12 Things To Do In Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon Portugal is a vibrant European City with a rich history and numerous sights to entice visitors from around the world. Here is a list of must-see places if you get the opportunity to visit:

1. Look Down the Portuguese Pavement

The first thing to see in Lisbon is as easy as watching your step. Some of the most amazing artwork in Lisbon is actually in the intricate designs on the sidewalks throughout the city.

The black and white designs, made with basalt and limestone, are constructed in an extremely labor-intensive process by Portuguese craftsmen (calceteiros). Unfortunately, there are few new apprentices to take on the skill due to the low pay they receive for their work.

Also, be aware that the shiny stones can become extremely slippery when wet.

 

 

2. Check Out the Castle

Set on top of one of the famous 7 hills of Lisbon is the Castle of Sao Jorge (Castelo de Sí£o Jorge). Some of the interior reportedly dates back to the sixth century. And since it is on top of Lisbon’s highest hill, the views are also some of the city’s best.

3. Enjoy the Vibe of Bairro Alto

During the day you can see remnants of the parties that occurred during the evening before. The nightly fest starts about 11:00 p.m. and rolls down the hill to clubs that continue on until 5:00 a.m. the next day.

The bars there are very small so much of the jovial party takes place in the narrow streets where you can hear the lamenting fado music playing in the background.

4. How About Some Wine Tasting in Lisbon?

Need a break from walking up and down those hills? Grab a seat at the Castilo Wine Bar where you will get an education about each of the wine-growing regions in Portugal.

After getting an idea of what types of wine you enjoy, you will be offered a tasting of two wines before making your choice. Then sip away and enjoy one of their charcuterie plates featuring local cheese, cured meats, olives, and jams.

5. Take in the View

There are several miradouros (view points) throughout Lisbon where you can enjoy a view of the red-roofed buildings and the Tagus River. To get there, you can hike up the hills, ride the cable car, or take a colorful tuk-tuk. Any choice is an adventure in itself.

 

 

6. See the Church Without a Roof (Carmo Convent)

The ancient church remains a tribute to the people who died there during the massive earthquake in 1755. The quake and subsequent tsunami occurred during a holy day, All Saints Day.

Had many been in their homes rather than in massive churches their lives may have been spared. Stories report that the 8.5 – 9.0 quake lasted anywhere from 6 to 9 minutes.

Besides damage to buildings, there were fires throughout the city, much of them the result of candles burning in the homes of Christians while they were worshiping in church. Homes of non-Christians were not damaged to the same extent, shaking the faith of the nation at the time.

They questioned, “why God would spare the brothels and not the churches?” The city that had been reputed as wealthiest and most beautiful in Europe was on its knees for years afterward, and this church is a reminder of that terrible time.

7. Try Your Luck

On the Largo Trindade Coelho Square you will find the bronze statue of a man holding a ticket. The bronze statue is actually giving a nod to lottery ticket vendors, who still roam the streets shouting out their offer to provide you with a ticket to your potential fortune. 

You can see the ticket in his hand is the shiniest part of the statue, from people going by and rubbing it for luck. Go ahead and give it a try – you never know.

 

8. See the Most Expensive Chapel in Europe

Next to the statue of the lottery vendor is a church with an unassuming exterior. But set foot inside Sao Roque and you will be rewarded with an astonishing beautiful church with gold colored fixtures adorned with precious stones and bright paintings.

The church was built in 1574 and spared by the earthquake in 1755. The chapel to the left of the altar, a shrine to St. John the Baptist, is the most elaborate and is reputed as “the most expensive chapel in Europe.” It was built in Rome and transported using 3 ships to Portugal in the 18th century.

 

9. Enjoy Some Alfresco Dining

There are restaurants that spill out onto the street around every corner. Some popular choices are in the Alfama neighborhood, Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque.

The restaurants there are known for their specialty of grilled fish. You can dine there next to the Casa Dos Bico with its interesting pointed stone exterior.

10. Stroll Through Parque Eduardo VII

This free park runs through the city center. The park stretches up a hill and features a box hedge pattern in the middle surrounded by large sidewalks on either side in the characteristic black and white mosaic pattern.

And don’t miss the stunning view of the Tagus River from the top.

11. Visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

This impressive museum displays a portion of the impressive private collection of Calouste Gilbenkian, who during his lifetime was one of the world’s wealthiest men.

Upon his passing in 1955 the art collection was given to a trust that now display the sculptures, paintings, pottery, silver and other items that he amassed.

The grounds on which the museum sits are also impressive. Its ponds and landscaped walkways are a favorite place for people to come and relax in the shade.

12. Seek Out the Exotic Tiled Buildings

It shouldn’t be difficult, the tiles (azulejos) are iconic in Portugal. They first came into use in the 1500s as a way to show off wealth. What could be more decadent than adoring the entire exterior of your home with imported tile?

The technique of glazing tiles originated in Egypt but was embraced by the Portuguese, who remain dedicated to their use as you can easily see while wandering the streets. You could even think about buying a house in Portugal yourself.

These sites and others are accessible by taking a walking tour of Lisbon, riding on the double-decker hop on hop off buses, or doing a self-tour by taking the metro.

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