Lisbon, the capital and the largest city of Portugal is a captivating and cosmopolitan destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for travellers of all kinds. Whether you are interested in history, art, architecture, or gastronomy, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Lisbon. Here are the top 5 things to do in Lisbon in 2024, based on popularity, beauty, and diversity.
Alfama, Lisbon
1. Explore the Alfama district
The Alfama district is the oldest and the most authentic neighbourhood in Lisbon, and one of the most picturesque and charming areas to visit in the city. The Alfama district is located on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, and is characterized by its narrow and winding streets, its colourful and tiled buildings, and its lively and friendly atmosphere. The Alfama district is also home to some of the most iconic and historic landmarks and attractions in Lisbon, such as the São Jorge Castle, a medieval fortress that offers a panoramic view of the city, the Sé Cathedral, the oldest and the most important church in the city, and the National Pantheon, a majestic monument that honours the Portuguese heroes and celebrities. The Alfama district is also the birthplace and the heart of the fado, the traditional and melancholic music of Portugal, which you can enjoy at one of the many fado houses and restaurants in the area. The Alfama district is open every day and is free to access. You can walk around the neighborhood, or take a tram, a bus, or a metro to explore its sights. You can also join a guided tour or a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Belem Tower, Lisbon
2. Visit the Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is one of the most emblematic and beautiful monuments in Lisbon and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The Belém Tower was built in the 16th century and was originally a defensive fortification and a ceremonial gateway to the city. It was also a symbol of Portuguese maritime exploration and discovery, as it was the departure point for many of the voyages that opened the world to Europe. The Belém Tower is a masterpiece of the Manueline style, a unique and ornate architectural style that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish elements. The tower features a four-story tower, a bastion, a drawbridge, and a terrace, decorated with sculptures, carvings, and motifs of maritime and religious themes. The tower also offers a stunning view of the Tagus River and the Belém district.
The Belém Tower is open every day, except on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in summer, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter. The admission fee is 6 euros for adults, and free for children under 12 and EU residents under 26. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the tower can be very crowded and the lines can be very long.
3. Enjoy the pastries and the coffee at the Pastéis de Belém
The Pastéis de Belém is the most famous and the most delicious pastry shop in Lisbon, and one of the most popular and irresistible attractions in the city. The Pastéis de Belém is located in the Belém district, near the Jerónimos Monastery, and has been making and selling the pastéis de nata, the traditional and exquisite custard tarts, since 1837. The pastéis de nata are made with a flaky and crispy pastry, filled with creamy and sweet custard, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. The pastéis de nata are best enjoyed warm and fresh, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. The Pastéis de Belém is open every day, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The price of a pastel de nata is 1.15 euros, and the price of a coffee or tea is 0.80 euros. You can buy your pastries and drinks at the counter, or sit at one of the tables in the spacious and elegant rooms. You can also watch the pastry chefs making the pastries through a glass window, and admire the azulejos, the traditional and colourful tiles, that decorate the walls.
4. Discover the art and the culture at the Gulbenkian Museum
The Gulbenkian Museum is one of the most renowned and visited art museums in Lisbon and one of the most impressive and beautiful museums in the world. The Gulbenkian Museum is located in a modern and elegant building, surrounded by a lush and serene garden, and displays the personal collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, a wealthy and philanthropic Armenian businessman who lived in Lisbon. The museum covers an area of 12,500 square meters and displays more than 6,000 works of art, from ancient times to the 20th century, with a focus on European, Islamic, and Oriental schools. The museum is famous for its collection of masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Renoir, and Rodin. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include the Egyptian Cat, a bronze statue of a cat from the 7th century BC, the Book of Hours of Zarco, a richly illuminated manuscript from the 15th century, and the Lalique Jewelry, a stunning collection of jewellery by the French designer René Lalique. The museum is open every day, except on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The admission fee is 12.50 euros for adults, and free for children under 12 and students under 18. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the museum can be very busy and the tickets can sell out fast.
5. Experience the nightlife and the fun at the Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto is the most lively and fun neighbourhood in Lisbon, and one of the most popular and attractive areas to visit in the city. The Bairro Alto is located on a hill in the centre of the city and is characterized by its narrow and steep streets, its colourful and graffiti-covered buildings, and its vibrant and friendly atmosphere. The Bairro Alto is also the centre of the nightlife and the entertainment of the city, with hundreds of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants, that cater to all tastes and moods. The Bairro Alto is also a place of culture and creativity, with many art galleries, theatres, and shops, that showcase the talent and diversity of the local artists and designers. The Bairro Alto is open every day and is free to access. You can walk around the neighborhood, or take a tram, a bus, or a metro to explore its sights. You can also join a guided tour or a pub crawl to discover the best spots and the hidden gems of the area.
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