8 Stunning Destinations You Need to Visit in Lisbon

Collage of iconic Lisbon landmarks and attractions, including Alfama's narrow streets, the famous yellow tram, historic churches like Sé Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, and picturesque tiled facades, ideal for a travel guide to Lisbon.

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So, you’re headed to Lisbon and you’re researching best places to visit! I’m so glad you’re here! I loved every inch of Lisbon and I’m positive you will too! It’s a great intro to European culture (if you’re new to traveling) and a short flight from the USA.

From best places for pictures, to best tourist destinations in Lisbon, I’ve got you covered. There’s a million tours to take, but after exploring, I’m hoping this small but mighty list of best places to visit in Lisbon is a great jumping off point!

Miradouro – Alfama Neighborhood Overlooks

A couple embracing on a balcony overlooking the picturesque Alfama district in Lisbon, with historic landmarks like the São Vicente de Fora Monastery and the National Pantheon visible.

Miradouro is a Portuguese word that means “viewpoint” in English. There are quite a few throughout Lisbon, but the main two Zoe and I visited are Miradouro das Portas do Sol (above) and Miradouro de Santa Luzia (below).

The views from these viewpoints are MAGNIFICENT!

If you get up super early and come to these before 9:00 AM, you’ll have them all to yourself! In my opinion, it’s THE best place to visit in Lisbon!

A couple enjoying the scenic views of the Alfama neighborhood from a tiled terrace, with traditional Portuguese blue azulejos and red rooftops in the background.

From the Santa Luzia viewpoint, you can see the breathtaking views of the town of Alfama and the Tagus River. This is where cruise ships will port!

You’ll also see walls and walls full of historic and beautiful Portuguese tiles. These are all over the city to admire, but are especially beautiful here.

A panoramic view of the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon, showcasing its iconic red-tiled rooftops, historic white buildings, and the dome of the National Pantheon under a bright blue sky.

Enjoy people watching, dreaming of what life would be like if you lived in one of the Alfama houses, and grab a bite to eat. Alfama is a small town and many of the streets connect, allowing for easy walking and exploring!

Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa Elevator, a must-see attraction in Lisbon, framed by charming 19th-century buildings and bustling city life.

The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator that goes straight up, directly in the middle of Lisbon, Portugal. It was built around 1900.

It’s neo-gothic features make this elevator look like it’s straight out of a scary movie, but in the best way possible!!

A view of Santa Justa Lift from Lisbon's cobblestone streets, showcasing intricate iron details and vibrant local surroundings.

It sits in the Baxia district, with the Rossio square being steps away. You can also shop and eat right in this area and experience a delicious pastel de nata!

Tickets are €5 to ride the lift once and you’ll get to view the city of Lisbon from 147 feet (45 meters) in the air! This is a cheap thrill that you can cross off your bucket list!

The ornate Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon, a historic neo-Gothic elevator connecting Baixa and Chiado, surrounded by classic architecture under a bright blue sky

If you’re looking for more Hidden Gems in Lisbon, check out my blog post on best shopping destinations that only the locals know about!!

Belém Tower

This beauty is the Belém Tower in Lisbon! Built in 1519, this is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites! The 500-year-old tower served as a gateway into Lisbon and for Portuguese explorers to embark on their journeys.

The iconic Belem Tower in Lisbon, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing tall against a backdrop of a sunny blue sky

It costs only $8.50 to visit, and WOW is it worth it!!

From the rooftop that overlooks the stunning waves of the Tagus River, to the descending staircase that gives you access to all of the floors, the Belém Tower is a national tourist destination that cannot be skipped!

Insider Tip: Visit before opening time to avoid the late morning crowds and enjoy more opportunities to really take in the beauty of Belém! Also, grab your tickets online beforehand to avoid the pesky lines and have the option of cancellation!

Praça do Comércio

On the riverfront of the Tagus River lays Praça do Comércio, a very popular tourist destination in Lisbon! Originally, it was built to welcome guests to town, arriving on their boats. What a relaxing space to view the harbor and set foot on land

In the center of the square there is a statue of José I, mounted on his horse Gentil. José I was the King of Portugal from 1750 to 1777, when he died.

The majestic Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio, with intricate sculptures above and a classic yellow tram passing below.

This square is ginormous in size and best to visit in the early hours of the day to avoid crowd overload. A fun activity and shopping experience lays right under this structure. Every Sunday, there is a quaint flea market where you can find books, vintage keepsakes, ceramics, music, jewelry, stamp, coins, and so much more.

A bustling marketplace under stone archways in Lisbon's Praça do Comércio. Tables are adorned with colorful handmade crafts and pottery, with visitors walking and browsing in the background under ornate hanging lanterns

Looking at all of the art and craftsmanship from these vendors gave a burst of life into the city I’ve only ever seen in Europe. Everyone is always so kind and you can find a great gift to take home for your loved ones!

I love finding the best places to shop for unique items and gifts wherever I go, so I put a list together of Best Shops In Lisbon (Hidden Gems) that will blow you away!

Let me know in the comments below if you check any of them out.

