What if the European capital that changes how you travel isn’t the one with the biggest museums or the loudest reputation, but the one that moves to the rhythm of sunlight and sea? Portugal is a unique destination, but one still embedded thoroughly within the fabric of European history.
Whether you’re plotting your first-ever Europe trip, eyeing a long weekend with maximal flavor, traveling solo, wrangling a stroller, or working remotely with an ocean view, Lisbon fits. History buffs can trace Portugal to the Age of Discoveries, one of the first maritime empires, while the English and the Dutch were still building ships to rival the Portugese caravel.
Apart from its history, why is Lisbon appealing now? Apart from its Mediterranean climate, year-round sunshine, it’s also a destination that is comparatively less expensive than many of its European counterparts. While it is a city rooted in centuries of history, it also offers access to a cosmopolitan landscape that is sure to offer attractions for young and old alike.
In this article, we’ll provide a travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal, exploring its unique setting, history, and its enduring appeal as a tourist destination.
I. History
Lisbon’s history is a profound journey, tracing back to Phoenician and Roman settlements, and its identity was dramatically shaped during four centuries of Moorish rule until the Christian Reconquest in 1147, when it became Portugal’s capital. The city’s golden age was the Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries), during which it became the epicentre of a global empire, launching voyages by explorers like Vasco da Gama and amassing immense wealth, a legacy visible in the magnificent Manueline architecture of the Belém district’s monuments. This era abruptly ended with the catastrophic 1755 Earthquake, which necessitated the complete rebuilding of the downtown Baixa district under the Marquis of Pombal, creating the ordered city layout seen today.
II. Cultural Importance
Lisbon’s profound cultural importance is inextricably linked to its historical role as the global launchpad for the Age of Discovery, which fundamentally shaped world history, trade, and exchange. Beyond grand monuments, Lisbon’s soul resides in its cultural exports: the ubiquitous, centuries-old ceramic Azulejo tiles that tell stories on public buildings and interiors and the musical tradition of Fado. Fado, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the voice of the city’s working-class neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria, deeply expressing the Portuguese concept of saudade, or profound nostalgic longing. For the tourist, this cultural richness is best experienced by riding the historic Tram 28 past tiled facades, exploring the ancient, Fado-filled alleys of Alfama, and visiting the National Azulejo Museum and the Fado Museum.
III. Historical Sites
I. Belem Tower
The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ultimate symbol of Portugal’s pivotal role in the Age of Discovery. Built between 1514 and 1520 on an island in the Tagus River, this ornate fortification was originally a defense system and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, serving as the last sight of home for explorers like Vasco da Gama as they set sail. Architecturally, the tower is the jewel of the distinctly Portuguese Manueline style, blending Gothic elements with intricate maritime motifs like sculpted ropes, armillary spheres, and the Cross of the Order of Christ, reflecting the nation’s wealth and maritime power. Over its history, the tower has also served as a lighthouse, a customs house, and a state prison. For tourists, climbing the narrow spiral staircase leads to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
II. Jeronomios Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most spectacular monument in Lisbon’s Belém district. Commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 and funded by the wealth from the lucrative spice trade, its construction celebrated the successful return of Vasco da Gama from his pioneering voyage to India. The church also serves as a national pantheon, housing the elaborate tombs of King Manuel I, the celebrated poet Luís de Camões, and, most famously, the great explorer Vasco da Gama.
III. Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest and most important church in the city, an imposing, fortress-like monument that dominates the entrance to the historic Alfama district. Its history is a testament to Portugal’s beginnings, as its construction began in 1147 immediately after King Afonso Henriques reconquered Lisbon from the Moors, built directly on the site of the former grand mosque. The cathedral’s core is predominantly severe Romanesque in style, evident in its thick walls and twin battlement towers, though centuries of restorations—especially after the devastating 1755 earthquake—have incorporated Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements.
IV. Carmo Convent Ruins
The Carmo Convent Ruins in Lisbon stand as a breathtaking and somber monument to the city’s past, particularly the catastrophic 1755 earthquake. Founded in 1389 by the legendary Portuguese knight Nuno Álvares Pereira, the convent was once the largest and most beautiful Gothic church in Lisbon. On All Saints’ Day in 1755, the Great Earthquake caused the roof and vaulting of the main nave to collapse on the congregation below, a tragedy that came to symbolize the sheer devastation that leveled much of the city. The roofless nave, with its massive Gothic arches open to the sky, was deliberately never rebuilt, leaving a hauntingly beautiful, open-air shell that serves as a poignant memorial to the disaster.
