Lisbon Sights and Landmarks Guide, Portugal

Lisbon is a city full of sights including parks and gardens to museums and centuries-old castles, belvederes and towers to modern-day stations. You will need to plan out your tour-itinerary well in advance so that you do not get lost amidst the Lisbon sights. Here we are attempting to categorize the sights district-wise so that you can have a great viewing of the Lisbon sights.

Lisbon Sights In The Alfama District

The oldest district of Lisbon, Alfama, dating back to the 1100s has not been much affected by the destructive earthquake of 1755. The star-attraction in this district is the Castle of São Jorge, which stands on Lisbon’s highest hilltop. Dedicated to the warrior-saint, St George, the fortress is a National Monument. Other Lisbon sights in the Alfama district are the Church of Santo António, Largo das Portas ao Sol, Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, Santa Luzia Belvedere and the Lisbon Cathedral. (The Lisbon Cathedral has the remains of Lisbon’s patron saint, St Vincent).

Lisbon Sights In The Belem District

Belem is essentially a historic district and its connection with the Age of Discovery is widely known. The Belem Tower (or Torre de Belem) is undoubtedly the most famous of Belem’s tourist attractions. Built in the 16th century, the tower is a fortified lighthouse standing at the Belem port. The other important structure is the Jerónimos Monastery, the resting place where Vasco da Gama’s body has been entombed. Then, there is the 18th century-built Belem Palace; this former royal palace is now the official residence of the Portuguese President. The 20th century-built Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) honors the Portuguese explorers of the bygone centuries. Get a feel of contemporary Portuguese architecture at the Belem Cultural Centre. Being historically important, Belem also has a number of museums like the Museu de Arqueologia, Museu de Arte Popular, Museu dos Coches, Museu da Marinha and a host of other museums.

Lisbon Sights In The Chiado District

With cafes and galleries dotting the area, Chiado is certainly the most progressive area of Lisbon. You will also find a few religious structures in the area such as the Basilica dos Mártires, Church of Nossa Senhora do Loreto and Church of Corpo Santo. The Jesuit church, Igreja de São Roque is also located in Chiado. The Museu do Chiado has extraordinary collection of modern art.

Lisbon Sights In The Estrela District

The chief attraction in the Estrela district is the Basilica de Estrela, which is an excellent blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles.

Lisbon Sights In Pombalina Baixa

Pombalina Baixa or Baixa is Lisbon’s city center. Built after the 1755 earthquake, the Baixa comprises grids of streets. Must-see sights in the downtown area are historically significant squares like the Figueira Square, the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), Restauradores Square and the Rossio Square. There are two churches in the Baixa area - Church of São Domingos and Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha. The façade of the latter church is an excellent illustration of Manueline architectural style. Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon’s only vertical elevator decorated in neo-gothic style too is worth visiting.

We have named almost all the Lisbon-city districts, except Bairro Alto. Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s oldest districts, is now known as the city’s entertainment hub. With its many nightclubs and bars, it is indeed hard for anyone to resist the temptation of Bairro Alto’s nightlife. Bairro also has a strong music-scene.

Lisbon’s transportation hubs like the Gare do Oriente and its rather unusual means of transport are no less captivating. So, when you go to Lisbon do make it a point to take a few funicular rides. And for a green, healing touch, visit Lisbon sights such as Jardim de Belém, Jardim da Fundaçao Calouste Gulbenkian, Jardim de S. Pedro de Alcântara, Jardim da Praça do Império, Parque Eduardo VII, Tapada das Necessidades and other nearby parks and gardens.

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• The Belem Tower
  travel tip by marius_f posted more then 30 days ago
  
• Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon
  travel tip by athenalove posted more then 30 days ago
  In 1903 the British monarch, Edward VII visited Lisbon, on a reassurance of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance, and after his visit, the park (originally called Liberty Park) has been renamed after the monarch. The place comprises at least...
• Belem
  travel tip by zangazanga posted more then 30 days ago
  This bastion and tower are some kind of a symbol of the whole city. It is 50 m high and commemorates those Portuguese people who took part in the great discoveries throughout the history. It celebrates explorers like Prince Henry the...

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