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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look at this map of the city to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa)
For some sweeping views of Lisbon – particularly St. George's Castle, Rossio Square and the Baixa neighborhood – you might want to take a ride on the Elevador de Santa Justa. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard (a former student of Gustave Eiffel – creator of the Eiffel tower), this neo-Gothic elevator is more than a century old and used to be powered by steam. The structure is more than just a means to meet a vista's end, but rather a convenient shortcut for commuters looking to get to Bairro Alto without having to work up the sweat climbing the hill. While the exterior is almost entirely wrought iron, inside visitors will find two old-fashioned cabins that take visitors up to the nearly 150-foot-tall vantage point.
Although
visitors were more than pleased with the views, some visitors found the
attraction to be a rip-off, especially since are so many free viewpoints
throughout Lisbon. Travelers also complained of the long lines
throughout the day and suggested going either very early in the day or
very late at night, but even that isn't a guarantee. A great way to skip
the lines is to enter the tower from Bairro Alto and pay 1.50 euros
(less than $2) to access the observation deck. To ride the elevator up
to the observation deck and back down, it'll cost you 5 euros (about
$6). You can find the Santa Justa Elevator in the Baixa neighborhood,
situated between the Baixa-Chiado and Rossio metro stops.
Get Google maps directions>
Get Google maps directions>
4. St. George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge)
Castelo de São Jorge, or St. George's Castle, is perched atop Lisbon's highest hill in Alfama, offering both excellent history and views of the city. The castle served as a fortification for the Romans, Visigoths and the Moors, who turned it into a royal palace before it was eventually taken by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The attraction has kept much of the building's relics intact, including canons, which are spread throughout, underground chambers and 18 towers, one of which houses a camera obscura. There is also a restaurant on-site, gardens where wildlife frequently make appearances and an archaeological museum.
Visitors
gushed about the incredible views of the city and the sea. But although
most were impressed with its quality preservation, many found the
attraction to be lacking, as there isn't much to do on-site. The Castelo
de São Jorge is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. November
through February, with extended hours from March to October. Admission
is 8.50 ($9.50) euros for adults and is free for children younger than
10 years of age. You can reach the attraction from Tram 28, or walk from the two nearest metro stations, Martim Moniz and Rossio. For more information, visit the Castelo de
São Jorge's website. Get Google maps directions>
São Jorge's website. Get Google maps directions>
5. Alfama
Some tourists choose to take Tram 28 through the Alfama neighborhood because it's so hilly, but whether you choose to burn some calories or contend with the tram crowds, a visit to the picturesque Alfama is a must. With a history that dates back to the Moors, Alfama is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets that wind past dozens of quaint shops, cozy little restaurants and traditional Fado clubs, all of which are housed within historic yet well-preserved architecture. Popular city attractions like St. George's Castle, Sé Cathedral and Feira de Ladra are also located in Alfama.
Travelers
come in droves to bear witness to the neighborhood's famed charm (and
some street art), and say this is the best place to get to know Lisbon.
Visitors also say this isn't an attraction to breeze through, but rather
take your time with and get lost in. Ditch the map and let yourself
wander the colorful streets, grab a drink alfresco in an alleyway, or
seek out one of the neighborhood's many vantage points, including the
popular Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or the Miradouro Sophia de Mello
Breyner Andresen. There are two metro stops near Alfama. Martim Moniz
is located at the top of the hilly neighborhood while Lisboa Santa
Apolonia is a little farther away but the closest stop to the bottom. Get Google maps directions>
6. Belem 
The waterfront Belém is a historic neighborhood that houses some of Lisbon's most important monuments, museums and one very popular Portuguese tart place, the Pasteis de Belém. Here you'll find the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the Belém Palace (the official residence of Portugal's president), the Coleção Berardo Museum as well as a number of scenic gardens. As the Discoveries Monument beautifully illustrates, Belém is important in that it was a popular departure point during the Age of Discoveries. Some notable adventurers that have embarked from Belém include Vasco da Gama, who was the first person to sail directly from Europe to India, and Ferdinand Magellan, who was aboard the first ship that successfully circumnavigated the world. In addition, Christopher Columbus also made a stop here on his way back to Spain from the Americas.
