Lisbon was once the capital of half the world. A long time ago, but the outstanding importance of this metropolis is still evident today in the many monuments from Portugal's "Golden Age."

It is above all the special charm of this port and trading city on seven hills that captivates every visitor. The breathtaking location at the mouth of the Tagus River alone enchants everyone who visits Lisbon for the first time. A mesmerizing light bathes the city, and the melancholic sounds of Fado drift from the bars of the old town. But Lisbon has much more to offer than just music!

Lisbon - The Most Popular Sights

The port city is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Portugal, boasting universities, museums, churches, and palaces. It features unique Manueline-style buildings, especially from around 1500. These must be seen to truly understand the flair of this City of Light!

High above the city stands the Castelo de São Jorge. The imposing fortress was the residence of Christian rulers for centuries and is one of Lisbon's most beautiful buildings.

From its summit, a magnificent view opens up over the city and the bay. Another highlight is the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This sprawling Manueline-style complex, with its beautiful courtyard and well-maintained gardens, is located in the heart of the city.

After visiting these two Lisbon highlights, a ride on the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is highly recommended. This historic passenger elevator is a 45-meter-high steel structure that connects the lower town with the upper town.

Another must-see is Lisbon's iconic landmark, the 35-meter-high Belém Tower (Torre de Belém). Built in 1521 by King Manuel I, the tower served for centuries to welcome arriving ships. Later, it was used as a prison, armoury, and customs station.

The area around the harbour is also extremely charming. The pride of Lisbon is the central square, Praça do Comércio, which opens like a veranda onto the Tagus River. A lesser-known square is Praça da Figueira, where all the buses and trams converge, and where you can relax after sightseeing with some treats from the open-air market.

An adventure on two wheels – exploring by bicycle

A must-see is the Alfama district. Take the nostalgic tram line 28 up and down its steep streets. It's always impressive to see how skilfully the drivers manoeuvre through the narrow lanes of Alfama!

Of course, Lisbon can also be explored by bicycle. While this requires some effort in the hilly city, quiet corners, secluded alleyways, and magnificent viewpoints more than compensate for the exertion! Outside the city, a popular bike tour is from Lisbon to Estoril. The town also boasts a beautiful beach!

Beaches around Lisbon

Outside Lisbon, between Cascais and Estoril, a series of beaches stretch along the Atlantic coast. What would a holiday in Lisbon be without swimming or water sports?!

Besides the many cultural and culinary delights, the great thing about a holiday in Lisbon is its seaside location.

The largest and most popular beach near Lisbon is Praia de Carcavelos. It's perfect for a day trip and is equally popular with families and surfers.

Praia de Carcavelos boasts fine sand, clean water, and good infrastructure. You can reach the beaches in the region from Cais di Sodré train station. Praia Sao Pedro and Praia da Conceição in Cascais are also highly recommended.

South of Lisbon, the region around the fishing village of Costa da Caparica offers 25 kilometres of sandy beaches. A small railway, the "Transpraia," connects the beaches near the fishing village with Fonte da Telha beach at the end of the line.

Lisbon residents love to come here in the summer for swimming, windsurfing, and playing beach volleyball. Everyone can find their perfect spot on the Costa da Caparica, with lively beaches near the town as well as secluded stretches of sand further afield.

Lisbon – Experience the culinary delights of the Portuguese capital

The port city on the Tagus River is famous for its traditional fish soups, Caldeiradas, which, along with fish platters and a wide variety of tapas, are among the local specialties.

A Portuguese delicacy is salt cod, or bacalhau. During a stroll through the "white pearl of the seven hills," the following specialties are highly recommended:

First and foremost, there are the Pastéis de Belém, creamy pastries with cinnamon and sugar, a tribute to the Belém Tower.

The small custard tarts, "Pastéis de Nata," are also delicious. They have been made in a small bakery near the monastery since the 18th century.

Enjoy them with a bica, a typical Portuguese espresso, in one of the many squares, and in the evening, a glass of port!

A tip for the evening is a boat trip across the Tagus River to the Christ the King statue and to watch the lights of Lisbon.

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