museum, so take to the terrace instead for views across the city.
Address: Belém, Avenida de Brasília, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 213 620 034
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1730 (Oct-Apr), Tues-Sun 1000-1830 (May-Sep).
Website: http://www.torrebelem.pt/enAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of St George)
Perched on the highest of Lisbon's seven hills, this castle was the royal residence until the 15th century. Its best attractions are the panoramic views from the ramparts and the beautiful gardens. See Lisbon from a different perspective through the camera obscura that provides a sweeping 360º real time view of the city.
Address: , Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 218 800 620
Opening times:
Daily 0900-2100 (Mar-Oct); daily 0900-1800 (Nov-Feb).
Website: http://castelodesaojorge.pt/enAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museu Arte Arquitetura Tecnologia (Museum for Art Architecture and Technology)
Located on the riverfront of the historic district of Belém, MAAT celebrates the intellectual ambitions and the creative means through art, architecture, and technology.
Address: Belém, Avenue Brasilia, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 210 028 130
Opening times:
Wed-Mon 1100-1900 (closed on Tue).
Website: http://www.maat.pt/enAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations)
This former Expo '98 site, which can be reached by cable car, combines shopping centres, architectural attractions, concert halls, bars, restaurants and a walkway along the River Tagus. It's also home to Torre Vasco da Gama, the sail-shaped tower, with a viewing platform, which is Lisbon's tallest building at 145m-high (476ft).
Address: , Avenida João II, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 218 949 066
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://www.portaldasnacoes.ptAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
The most impressive symbol of Portugal’s wealth during the age of discovery, this 16th century monastery is one of few surviving examples of medieval Manueline architecture, characterised by maritime motifs. It’s the resting place of Vasco da Gama, who set sail from Bélem in 1497 to discover India, and the famous Portuguese poet Luís de Camões.
Address: Belém, Praça do Império, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 213 620 034
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1730 (Oct-May), Tues-Sun 1000-1830 (May-Sep).
Website: http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/enAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Trams
Vintage trams criss-cross the jumble of city centre streets and hills. Popular Tram 28 provides insights into local life and sweeping views across the Tagus. Be prepared to queue and watch out for pickpockets. If time's short, Tram 12 is a great alternative, running through areas including Baixa and Alfama in 20 minutes.
Address: , , Lisbon,Telephone: +351 217 350 0115.
Opening times:
Daily 0600-0100.
Website: http://www.carris.pt/en/homeAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Miradouros (viewing points)
Top viewing spots include the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara at the top of the Elevador de Glória funicular, which offers views over Baixa and Castelo de São Jorge. Take Tram 28 to Miradouro de Santa Catarina to see the port and landmark Ponte 25 de Abril, which resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
Address: , , Lisbon,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
Located in the Convent of Madre de Deus, a magnificently ornate chapel built in 1509, this museum catalogues the history of Portugal's azulejos (glazed tiles). The ceramic tiles cover much of the city and this gallery has a collection that spans the art form from the 15th century to the present day.
Address: , Rua da Madre de Deus 4, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 218 100 340
Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.museudoazulejo.ptAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museu do Dinheiro (Money Museum)
Situated in the former Church of St Julian and opened in 2016, this museum explores the history of money and its relationship with society, both in Portugal and worldwide. The fun interactive museum also houses the only known archaeological remains of Lisbon's 13th-century wall, which were uncovered during the construction.
Address: , Largo de São Julião, Lisbon,Telephone: +351 213 213 240
Opening times:
Wed-Sat 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.museudodinheiro.pt/enAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Lisbon Tourism Visitors & Convention Bureau
Address: , Rua do Arsenal 21, Lisbon, 1100-038Telephone: +351 210 312 700
Opening times:
Daily 0900-2000.
Website: http://www.visitlisboa.comA fountain of knowledge, the Lisbon tourist information office staff can book hotels, restaurants and shows and prove an inspiration to first timers looking to explore the city. There are also branches at the airport, on Rua Augusta in Baixa and along Mosteiro Jerónimos in Belém.
Tourist passes
The Lisboa Card (www.askmelisboa.com) offers unlimited travel on local public transport and free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions, plus a Lisbon guide. Passes are available for 24-, 48- or 72-hours and can be bought from all tourist offices, or online.
