The capital of Portugal is a very bustling metropole rich in history, diversity and culture. From the little cute decades-old trams to the sprawling African Moorish rulers Sao George Castle and the historical Alfama old town, to the Tagus River, Lisbon is a city very well worth of exploring. After my first visit there, here’s to my top 10 picks:
1. Säo Jorge Castle – Castelo de Säo Jorge
This is a Moorish castle largely built by the North African Berber Moorish rulers in Lisbon. It has the best views over all of Lisbon and can be seen from most everywhere in town. It’s the most visited monument here attracting more than 1.8m visitors in 2017, hence, a must visit in Lisbon.
2. Commerce Square – Praça do Commércio
Overlooking the Tagus river, this is Lisbon’s main square built to commemorate the reconstruction of the city having been almost entirely destroyed by a great earthquake of 1755. The site used to used to be a Royal Palace.
3. The Elevador de Santa Justa
Termed by some as the most beautiful lift on the planet, it was built in 1902 to connect lower Lisbon to Bairro Alta on the hilltop. Standing 147ft tall, it offers some of the most sweeping views in town and it’s one of the city’s most beloved and most visited landmarks.
4. Alfama District
From the 8th to 15th century when the Berbers and the Moors from Mali, Niger, Morocco, Algeria and other North African states under their leader Tariq ibn-Ziyad conquered and ruled several parts of Europe including Portugal, Spain and Italy, they built the Alfama district and gave it this name. It is today the Lisbon equivalent of the ”old town” and ultimately the most beautiful and most historical area of the city.
5. Padrão dos Descobrimentos: A Monument to the Age of Discovery
Standing beside the Tagus River waterfront and resembling the ships commanded by Portugeese explorers in the 15th century, the landmark was errected in 1960 to honor the success of Portugeese exploration during the Age of Discovery. Spot the statues of Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator as you walk around.
6. Jerónimos Monastry
The stunning architectural landmark was commissioned in 1501 to honor Vasco da Gama’s 1498 voyage to India and back, also called the Portugal’s ”Age of Discovery.” da Gama’s tomb also lies here.
7. Tram 28: Don’t leave town without riding it!
It’s one of the worst kept secrets in town. But this is not your average tram. In this very coveted ride, you get to pass through decades of history along some of the most breathtaking sites like castles, palaces and the Alfama district. Some of its pathway streets are so narrow that you wonder if it shall pass through.
8. The Bélem Tower
Built in the 15th century, it used to be a symbol of Portugal in its time. As a defence outpost on the Tagus river and a symbol of Portugeese universal might in the days gone, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
9. Relish the Red Skyline
Find a rooftop café or restaurant, grab a drink and enjoy the red topped skyline of Lisbon. There are not many recognizable skyscrappers here but the amazing architecture especially when observed from the top is stunning.
10. Walk the narrow winding streets
With or without too much time here, they are lovely to walk and admire the architecture along the way. Note the green and red flag on the top of the hill, it’s the Sao Jorge Castle – arguably the most famous attraction in town.
