Let's leave today in the direction of Portugal and more precisely of its capital: Lisbon. Although the largest city in the country, Lisbon remains a city on a human scale with just over 800 inhabitants. Lisbon, which is on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, at the mouth of the Tagus, is one of the most touristic in Portugal with nearly 000 million tourists a year. It is undoubtedly the beauty of the city, its emblematic districts and monuments that constantly attract more visitors.
In this article we will go visit Lisbon, we will review the essentials of the city, all its places to see, its districts to visit but also its particularities such as its gastronomy.
Summary:
- Prepare your trip to Lisbon
- Visit Lisbon: The essentials of Lisbon
- Practical tips for visiting Lisbon
- My opinion on Lisbon
Prepare your trip to Lisbon
Let's start with our traditional part devoted to preparing for your stay in Lisbon. Some information to know and some tips for a successful stay in the Portuguese capital.
- Book your flight to Lisbon
- Getting to Lisbon from the airport
- Book your accommodation
- Book your activities and visits
Book your flight to Lisbon
First step to visit Lisbon, reach the Portuguese capital from France. For that, nothing very complicated, many companies connect France to Lisbon, it is for example the case of the company Transavia which allowed me to return to the city of Nantes after my stay in Portugal.
Lisbon is accessible via a direct flight from many cities in France such as Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and of course, Paris.
On the airline side, we therefore find Transavia but also Ryanair, TAP Air-Portugal and EasyJet.
Generally, the easiest way to find the right flight is to use a flight comparator like Ulysse for example.
Compare and find the best flight to Lisbon from France See flights
Getting to Lisbon from the airport
Be aware that Lisbon airport is located very close to the city center, about 5 km away and is therefore very accessible from the center (and vice versa). You can reach the airport by taking the red metro line direction " airport ". To reach the city center, take this same line, direction « St. Sebastian ».
Another solution, just as practical, is to take the special airport shuttle that connects the latter to the city centre. For more peace of mind, you can buy your tickets online, they will only cost you €3,50.
Besides the plane, you can also reach Lisbon by train, especially if you come from Porto, where 3 hours by train will be necessary to reach the two cities. I talk about it in more detail in my article on Porto. From the station, you can reach the city center from the same metro line (the red one).
To circulate in Lisbon, you can buy the Lisboa Card which allows you to benefit from reductions on your public transport.
The Lisboa Card, what is it?The Lisboa Card is none other than the Lisbon city pass, a card to visit Lisbon at a lower price. This card, valid for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, gives you total free access to all public transport in Lisbon, as well as numerous reductions in museums, restaurants and shops. This official tourist card also gives you free access to 23 museums. A real essential for a visit to Lisbon, it will, without a doubt, quickly pay for itself. Buy the Lisbon Card
Book your accommodation
Here is a short summary of the different neighborhoods where to sleep in Lisbon. You will thus see the district which will suit you the most according to the atmosphere, its history and the places to see. We will then see some good places to sleep in Lisbon.
The Alfama: it is the oldest district, cultural and historical heart, and cradle of fado, it immerses its visitors in a bath of local culture. However, it can be difficult to stay there because it is located on the side of a hill, being therefore quite steep and practically inaccessible by transport except by tramway 28, an authentic tramway from the 1930s. one of the most beautiful hotels in Lisbon, the Santiago de Alfama.
La Baixa: located in the southwest of Alfama, the Baixa Pombalina is the most touristic district. It has the majority of tourist sites, plenty of hotels, magnificent squares and streets filled with typical little cafes. With its central location, it has easy access to transport (tramway, train, bus).
Le Chiado: in the continuity of the Baixa, the Chiado is a commercial district with multiple designer boutiques, art galleries and theatres. Its central position makes it an excellent option to discover the sights and visit Lisbon while enjoying the calm in the evening.
The Barrio Alto: among the oldest districts of Lisbon, the Barrio Alto is located on the heights. It is a working-class district ideal for immersing yourself in local life, rather calm in terms of tourism. In the evening, it turns into a lively and noisy nightlife area with its bars and nightclubs.
