Lisbon Tourist Objectives | The capital of Portugal can say it has it all: lovely architecture, wonderful climate, nightlife, delicious food, but what makes it all more enjoyable are the incredibly welcoming people. That's why Lisbon is in the top of the most favourite destinations in Europe for many tourists. If you haven't explored Portugal's capital yet, we've put together a travel guide to show you what's in store!

Transport

The Lisbon airport is located approximately 8 km from the city center and you have 4 modes of transport available:

SUBWAY

price: 1-2 euros
location in the airport: terminal 1
journey time: 20 minutes

Bus

price: 2 euros
location in the airport: outside the arrivals terminal 1
journey time: 25 minutes
other details: the dimensions of the allowed luggage are 50x40x20

Aerobus

price: 4 euros/adult, 2 euros/children between 4-10 years
location in the airport: outside the arrivals terminal 1
journey time: 25 minutes

Taxi

price: 10-20 euros
location in the airport: outside the departure and arrival terminals
journey time: 15-20 minutes
other details: the price increases depending on the number and size of luggage

Public transport in Lisbon

To explore Lisbon walking can be tempting, especially since this way you can learn more about Portugal's culture. Before facing the accomplished fact, take into account the attractions you want to reach, the activities you want to do, the location of the accommodation and how energetic you are! In addition to walking around the city, you can opt for public transport. Here are your options:

SUBWAY

This is the fastest way to walk around the city. The subway runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day and there are 4 subway lines that run in different directions. I have attached a link with the subway map at the end to make it easier for you to navigate. You will see the metro stations marked with the letter "M". To travel by metro, you need a Viva Viagem card that can also be used for certain ferry routes, suburban trains, buses and trams. The card can be bought from ticket machines and costs 0.50 euros. Afterwards, this card is topped up with a ticket for 1 trip (1.50 euros) or a ticket for 1 day (between 6-10 euros, depending on the desired means of transport).

Bus

The bus (approximately 1.50 euros) allows you to reach places where you cannot reach by metro or tram (the latter having very few routes and often only in hilly areas). Buses run between 5-23 every 15-30 minutes. But there are also night buses that run only in certain main areas of the city. Use the Viva Viagem card here as well because it's cheaper than buying a ticket from the driver. And most importantly, remember that if you are alone at the bus stop, you must signal to the approaching bus driver to stop, otherwise there is a chance that he will not stop.

Lisbon Card

The Lisbon Card can help you save money, but also time, by avoiding queues. The card gives you free access to the metro, bus, tram and 35 attractions. In addition, at certain tourist attractions you have discounts between 10-50%. You have options of 24 hours (20 euros/adult and 13 euros/child between 4-15 years), 48 hours (33 euros/adult and 18 euros/child between 4-15 years) and 72 hours (42 euros/ adult and 22 euros/child between 4-15 years). I have attached a link at the end of the article where you can find all the details related to the benefits and where you can purchase the card online.

Accommodation

Lisbon is world-renowned for its welcoming hostels and villas converted into guest houses. But not anyway, you have all the comfort, the special food and the hospitality of the locals at a very high level. Prices per night start from 40 euros in guest houses, and for hotel rooms the minimum price is around 60 euros.

An accessible accommodation with double, twin rooms and for people with reduced mobility, all with their own bathroom, is Empire Lisbon Hotel. It is located 2 km from the city center and is a 10-minute walk from the metro station. Prices start from 60 euros per night and include breakfast.

What are you visiting in Lisbon? Top 10 attractions

Belem Tower, Lisbon

Belem Tower, located on a small island, is one of the most famous tourist landmarks. The beauty of this medieval tower, but also the fact that it is near the water, makes it very attractive for tourists, so if you want to visit it without crowds, it would be best to do it in the morning.

Belem Tower it is located approximately 2.5 km from the center, in the area with the same name as the tower. Tickets can be purchased from the official website (link at the end), and the cost is 6 euros/adult and free for those under 12. There is no need to print the ticket, the one on the mobile phone is accepted. The tower is closed on Mondays, and between May and September it is open between 10-18:30 and in October-April between 10-17:30. Give yourself at least an hour to visit this place. With Lisbon Card you have free access to the tower.