V. Alfama and Mouraria
Alfama and Mouraria, Lisbon’s oldest and most evocative neighborhoods, offer a vital glimpse into the city’s pre-modern soul, having uniquely survived the 1755 earthquake to preserve their ancient, labyrinthine street plans. Alfama, is Lisbon’s historic heart, its name derived from the Arabic Al-hamma (hot springs), reflecting the Moorish influence that shaped its maze of narrow alleys, tiny squares, and tile-covered houses. Adjacent Mouraria (“Moorish Quarter”) was historically the designated settlement for the defeated Moors after the 1147 Christian Reconquest, and later developed into a multicultural, working-class district.
VI. Ajuda and Queluz Palaces
The Queluz National Palace, often dubbed the “Portuguese Versailles,” and the Ajuda National Palace offer a contrasting yet interconnected journey through the history and royal grandeur of Lisbon. Queluz, an exquisite 18th-century royal retreat, is a masterpiece of European Rococo and Neoclassical architecture, complete with ornate staterooms like the Throne Room and sprawling, French-style gardens featuring the famous Tiled Canal. Its role was elevated after the destruction of the old royal residence in the 1755 earthquake, serving as the official home until the royal family’s flight to Brazil in 1807. In contrast, the later, unfinished Ajuda National Palace is a grand 19th-century Neoclassical structure built on the site of the temporary wooden palace erected after the earthquake, and it served as the last official residence of the Portuguese monarchy from 1861 until the end of the monarchy in 1910.
IV. Food Recommendations
I. Dish: Pastel de Nata
Description: A small, round custard tart nestled in a fluted cup of pastry. Its surface is the hallmark: a golden-yellow custard with distinctive blistered, dark brown, or caramelized spots from being baked at an extremely high temperature.
Where To Find It: The owners of the refinery opened the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in 1837. This establishment continues to use the closely guarded original recipe, which is why their tarts are the only ones in the world allowed to be called Pastéis de Belém.
II. Dish: Bifana
Description: The Bifana includes thin slices of pork loin or cutlets that have been pounded or thinly sliced. The pork is not grilled dry; it is simmered, cooked, or sautéed directly in its flavorful marinade. The Lisbon-style Bifana, in contrast to the Porto-sytle, uses thin pork cutlets that are sautéed, allowing the simple garlic and wine marinade to soak the bread.
Where To Find It: The “O Triangulo da Ribeira,” is a favorite local spot known for its delicious and flavorful bifana. This shop also offers a version with cheese and egg.
III. Dish: Piri Piri Chicken
Description: Piri Piri Chicken is a quintessential Portuguese dish, though its origins trace back to Portugal’s former colonies in Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Angola, where the piri-piri pepper was cultivated.
The dish consists of a whole chicken, that is marinated or basted with a vibrant, flavorful, and typically spicy sauce. The sauce is centered around the piri-piri chili and usually includes a blend of ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, and herbs.
Where To Find It: The most famous and highly recommended place in the heart of Lisbon to experience authentic Piri Piri chicken is Bonjardim. It has earned the nickname Rei dos Frangos, or “King of the Chickens.”
Bonjardim offers a casual, inviting, and historic “old world throwback” atmosphere. It’s central and often busy, but the line moves quickly. It’s perfect for families, groups, or solo diners looking for a lively meal.
IV. Dish: Caldo Verde
Description: Caldo Verde, which literally translates to “Green Broth,” is Portugal’s most iconic and cherished soup. Originating from the northern Minho province, it is a humble, comforting, and hearty dish that has become a national favorite, served everywhere from upscale restaurants to late-night taverns.
Where To Find It: To experience authentic and highly-rated Caldo Verde in Lisbon, a top recommendation is A Merendeira. This establishment is famous for its soup and offers an unpretentious, traditional Portuguese dining experience.
V. Most Insta-grammable Spots
I. Location: Ascensor da Bica
Optics: The Ascensor da Bica is one of the most famous and photographed spots in Lisbon. This street is a favorite for Instagram photos, capturing the charm of Lisbon’s old trams and hilly architecture. For the best shot, try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
II. Location: Rua Nova do Carvalho
Optics: The Rua Nova do Carvalho, famously known as the Pink Street, is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Lisbon. It’s located in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood. The pink pavement, framed by colorful buildings and the iconic Arco de Cais do Sodré in the background, makes for a great photo opportunity. While it’s a nightlife hotspot, you should visit early in the morning to capture the street without crowds.
III. Location: LX Factory
Optics: The LX Factory is a popular creative and industrial hub in Lisbon, located under the 25 de Abril Bridge. This converted 19th-century fabric factory is a fantastic spot for unique, urban-style Instagram photos, particularly due to its street art, quirky installations, and the famous Ler Devagar bookstore.
IV. Location: Pena Palace in Sintra
Optics: The Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena) in Sintra is one of Portugal’s most spectacular and colorful landmarks, making it a dream location for Instagram photos. The palace is a Romanticist masterpiece, standing atop a high hill in the Sintra mountains, visible even from Lisbon on a clear day.