Bethlehem: Away from the city center, Belém will attract lovers of Portuguese architecture, history and culture with its must-see historical sites and iconic pastries, such as pastéis de nata.
Book your activities and visits
During your visit to Lisbon, some excursions will have to be booked. Depending on your desires and the time available on site, here are some of the main excursions to book during your stay in Lisbon:
- Guided tour of Lisbon in French (recommended)
- Lisboa Card (indispensable)
- Day in Sintra from Lisbon
- Cruise on the Tagus River
- Lisbon sightseeing by tourist bus
Visit Lisbon: The essentials of Lisbon
Let's now review the essential things to do and see in Lisbon. Here are some of the places that have made the reputation of this city. Visit Lisbon in 10 must-see places!
- Alfama, authentic district of Lisbon (old Lisbon)
- São Jorge Castle
- Cathedral of Sé
- Commerce Square
- Place Dom Pedro
- Santa Justa Lift
- Carmelite Convent
- Bairo Alto
- Cruise on the Tagus by sailboat
- 25 April Bridge and Pillar 7
- King Christ
- Belém
- Sintra
Alfama, authentic district of Lisbon (old Lisbon)
The Alfama is the oldest district of the city of Lisbon, it is the typical district par excellence. The Alfama district is a district that can be visited on foot. Despite the possibility of traversing it using one of the famous Lisbon Trams, and despite the cobblestones and (many) steep streets, this is, for me, the best way to visit the district of L' Alfama.
While strolling in the small streets of this district, you will not be able to miss its small bars of Fado (Portuguese traditional music) but you will also be able to benefit from the many miradouro of the district, these points of view offering you exceptional panoramas such as, for example, that of Santa Luzia.
A ride on Tram 28?Who says Lisbon, says Tramway. Indeed, who has never seen or heard of Lisbon's famous yellow trams? A real tourist attraction, the "Tram 28" is a tram from the 30s, preserved, renovated and integrated into the city's public transport network.
The route of Tram 28 describes a loop, but it is (usually) only part of this loop that interests tourists. The tram will take you to the upper districts of the city such as Baixa or Alfama, passing by Sé Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
A ticket costs 2,85 euros for one journey. The tramway is accessible with the city's unlimited public transport "day" pass at the price of 6 euros. Guided tour aboard tram 28
São Jorge Castle
The Castela São Jorge is therefore located in the center of the Alfama district, perched on the highest hill in the city. The castle was built in the 1775th century by the Wizigoths. It had various functions over the centuries and invaders. It was also partly destroyed during the earthquake of XNUMX, then renovated almost two centuries later.
The visit of the castle will take you about 2 hours to cross the few rooms of the castle, climb to the top of the walls, enjoy the gardens of the castle but also a breathtaking view of the Tagus and the 25th of April bridge. In the distance you will also see the Cristo Rei which we will talk about in more detail in a future article.
The castle opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m. between November 1 and February 28.
From 9 a.m. to 21 p.m. from March 1 to October 31.
Full price: € 8,50
Website of the Castle of Saint George.
Cathedral of Sé
Let's go down this hill on which the castle is located a few hundred meters, while remaining in the Alfama district, to head towards the Cathedral of Sé or Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa. This cathedral is the largest in the city. Moreover, it was not always one: indeed, at the time of its construction, in 1147 and for more than 200 years, this building was a church. Inside this cathedral are precious relics, including a chest that would contain the remains of Saint Vincent of Zaragoza.
Commerce Square
Let's go down the hill on which the Alfama district is located to head towards the Baixa district. Baixa is the central district of Lisbon, the most recent district since it was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. Baixa is undoubtedly the liveliest district during the day, you will find many shops, restaurants and cafes there.
One of the places that I found the most pleasant in this district is undoubtedly Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), which is always lively, especially along the Tagus, at Cais das Colunas, where singers and street dancers.