Sao Jorge Castle

Sao Jorge Castle is among the most spectacular attractions of the city! Dating back to the 11th century from the time of the Moors, the landscape and history of the castle will captivate you. You can visit the castle itself, the garden, important halls, exhibitions and the ruins of the former palace from the same courtyard.

Sao Jorge Castle is open between 9-21 throughout the week. Tickets start at 10 euros/adult, 5 euros/person between 13-25 years old, 8.5 euros/person with disabilities or over 65 years old, and those under 13 years old have free access. For an additional 2.5 euros, you can book a tourist guide. The castle is located in the central area of the city.

Alfama district

Alfama district it is the place where you will experience Lisbon in the most authentic way. Small and colorful houses await you on the narrow cobbled streets, but also terraces on the roofs from where you can see the streets that stretch from the hill to the valley.

Here you can admire Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a superb observation point over the city and many other buildings with special architectures. You will also find cafes where you can take a pleasant break from walking around the neighborhood.

Santa Justa lift

You cannot miss any of the most visited tourist landmarks, Santa Justa lift. Built by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard in 1902, this elevator located practically in the middle of the street, connects the lower part of the city with the upper one (Lisbon being on the hills), and many tourists go with this elevator just for a dream view.

Between the months of May and October, the elevator operates between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and in November and April between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. The price starts from 5 euros, and for the observation point from above you will pay another 1.50 euros. But once you get there, you will realize that it is a truly extraordinary place. The elevator connects Rua de Santa Justa in the Baixa district with Largo do Carmo.

April 25 bridge

April 25 bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) passes over the estuary Tajo, connecting Lisbon to the city of Almada. It is among the longest suspension bridges in Europe and an emblematic place of the city. It is located in the southern area of the Ajuda neighborhood.

A journey by boat or ferry on the Tagus it will make you realize how magnificent and vast the bridge is. At the same time, you will also see the parts of the city, worthy of admiration. Ferry trips vary between 1.30-3 euros, the most impressive routes being Belem-Trafaria (view of the Belem district and the 25 Aprilie Bridge) and Cais do Sodre-Cacilhas (view of the Baixa and Alfama districts, but also of the 25 Bridge April). Both trips cost around 1 euro and last between 10-25 minutes, but there are also longer ones with higher prices. I have attached a link at the end with the schedule and other important details.

A trip by boat is a little more expensive than by ferry, but there will be much fewer people and you can also have a tour guide. On Trip Advisor you can book the walk in advance and find offers from 25 euros per adult. Depending on the duration you prefer for this activity and the attractions you want to see from the boat, you will find various offers in the link at the end.

The Lisbon Oceanographer

The Lisbon Oceanographer is among the greatest oceanographers in all of Europe. Built on 2 floors, there are over 15,000 ocean and marine species, as well as aquatic plants. Here, 4 habitats are recreated with a precision close to reality: the North Atlantic, the temperate Pacific, tropical India and Antarctica.

oceanographer it is located in the eastern part of the city, being rather closer to the airport than to the city. The easiest way to get there is by bus (numbers 705, 725, 728, 744, 708, 750, 759, 782, 794) and get off at the Oriente East station or by metro (red line). The oceanographer is open between 10:00 and 20:00 throughout the week, the last entry being allowed at 19:00. People between 13-64 years old pay a full ticket of 19 euros, those between 3-12 years old - 13 euros, people over 65 years old - 15 euros, and those under 3 have free access. You can book tickets online and I have left you a link at the end directly to the official website. With Lisbon Card you have 15% discount on tickets.

Cathedral of Lisbon

Cathedral of Lisbon (or St. Mary Major) is the oldest church in all of Lisbon. Its construction began in the 12th century and combines various architectural styles: late Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.

Adults pay 4 euros for the ticket, and children between 7-12 years - 2 euros. The tickets include access to the Choir, the Museum, the Treasury, the Cathedral itself, but also around them. There is also an area dedicated to prayer where access is free. The cathedral is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 (November-May) and 09:30-19:00 (June-October). The cathedral is located in the Alfama district.

