What to see and do in Lisbon

about Lisbon

Lisbon is an adventure and there is much to discover.

History

Nobody knows the exact date of the birth of the city of Lisbon, it already existed in the time of the Roman emperor Julio César and was called Olissipo.

After the fall of the Roman empire, Lisbon was invaded a few times, by several peoples. For centuries, Lisbon has been looted, destroyed and rebuilt, over and over again. Its strategic position, natural shelter and fertile soils are at the top of its most attractive features.

In the seventh century, Lisbon (al-Ushbuna) was conquered by the Moors, just like most of what is now Portuguese territory. At the time, Lisbon was centered in the districts of Castelo, Mouraria and Alfama.

Almedina was the central part of the city, next to the main mosque, where the Casas d'Almedina were born.

In 844 and 966 there were attacks of Vikings to the city, all in vain. Lisbon was well protected. The Moors were able to see the boats entering the Tagus River and anticipate the attacks.

Lisbon was finally conquered in 1147 by the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques. In fact he was a vassal count of the kingdom of Leo in northern Spain, who rebelled against his mother, winning her in battle. He proclaimed himself King of Portugal and later the Pope recognized Portugal as an independent kingdom.

Riding a typical tram or elevator

Everyone speaks of the famous tram 28, but if you are not a fan of crowds we recommend the typical elevators of Bica, Lavra and Glória, or the trams 25 and 12.
Touristic or not they are typical and the locals still use them to go up and down the hills.

All buses, trams and elevators belong to the same company, Carris, so it's the same ticket.
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Eat portuguese food

If there is something fantastic about being Portuguese then this the food! There are even those who say that "food is love in Portuguese". From the famous taverns to the most fashionable restaurants there is a bit of everything in Lisbon. The neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are among the best known for finding a good restaurant or bar.
If you have doubts about choosing something for the kids you can always ask for the almost international "bitoque"! It is rare to find a place that does not have it.
If you are more interested in eating fish try the restaurants of Belém or Alcantara.
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Go on a tuk tuk

Because? Because it's super fun and an experience you will not forget.
Tuk tuks are typical of Asia, but flooded the city of Lisbon, mainly by the ease in accessing the narrow streets of the oldest areas. Along the way the driver will let you know some stories and legends about the city.

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Night out in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto, next to Largo do Chiado, is full of restaurants and bars. Whenever it does not rain people choose to stay on the street, glass in hand between one conversation and another.
Depending on the type of music or environment you like, we can recommend some bars.

If you are more interested in listening to Fado, we recommend the Mascote da Atalaia, in Bairro Alto (€€, Mondays to Thursdays at 8:00pm); or Sr. Fado, in Alfama (€€€ Wednesdays to Sundays from 8:00pm to 2:00am). For any of them it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.
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See the view from the top

Lisbon, the city of 7 hills and countless viewpoints; Graça, Portas do Sol, Santa Lúzia, São Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Catarina, etc. Do not think that just you need to visit only one, the different perspectives are what makes them so interesting.
The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Graça, for example, offers a fabulous view of the city and a silence interspersed with the tuktuks and birds of the Jardim da Cerca da Graça. There is also the small chapel of São Gens, the first bishop of Lisbon, the legend says he helps women with infertility.
Anyway, the view deserves the walk, we promise.
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Have a drink at Terreiro do Paço

After a day of climbing and descending hills, relax and have a drink in Lisbon's largest and most emblematic square. Admire the Augusta Triunfal Arch and if you still feel your legs, explore the interactive exhibit of the Lisbon Story Center, located on the eastern side, every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Lose yourself in Alfama

If you never got lost in Alfama it's because you've never been to Lisbon.
Probably the only people who do not get lost are Alfama locals ... so do not feel bad. It's normal, do not panic, always head down towards the river! Explore the narrow streets and small courtyards, smell the sardines in the charcoal and hear the fado singing. Alfama is a small village within a large city and the visit will take between 15 to 20 minutes at a minimum.
Remember that people live here, respect the place.

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Sunset in the Castle of São Jorge

The jewel of Lisbon, the Castle of St. George, is also the birthplace of the city.
All the hours are good to visit the Castle, but in the late afternoon the light of Lisbon makes the stones almost golden. There is no better end to your visiting day.
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