Place Dom Pedro
Let's now head to Augusta Street. You cannot miss it, this street begins under an impressive arch (Arco da Rua Augusta), visible from Commerce Square. This lively pedestrian street will take you to Dom Pedro Square (Praça Dom Pedro) nicknamed Rossio. This square was the central square of Lisbon during the Middle Ages and it is from here that the Carnation Revolution began. On this square are the national theater as well as many cafes, restaurants and shops. Not far from this square, you will find a second square, the Praça de Figueira with, in particular, the statue of Dom João I.
Santa Justa Lift
Now let's go up one of the many streets that connect Rossio to Commerce Square, for a few hundred meters until you reach Santa Justa Street. You will then come across the number 1 attraction of the Baixa district, the famous Santa Justa lift. This one is simply impressive, especially with its atypical architecture. The elevator takes you to the top of the Baixa district, where you can visit the Carmelite convent (covento do carmo).
This activity is included in the City Pass Lisbon
Carmelite Convent
The Carmelite Church was once the main church of the city of Lisbon, it was largely destroyed, like almost the whole city, by the earthquake of 1755. It is one of the few buildings left in condition. The ruins of the church can be visited, as well as the museum dedicated to it.
Bairo Alto
The Bairro Alto district is one of the most picturesque areas of the city, located on a hill. This is the alternative district of Lisbon, it has countless bars, restaurants and is renowned for its nightlife. It is in this district that the young people of Lisbon meet to enjoy the long evenings. Its geographical location, in height, will allow you to take advantage of the many mirradouro of this district.
Cruise on the Tagus by sailboat
The Tagus River cruise is one of Lisbon's must-do activities. Discover the banks of the Tagus, the April 25 bridge, contemplate Christ the King and sail to the emblematic Belèm tower and the monument of the explorers.
A sunset cruise, in a small group not to be missed.
25 April Bridge and Pillar 7
Impossible to miss the bridge of April 25! Its size, color and importance make this building an unmissable monument in Lisbon.
Started in 1962 and finished in 1966, this bridge was originally named the Salazar Bridge after the Portuguese dictator of the time until the Carnation Revolution when it changed its name to its current name: April 25 Bridge .
If you find a resemblance to the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it's normal, this bridge was built by the American Bridge company, also at the origin of the San Francisco bridge.
You will have the opportunity to take this bridge if you want to go to Almada, located just opposite Lisbon where, among other things, the famous Cristo Rei is located. This bridge is both a road and rail bridge.
It is on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the construction of the bridge that Pillar 7 or Pilar 7 is inaugurated. Pillar 7 is an experience, located in pillar number 7 of the bridge, which makes you relive the history and the construction of the bridge. The experience is interactive and ends, outdoors, with a breathtaking view of the Tagus and the surrounding area.
Entry to Pillar 7 costs €6 but is included in the Lisboa Card.
King Christ
The statue of Christ the King is an emblematic building in Lisbon. Located in the municipality of Almada, and overlooking the Tagus, it is necessary to take a car or public transport (ferry, bus) to get there.
The Patriarch of Lisbon D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira had the idea to build this building in 1949 after his visit to Rio de Janeiro.
This impressive statue rising to 110 m is a must to visit in Lisbon (price of 6 € per adult and 2,50 € for children up to 7 years old).
Belém
Located in the extreme west of Lisbon, it will take you about 25 minutes by tram (E15) to reach the center of Lisbon in the Belém district and travel the 8km that separate these two places.
Emblematic for its historical monuments, Belém is associated with navigation and Portuguese explorers with its buildings paying homage to this glorious period. It was, at the time, the district where the wealthiest inhabitants came to live. It is from this place that a large number of Portuguese explorers left, including the famous Vasco da Gama.
This district is today one of the most touristic in Lisbon, there are many places of interest not to be missed.
