Lisbon bucket list: 10 things to do

Lisbon is getting more popular by the day and has every reason to it. It is a super relax city with wonderful cosy streets to wander around and get lost in. The trams give it a romantic feel and its location by the sea makes sure there’s a pleasant breeze to make it through the hot Summer days. My article “5 reasons why you must visit Lisbon” is the most popular post of the website, so now I decided to share with you the ultimate Lisbon bucket list with all the things to do.

the ultimate Lisbon bucket list: 10 things to do

 

Praça do Comercio

The Praça do Comercio is Lisbon’s biggest square where you can take the tram, eat at one of the restaurants serving delicious foods, simply get a fresh drink or buy something at the little souvenir market under the arches of the Ministry of Justice’s building. Most events get organised here. What makes it more special is that the square is situated next to the Tagus river. So you can sit on the square and watch the ships passing by.

 

Elevador de Santa Justa

This elevator was built by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the man who constructed the Eiffel tower! The elevator connects the lower shopping area with the higher Carmo square in Bairro Alto. On top there is a platform that offers fantastic views over the city.

 

Castelo de Sao Jorge

This Moorish castle can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Most of the castle was destroyed over the years but you can still walk on its walls and visit the towers. From here you also get wonderful views of the city.

 

Trams

Lisbon is built in the hills which makes it hard for your calf muscles. But the city has a very charming solution to spare your feet and muscles; the “elevadores”. Three little yellow vintage trams take you up the hills in no time: the Elevador da Bica, Elevador da Gloria (both to Bairro Alto) and the Elevador do Lavra (to Castelo de Sao Jorge).
The most famous tram in Lisbon is tram 28. It has one of the longest most picturesque routes. It takes you to the quarters of Graça and Mouraria. If you want to visit Belem you should take tram 15 (which is just a modern tram).

 

Miradouros

Lisbon has a lot of viewpoints spread all over the city. My favorites where the Miradouro do Sao Pedro de Alcantara in the West and the Miradouro da Senhora da Monte in the East.

 

Belem

Belem is the most Southwestern point of Lisbon. Here you will find the fantastic Jeronimos Monastery which is really worth your time visiting. Inside you can find the tomb of Vasco Da Gama and the courtyard is gorgeous. The Monastery is a fantastic piece of architecture and was built in celebration of successful Portuguese voyages around the world. You will discover a lot of maritime motifs here.
Near the monastery you can find the monument of the discoveries. Each side has different statues of writers, navigators and missionaries. The nearby tower of Belem is another monument you should visit. The tower was built to remember Vasco Da Gama’s expedition.

 

Parque das Naçoes

This is the place where the 1998 world exposition was held. You can shop at the massive shopping center or take the cable car to get better views of the Vasco Da Gama bridge.

 

The bairros

Lisbon consists of many quarters. Each quarter has its own charm and it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the many charming cobblestone streets. Make sure to take your time to wander around the neighbourhoods to get an idea of how the locals live.

 

Sintra

When you think you saw everything you wanted in Lisbon or you simply want to escape the city for a while, you should take the train to Sintra. This fairytale town offers a lot of romantic castles and parks to visit.

 

Queluz

This palace isn’t as famous as the castles in Sintra. It was built in the 18th century. Its gardens are lovely with its many fountains and paths decorated with beautiful flowers and well-maintained hedges. The interior is very classic and impressive. I call it mini Versailles.

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