Castelo de São Jorge

A bright, sunny view of the castle's main tower and walls, with a brick arch bridge spanning a grassy area. Visitors walk along the pathway, surrounded by lush greenery.

Out of all the best places to visit in Lisbon that I’ve mentioned thus far, I highly suggest visiting the Castelo de São Jorge AKA Saint George’s Castle! From wild peacocks to medieval stone and breathtaking views, this Castle will be the center of your scrapbook, first image in your Instagram carousel, and you’ll want to go back a second time!

There are many different facets to explore in this castle, plenty of dining options, and places to relax. Whether you’re here to learn about the history or see Lisbon from a different angle, everyone can find something to enjoy here!

Castle courtyard at Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, featuring a woman in a yellow top and jeans walking on cobblestone paths surrounded by weathered stone walls with a central arched passageway, evoking medieval architecture and history.

This viewpoint has been featured all over websites, blogs, and stock photo sites. I took this picture, not knowing how famous it is! The picture seriously can’t do it justice! 🤩🤩

Exterior of Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring ancient stone walls, a fortified tower, and a cobblestone pathway leading to an arched entrance. Visitors are seen exploring the historic medieval castle, surrounded by lush greenery under a soft cloudy sky.

This tourist destination will take you hours to explore and navigate! With 11 towers you won’t find yourself getting bored. Don’t forget your walking shoes!!

A vibrant peacock with its colorful feathers fully spread standing in front of the entrance to the permanent exhibition at Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, surrounded by cobblestone pathways and visitors

The wild peacocks loved showing off, chirping very loudly, and coming up to strangers. I got all kinds of cool pictures and videos of them!

Definitely an experience I can’t say I’ll get again anywhere else!

Buying tickets online for €10 will honestly save you 30-60 minutes of your time. When we arrived to the entrance, there was a line of 100+ people waiting to buy tickets. We were able to breeze right past and scan our tickets within seconds.

Trust me!!! BUY YOUR TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME!!

Buying tickets from the site will be the best way to go for this destination, due to the fact you’ll want to really take your time and enjoy this beautiful, historic monument!! After all, it was built by Portuguese royalty in the eleventh century.

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery has become one of Lisbon’s most visited destinations due to the stunning architecture and picturesque spots!

Dating back to the 1500’s, Jerónimos Monastery took 100 years to finally be complete. Featuring work from all eras of artists, this architectural masterpiece is nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

Exterior of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, showcasing its intricate Gothic-Manueline architecture. The long stone facade features pointed arches and ornate detailing, leading to the iconic bell tower capped with a dome. A lush green lawn stretches across the foreground under a bright blue sky.

You can grab a ticket to both Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery since they’re within walking distance to each other! This building is ginormous but definitely won’t take you as long as Castelo de São Jorge.

Interior of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, showcasing intricately carved Gothic-style columns, ribbed vaulted ceilings, and golden-lit altar area, with tourists exploring the grand, historic architecture.

Lisbon Cathedral

Built in 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest and most iconic church in Lisbon. Although it looks normal-sized on your screen, trust me when I say, this church is MASSIVE in person.

It has withheld a massive earthquake in 1755 and has been rebuilt countless times. The interior is gorgeous and definitely should be added to you list of places to visit in Lisbon!

Two people stand in front of the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, sharing a warm moment. To their left, a vintage red and yellow tram adds to the charm of the cobblestone street. The cathedral’s imposing Romanesque architecture, featuring arched doorways and a large circular rose window.

With so much rich history and attention to details inside, the church now requires a small fee to enter. You can go ahead and buy the tickets online from Get Your Guide to save yourself some time.

The dress code to enter is modest and respectful in nature. They don’t want to see anyone in flip flop, beach attire, or revealing clothing. Keep this in mind as you’re roaming through the city!

The architecture and culture inside the Lisbon Cathedral is breathtaking and picturesque. This is a great tourist spot for a rainy day in Lisbon or if you’re wanting to check off a destination on your Lisbon bucket list!

Interior of the Lisbon Cathedral showcasing its Romanesque architecture, with high vaulted ceilings, rounded arches, and rows of stone columns lining the nave. The view looks down the central aisle toward the altar, illuminated by soft natural light from arched windows, creating a serene and historic atmosphere

National Tile Museum

A historical cloister with carved stone columns, intricate arches, and walls adorned with blue ceramic tiles, embodying a blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture.

Lisbon in known for the stunning Portuguese tiles that cover every inch of the city and beyond. As you walk along the streets, you’ll see all types of tiles along the buildings and pavement.

A detailed view of the interior of Lisbon's National Tile Museum, featuring intricate blue and yellow azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) with geometric patterns and an antique stone fountain embedded in the wall.

The National Tile Museum was founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor. It showcases the history or Lisbon’s tiles throughout time. The museum doesn’t hold back, from hand-crafted wood paneling to tile panels.

You can easily walk to the tile museum from the Alfama area. The Tile Museum costs under $10 to enter and you can buy a ticket on their website or from Get Your Guide.