The Tower of Belem
First unmissable monument of Belém, the famous Tower of Belém. Built between 1514 and 1519 to guard the entrance to the port of Lisbon, the tower is 35 m high, it is a symbol of the Manueline style, characterized by an abundance of decorative motifs linked to maritime expeditions (navigation instruments, fish, anchors especially).
The tower can be visited and you can, once you have crossed the drawbridge, access the 5 floors of the building. The tower is today a kind of museum in which you can go through different rooms such as an artillery, the governor's room, the kings' room, a chapel and finally climb to the top to contemplate the view of the Tagus and the surroundings of Belèm .
The Hieronymites Monastery
The second popular building in Belém is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), also in the Manueline style. Testimony to the richness of Portuguese discoveries, it would have been built from 1502 in thanks for the return of Vasco de Gama from his first trip to India. It also hosts the tomb of the famous explorer.
Access to the church is free and access to the cloister is €10.
The Monument to the Discoveries
The most recent monument in the Belèm district, this impressive building was erected in 1960 in honor of Portuguese navigators. A monument of more than 50m in height on which appears the greatest Portuguese explorers.
The monument can be visited and it is possible to reach its summit via an elevator. The panorama from its summit is surprising.
La Fabrica Pastéis de Belém
If you go to Lisbon and you are curious to learn more about the local gastronomy, you will not miss to discover the (very) famous Pastel de Nata. A pastry that is exported more and more in our country.
Belèm is home to the most famous pastel de nata factory. In this bakery, pastel de nata (Pasteis de nata) are made in an artisanal way, respecting the traditional method of the monks of the time. A mandatory stop during a visit to Belèm.
Sintra
Reaching Sintra from Lisbon is very easy: located just 30 km away, you can get there by car or by train. From the station, a bus takes you to the hill where the famous Palácio da Pena is located. This sumptuous palace with bright colors is a must to visit. Erected at the request of King Ferdinand II, it is attached to an old monastery of which the cloister and the chapel are part.
The entrance fee is €14 for adults, you can also opt for an excursion departing from Lisbon.
Located opposite the Palácio da Pena is the Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors), built in the 8th century to watch over Sintra. The castle offers a breathtaking view of the city, and its entrance fee is XNUMX €. Combined tickets with Pena Palace also exist.
Book your Sintra tour from Lisbon. LEARN MORE
Practical tips for visiting Lisbon
How long does it take to visit Lisbon?
Although Lisbon is a capital of nearly 800 inhabitants, it is a city on a human scale. Count 000 days minimum to visit Lisbon. 3 or 4 days will give you time to enjoy the city quietly without rushing.When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
Given its geographical location, Lisbon enjoys a favorable climate almost all year round. The months from November to March are the coldest (around 15 to 18 degrees) and the rainiest. From April to October the city is pleasant to visit and even if the temperatures rise a little in July and August, the geographical situation, by the sea, allows Lisbon to be sheltered from the big heat waves that can be suffered by the inland towns.What are the essentials of a visit to Lisbon?
During your stay in Lisbon, you should not miss:- Alfama district
- Sao Jorge Castle
- Cathedral of Sé
- Commerce Square
- Santa Justa Elevator
- Belèm: its tower and its monastery
- Bairo Alto
Which travel guide to buy to visit Lisbon?
If you are looking for a guide for your visit to Lisbon, let me recommend the "Cartoville" guide from Gallimard. These guides are perfect for directing you during a city trip.Organized in neighborhoods with numerous maps, the “Cartoville” guides really stand out from their competitors by their practical and intuitive aspect. You will discover the essentials of each district, the places to eat, where to go out, etc.
My opinion on Lisbon
Lisbon is a particularly pleasant city to visit. Its rather mild climate makes it possible to visit the Portuguese capital almost all year round. Lisbon is divided into different districts, all with their own particularities and immersing you in truly different atmospheres, such as the Alfama or Bairo Alto district.
There are many things to see and do in Lisbon, and you won't be bored. It is a city that I highly recommend for a city trip of 3 to 6 days.
