Lisbon District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a lake or waterhole and a coastal town
Cascais which includes modern architecture and a river or creek
Lisbon showing heritage architecture and a city as well as a large group of people
Moorish Castle which includes heritage elements, tranquil scenes and a castle
Lisbon District

Lisbon District Travel Guide Video

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most highly visited cities of Europe. Renowned as t is for its fine architecture, history, cuisine, culture and international trade, that’s hardly surprising.

Geographically, Lisbon is located on the Iberian Peninsula, at the mouth of the River Tagus, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the oldest cities of Western Europe, characterised by medieval buildings, cosy neighbourhoods, iconic yellow trams navigating its narrow streets and spectacular hilltop views overlooking the river. Tourists often leave the city surprised by what Lisbon has to offer.

History

Lisbon shares its culture with a wide range of peoples, including the indigenous Iberians, Celts, Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths and Moors, and the influence of each can be seen in the city and surrounding area. In 1147, Christian crusaders under Afonso I captured the city from the Moors, ushering in the maritime Age of Discovery. Famous Portuguese explorers set off to discover the Atlantic archipelagos, the Far East and Africa in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. These epic voyages that started from Lisbon, brought about a great age of prosperity for Portugal. Sadly, a devastating earthquake destroyed the majority of the city in 1755.

The desirability of Lisbon is based on the geographical location of the city, which gives it great trade advantages. It has access by sea to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Western Europe, Africa and further afield to the Americas. The city has a large, natural harbour. These factors also greatly helped Portugal accede to the European Union in 1986. As such, Lisbon is a popular business, as well as top holiday, destination.

Landmarks

The AlfamaOpens in a new window is one of the oldest surviving districts of Lisbon and it’s where you’ll find most of the city’s top historical landmarks, including the Se Cathedral and Castelo San Jorge. Located on the top of a hill, it’s accessible by Tram 28 and offers fantastic views over the rest of the city.

Torre de BelemOpens in a new window is one of the most iconic monuments of Lisbon: an ancient battlement that was built to protect the city. Like with the Alfama, the views from up here atop the tower are exceptional. Don’t forget your camera.

A more modern attraction, the Lisbon Aquarium, Oceanário, is a world-class facility, exhibiting exceptional aquatic biodiversity, and is a great place to enjoy with the entire family. Other notable landmarks that are worthy of a visit include the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Museu da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian and Lisbon Zoo.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Lisbon is made up of several neighbourhoods, each with their own unique buzz, where local communities enjoy good food, wine and fresh seafood.

Bairro AltoOpens in a new window is a hilltop neighbourhood, with a great selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and some top notch nightlife. A trendy, somewhat hipster neighbourhood, it’s one of the best places in town to check out the local music scene, with offerings ranging from rock to pop, reggae to jazz and all the way to the traditional Fado music.

Alfama, one of the oldest districts in town and it’s where you find most of the city’s smaller, more traditional cafés, selling good bread and wine and buzzing with local life.

As far as dishes go, you should not miss out on sampling regional delicacies like the sweet cakes called Pastéis de Nata, grilled sardines, bacalhau (cod fish) and the local Portuguese wine. Make sure you pay a visit to Mercado da Ribeira, the newest market for food in town where you can taste dishes from some of the most famous and original Portuguese chefs.

Shopping

Lisbon is a great city for shopping. ChiadoOpens in a new window is an excellent shopping neighbourhood known for pottery, books and coffee shops, as well as stylish boutique fashion shops from local designers. If you’re looking for those established, international brands then head for Avenida da LiberdadeOpens in a new window is one of the grandest shopping avenues in the city.

Centro Colombo is one of the largest shopping centres in Portugal, where you’ll find everything from big brand designer stores to electrical. It also has a cinema showing international films in their original languages, as wells as lots of affordable eateries in the food court.

Lisbon is a unique city with lots of character that sets it apart from any other world capitals. A sunny, beautiful and quaint historic destination for those that want to relax, explore or party. Whatever you want, Lisbon has it.

Where to stay in Lisbon District

Lisbon showing château or palace, views and a city

Lisbon City Center

Avenida da Liberdade and Campo Pequeno Bullring are top sights in Lisbon City Center, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Campo Pequeno Station or Saldanha Station to see more sights in the area.

Lisbon City Center
Santa Justa Elevator showing landscape views and a city

Baixa

4.5/5(604 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Baixa
Carmo Convent featuring heritage architecture

Lisbon Old Town

4/5(777 area reviews)

Lisbon Old Town is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square. See more of Lisbon by jumping on the metro at São Pedro de Alcântara Stop or Elevador da Glória Stop.

Lisbon Old Town
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Alfama showing a sunset and a coastal town

Alfama

4.5/5(165 area reviews)

Alfama is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Lg. Portas Sol Stop or R. Escolas Gerais Stop to explore sights like Portas do Sol Viewpoint.

Alfama
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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is £190 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£190
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,124 reviews)
Exceptional in every way!
"Beautiful hotel and restaurants. Loved everything about this place!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is £105 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£105
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,148 reviews)
"The property has great dining options.The dining staff is excellent.Didn't like their checkin policy. They were too exact. No room for kindness to their guests. Even if they have a room you have to wait until 4pm to get somewhere to rest after a long flight or you pay 30Euros extra. My week stay ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is £99 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£99
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,056 reviews)
"Excellent breakfast (expensive). Overall hotel looks a little worn in rooms and hallways, but it was a good stay for 1 night before a flight"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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