Eduardo VII Park

Edurado VII Park it's the breath of fresh and clean air you need after a day of walking around Lisbon's cathedrals or monuments. It is the largest park in the whole city and the alleys are laid out in mosaic style. 2 greenhouses are among the most admired attractions of the park with tropical and exotic plants. It is located north of the Principe Real district.

Pena Palace

About 30 km from Lisbon, in Sintra, is the wonderful Pena Palace. This palace, as if from a story, with its many turrets and painted in vibrant colors, is definitely a must-visit place when you go on vacation in Portugal.

You can get there by train for about 2-3 euros in 45 minutes. The palace is on a hill and you would have to climb it for about 40 minutes. Right next to the train station, you can take bus 434, dedicated in general to tourists, whose last stop is Palatul Pena. The trip will cost approximately 7 euros round trip and tickets can be purchased from the driver. We recommend that you arrive at the palace around 9 o'clock to avoid the crowds. The palace is open between 9:30-18:30, and access to the palace includes its park. Tickets vary between 14 euros/adult and 12.5 euros/person between 6-17 years old or over 65 years old. There are also packages for families of 49 euros for 2 adults and 2 young people between 6-17 years old. You can book tickets online on the Pena Palace website. (link at the end) And if you have Lisbon Card, you have a 10% discount.

The Palace of Queluz

The Palace of Queluz it was built in the 18th century in baroque, rococo and neoclassical style. It is a superb luxury royal residence with surrounding gardens that intensify the grandiose and imposing landscape.

The palace is located in the Amadora neighborhood and you can reach it by train (the most convenient way). You can take the train from the Rossio station in the Baixa district to the Queluz station, the journey lasting approximately 15 minutes. The castle and gardens are open between 9am and 6pm, and tickets vary from 8.5 euros (persons between 6-17 years or over 65 years) to 10 euros (adults between 18-64 years). There are also family packages here: 33 euros for 2 adults and 2 young people between 6-17 years old. With Lisbon Card you get 15% discount.

Portuguese food

Custard Cake

Even though it is a dessert, it is probably the most famous Portuguese dish: Custard Cake - a tart with pudding that will knock you back, based on an old recipe of over 200 years.

bacalhau

bacalhau, another specific Portuguese dish, contains cod fish, eggs, potatoes, onions, garlic and parsley. It is served with olives and in large portions, so you can share with friends or family.

Bifana sandwich and Sagres beer

A sandwich Bifana it will definitely satisfy your hunger after a walk around the city. This sandwich with pork meat in a bun with a crispy crust goes perfectly with yellow mustard and not necessarily a Sagres beer.

where do you eat

Because the culinary flavors of Portugal are so popular, definitely try the specific breakfast. visit Augusto Lisboa from the Amalfi neighborhood for tasty coffees, teas or smoothies and obviously for Sagres beer. You will find a delicious bacalhau and you even have the option to taste a completely Portuguese meal. Prices vary between 2-20 euros and there are also vegetarian or vegan options. There are other locations with delicious food for breakfast Zenith from the Principe Real area (prices between 2-12 euros) and Rooftop worlds from the Bairro Alto neighborhood. (prices between 4-20 euros)

For lunch and dinner we recommend the traditional restaurant Lisbon You are Me from the Alfama area with prices between 5-20 euros or A Talho from the Eduardo VII Park area with prices between 7-25 euros per person.

Thanks to the wonderful climate, the architecture but mainly the hospitality of the locals, Lisbon and Portugal in general is a destination that must be on your list. Castles, parks, museums and numerous other attractions make the city the choice of more than 3 million tourists annually. Below you have some links that can help you in planning your vacation!

TRANSPORT

ACCOMMODATION

https://www.booking.com/city/pt/lisbon.ro.html

LISBON CARD

https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/p/lisboa-card

TOURIST SPOTS

activity

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189158-Activities-c55-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html

https://ttsl.pt/passageiros/horarios-de-ligacoes-fluviais/partidas-trafaria/

Lisbon Tourist Attractions, What to visit - Travel Guide