Planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal? Vibrant and full of history, the country’s capital and largest city is a true European gem. Offering a rich, flavorful cuisine and buildings of various styles, Lisbon is a dream come true for foodies and architecture buffs. There is so much to see and do there, but certain things should definitely not be missed. Here are 8 must-see attractions in Lisbon, Portugal.
1. Belem Tower
Belem Tower was erected at the height of the Portuguese Renaissance and was the point from which Portuguese explorers commonly left and returned from their voyages. Today it is one of the most visited monuments in the country.
2. Time Out Market
Time Out Markets can be found in various major cities around the world, boasting the city’s best food, as selected by Time Out critics and writers. Lisbon is home to the very first Time Out Market, which opened in 2014 and sees around 4 million visitors each year. Try the octopus hotdog from Sea Me and definitely don’t skip the pasteis de nata from Manteigaria.
3. Arco da Rua Agusto
The beautiful Arco da Rua Agusto is found adjacent to the popular Praca do Comercio. It was built as a bell tower in honor of Lisbon’s reconstruction and rebuilding after the devastating earthquake of 1755, but was turned into an arch more than 100 years later.
4. Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery is a stunning Manueline-style building that was designed by architect Diogo de Boitaca in commemoration of Vasco da Gama’s return from India. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
5. Santa Just Lift
The Santa Justa Lift is an iron elevator originally constructed to make it easy for Lisboners to travel between the downtown area and the uphill Chiado district. It is 148 feet tall and once at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city. You can also access the Carmo Convent ruins at the top and the remains of what was once the city’s greatest medieval building before the earthquake.
Insider tip: The cost to ride up and back down is 5 euros, but you can access it for free by using the elevator in Oslo, a store located across from the Lift on Rua do Carmo.
6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon is full of miradouros (viewpoints) and one of the most well-known is Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It offers scenic views of the Alfama district and the Tagus river and has a small garden full of pretty flowers. The viewpoint is located next to the Church of Santa Luzia, and both are adorned with the blue Azulejos tiles Portugal is famous for.
7. Parque Eduardo VII
Lisbon’s largest central park features picturesque box hedging and a fountain constructed from ruins created during the 1974 Carnation Revolution. One of the highlights of the park is the Estufa Fria greenhouse, which houses waterfalls, small lakes, and hundreds of tropical plant species.
8. Rossio Square
The bustling square officially named King Pedro IV Square but more commonly referred to as Rossio Square or simply The Rossio, has been a meeting place for the people of Lisbon for hundreds of years, It is surrounded by stores and cafes, some even dating as far back as the 18th Century.
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