Lisbon

From the ruins of a Moorish castle at the top of one of the city's seven hills to Visigothic walls next to charming sidewalk cafés, everywhere you go you can feel the wings of history and Lisbon's colourful past.

During Portugal's heyday, Lisbon played a major role and there are many monuments honouring explorers such as Vasco da Gama. Although Western Europe's oldest city has taken a step towards modernising its transport system, renovating its city centre and renewing its waterfront, it is Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood that is most appealing.

Suggested programme:

Day of departure:
When you land at the airport, you can easily take the metro into the centre, find your hotel and check in - then it's time to explore! There are plenty of cosy cafes and restaurants in the city where you can soak up the atmosphere of the city, which feels like Europe's answer to San Francisco with steep, winding streets that give the city a very distinctive look.

On site:
There are plenty of things to see in the city and here are several suggestions for what to do while in Lisbon!

Belém Tower and Belém neighbourhood
The Belém Tower, also known as the St Vincent Tower, is located on what was once an island in the Tejo River. The impressive four-storey tower dates from 1515 and was built to defend Lisbon from invaders and to welcome the city's friends. While in the neighbourhood, don't miss a trip to the popular Pastéis de Belém pastry shop, where you can try the special Pastel de Belém cake, which attracts people from near and far! It goes particularly well with a cup of bica (espresso).

Jeronimo Monastery
With its Gothic and Moorish influences, the Jeronimos Monastery is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Lisbon! The large complex, located in the city's riverside Belém neighbourhood, was built in the 16th century to commemorate the discoveries made by Portuguese explorers.

São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle (or St George's Castle) is one of Lisbon's oldest sights, located at the top of a hill in the Alfama neighbourhood. The city's most popular attraction is a reminder of the time when Lisbon was under Moorish rule, but was fortified centuries earlier, when the city was ruled by Romans and Visigoths. Today, the quarters are home to a museum with archaeological exhibits. Climbing the castle is a must in the city and it's easy to see why. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking!

Most of the old trams that were once the best way to get around the city are long gone, but visitors today can still take a ride on an antique tram on tram line 28. The historic 'eléctrico' takes you through the oldest sectors of the city past some of Lisbon's most popular sights and attractions. Take tram 28 to São Jorge Castle at the top of the hill for a great view!

Alfama
The Alfama district is the oldest neighbourhood in historic Lisbon and is filled with architectural landmarks that date back to the city's Moorish period, but its greatest charm is its winding streets, delicious restaurants and fado clubs, all of which help make Alfama an area not to be missed! Lago do Charariz de Dentro, filled with fado bars and clubs, is the best place to go to experience traditional Portuguese folk music.
The place is also one of the many in the area that has viewing platforms with great views of the city. For a beautiful view of Alfama and the Tejo River, head to Largo das Portas do Sol.

Santa Justa lift
Located in the centre of the city, the Santa Justa lift offers visitors a beautiful view of beautiful Lisbon. It was built in 1902 and designed by Raul Mésnier, who was inspired by the famous tower in Paris created by his colleague Gustav Eiffel. If you want to get some exercise, you can take the stairs to the top instead of the lift and get a very nice view of the Baixa neighbourhood.

Rossiot Square (Pedro IV Square)
There's no better place in Lisbon to feel the local atmosphere than at Pedro IV Square, Lisbon's most famous square, in the elegant Pombaline neighbourhood in the lower part of central Lisbon. The square has been the city's main gathering point since the Middle Ages, and was used for public executions during the Inquisition in the 16th century. Nowadays, the atmosphere is a little different and friends meet here for a drink in a café or bar before going to the National Theatre, located on the north side of the square.

Monument to the explorers
The large white stone Monument to the Explorers (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) stands like a ship with unfurled sails at the mouth of the Tejo River, a place where many of Portugal's most important expeditions began. It was built as a memorial to Infante Dom Henrique, who later became known as Prince Henry the Navigator.

Time Out Market
In 2014, Lisbon's oldest food market reopened as Time Out Market Lisboa after an extensive renovation. It has since become the city's most popular tourist attraction, with more than 3 million visitors each year coming to explore Portugal's regional cuisine. The market has 35 kiosks and several restaurants and offers everything from Azeitao sheep cheese to Arcadia chocolate and Alentejo ham. The market opens at 10am every day, making it the perfect place for a brunch or early lunch.

Cristo Rei statue
Inspired by Brazil's iconic Jesus statue, the Cristo Rei statue rises from a hill overlooking the river. The large monument was built to show gratitude to God for allowing Portugal to escape World War II.

Praca do Comercio
One of the main attractions on Lisbon's harbourfront, Praca do Comercio is a large square flanked by elegant 18th century buildings. Locals still refer to the square as Terreiro do Paco, after the courtyard of the royal palace. A monument of the king on horseback dominates the centre of the square and a triumphal arch, completed in 1873, is on the north side. Nearby hotels, shops and restaurants make this sunny spot a popular destination for those exploring Lisbon's scenic harbourfront.