10 Best Things to Do and See in Lisbon
Exploring Lisbon on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Lisbon, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Lisbon. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Commerce Square
Praça do Comércio is one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares, opening onto the Tagus and surrounded by elegant buildings with harmonious façades. Vastly paved, it offers an open space where you can fully feel the scale of the city and its connection to the river. You’ll find arches, arcades and lively terraces, as well as an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby historic center. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, admire the views and enjoy the bright atmosphere of the Portuguese capital.
2. Belém Tower
Overlooking the mouth of the Tagus in Lisbon, Belém Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This elegant fortress, recognizable for its Manueline architecture, is admired as much for its carved façades as for its silhouette facing the river. As you explore it, you can appreciate its decorative details, balconies, turrets, and terraces, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area. Located in the Belém district, it is a must-see stop for understanding Lisbon’s historic and maritime charm.
3. Saint George’s Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking Lisbon’s historic center, Saint George’s Castle offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Tagus. This iconic site invites visitors to explore its ramparts, towers, and stone passages, while enjoying pleasant walking areas and highly prized viewpoints. You can also discover the remains of an ancient fortified complex, along with a peaceful setting where you can admire the capital’s rooftops, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the unique atmosphere of old Lisbon.
4. LX Factory
Set in a former industrial complex on the banks of the Tagus, LX Factory is one of the liveliest places in Lisbon. Visitors find a creative hub bringing together independent shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, workshops, galleries, and spaces dedicated to design and fashion. The site is appealing both for its urban, alternative vibe and for its walls covered in street art and its restored industrial structures. It is a great stop to wander around, eat, shop for something original, and enjoy a modern, cultural atmosphere.
5. Monument to the Discoveries
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is an iconic monument located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, honoring the era of Portugal’s great Age of Discovery. As you approach it, you’ll discover an imposing stone structure shaped like a caravel, decorated with statues representing several figures linked to maritime voyages. The site also offers beautiful views over the river, the Belém district, and nearby monuments. It is a popular stop for its panoramic scenery, symbolism, and role in exploring Portugal’s maritime history.
6. Hieronymites Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks and a beautiful example of Portuguese Manueline architecture. As you explore it, you discover a vast church, a finely carved cloister, and galleries with richly ornate details, where the stone seems worked like lace. The site impresses as much by its elegance as by its scale, and offers a peaceful visit, blending history, art and spirituality. Located in the Belém district, it is one of the must-see places for understanding Lisbon’s heritage.
7. Santa Luzia Viewpoint
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most charming viewpoints in Lisbon, offering beautiful views over the Alfama district, the rooftops of the old town, and the Tagus in the distance. Visitors will find a small shaded terrace, benches decorated with azulejos, and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for a break and photography. It is a popular spot to admire the winding streets of the historic center and feel the traditional character of Lisbon, with its heritage, panoramic views, and relaxed way of life.
8. Cathedral of Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon Cathedral
Santa Maria Maior Cathedral, better known as Lisbon Cathedral, is one of the most iconic religious landmarks in the Portuguese capital. Located in the Alfama district, it impresses with its fortress-like appearance, Romanesque facade, and solemn interior, where different architectural influences blend together. A visit reveals a peaceful atmosphere, chapels, a cloister, and heritage features that reflect Lisbon’s history. It is a must-see stop to appreciate both its spiritual significance and its old-world charm.
9. São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of Lisbon’s most popular viewpoints, offering panoramic views over the historic center, St. George’s Castle, and the city’s rooftops all the way to the Tagus River. Located in the Bairro Alto district, this terraced garden invites you to take a break among shaded paths, benches, and decorative azulejos. It is a lovely spot to admire the city, take photos, and enjoy Lisbon’s atmosphere, combining an urban stroll with a spectacular viewpoint.
10. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers one of Lisbon’s most open panoramas, from a hilltop in the Graça district. The view stretches across red rooftops, rolling hills, church towers, and the Tagus River, with a clear reading of Lisbon’s landscape. This viewpoint is especially valued for the sense of space it provides in the heart of a dense city. It lets visitors grasp Lisbon’s structure at a glance, between historic streets, steep slopes, and a river horizon.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