Recent travelers enjoyed all that Belem has to offer, especially the stunning Belem Tower
and the Discoveries Monument. Most visitors, however, expressed
disappointment with the amount of tourists that are seemingly always at
the sites. Because of this, some travelers instead recommended simply
grabbing a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belem, taking a nice long stroll
along the Tagus riverfront and admiring the waterfront attractions
outside instead of waiting in long lines to go inside. Belem is located
about 6 miles west of central Lisbon and is accessible via a metro stop
of the same name. Get Google maps directions>
7. Torre de Belem and Monument to the Discoveries
What looks to be an idyllic mini castle
seamlessly floating on the Tejo riverfront was originally a fort that
served to protect Lisbon's port in the 16th century. It served as a
departure point for explorers looking to explore the world during the
Age of Discoveries. Today, the Manueline structure serves as a monument
to that heyday and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the
nearby Monastery of Jeronimos. Visitors can go inside and explore the
interiors, whose rooms once served as royals quarters, a prison and a
chapel, to name a few. Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the
Monument to the Discoveries, is just a short walk away, and equally
stunning. The waterfront structure was built in the 1960s in conjunction
with the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death. Although he
wasn't an explorer himself, he significantly supported a handful of
important explorations during his time. The sail-shaped statue is lined
with notable Portuguese figures throughout history,
including other navigators, artists and King Manuel. Inside, visitors
can watch a multimedia presentation of Portugal's history as well as
climb to the top of the monument for greater views of the river.
Travelers
were taken by both of the attractions, but many lamented the crowds
near and around other points of interest in historical Belém.
Unless you are really curious to see what lies within the monuments,
most visitors recommended appreciating the exteriors rather than waiting
in the long lines to explore the lackluster interiors. The Belém Tower
is free to visit, but to tour the attraction's interior, you'll need to
pay 6 euros (approximately $7) per person. The Monument to the
Discoveries is also free to check out but costs 4 euros (less than $5)
to tour. Hours for the Belém Tower vary by season, while the Monument to
the Discoveries is open Tuesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6
p.m. You can reach both attractions via Tram 15 to Belém. Get Google maps directions>
8. Bairro Alto
In some of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods, you’ll find a nightlife and festive spirit that you’ll find hard to believe in the centre of the city. The streets fill with people of all ages who come to catch up, have a drink, watch the people passing by and discover all the many new things there are to be found.
There’s little point asking a Lisboeta where the best place is to go out at night. The whole city meets at the centre of its nightlife, where there are places to suit every taste and music for every genre. The more experienced guarantee that Lisbon’s nightlife consists of a steady downhill motion – and the more poetic of them swear that every conversation is spoken in italics. Why? Because it always begins in Bairro Alto with its many and varied bars and restaurants, then heads down to Bica with a glass in hand and always ends in Cais do Sodré, where the most popular nightclubs intermingle with the old sailors’ bars, combining an original mix of cultures and ambiances. Whether you like 80s classics, hard rock or the freshest of musical sounds, you’re bound to find something that’s tailored to suit your tastes.
In the Santos area, which traditionally attracts a younger crowd, the atmosphere is more homogenous and rowdy, and is not recommended for anyone over the age of 25 unless they are hoping to relive the madness of university nights long since passed. During the day, Bairro Alto is home to various alternative shops, from records to art and hairdressers; Cais do Sodré has countless restaurants for a recharge and Santos, Lisbon’s design district, is full of studios and unique shops selling fantastic and irresistible objects. Take a different perspective of Lisbon home with you.
Get Google maps directions>
9. Tram 28
What cable cars are to San Francisco and red double-decker buses are to London are what trams are to Lisbon. Tram 28 in particular takes riders on a tourist-friendly route, not only passing through some of the city's most notable neighborhoods including Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, but to popular attractions, such as St. George's Castle and Alfama. Along with a scenic route, the cars themselves are also considered to be part of the experience. Many of Lisbon's trams, including some used on the Tram 28 route, are the same that were used in World War II, so don't expect air conditioning, or a smooth trip up and around the area's hills. But don't worry, recent travelers said it's all part of the tram's charm. Some visitors recommend taking the tram up the steep Alfama hill and then walking back down to explore the neighborhood. Due to the tram's popularity, they tend to get crowded quickly, so make sure to arrive early or later in the day to avoid long lines.
The tram is 2.90 euros (less than $4) one way and tickets can be purchased on board and at kiosks around the city. Tram 28 hours depend on the route, day of the week and time of the year. Generally, visitors can expect service to start after 7:30 a.m. and end at 9:15 p.m.
Get Google maps directions>
10. National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
One of the most notable aspects of Lisbon's alluring architecture is its vibrant ceramic tiles. You might find these Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, adorned on buildings during a walk about town (especially in Alfama), in gift shops (or at the Feira da Ladra), or within the walls of other top city attractions, including some of the palaces or villas that dot Sintra.
If you don't feel like spending time seeking out tiles on the streets, a visit to the National Tile Museum is the perfect alternative. The museum is filled to the brim with tiles of all colors and sizes, some of which date back to the 15th century. Some are simple, with individual tiles decorated with flowers or sailboats, while others are pieced together to create grand murals chronicling people or stories steeped with history. Not only that, but there is information spread throughout detailing how azulejos are made.
Recent visitors enjoyed both the museum's expansive collection as well as the building it's housed in - a former convent. As such, some visitors said the highlight of the visit was the chapel, adorned with not only plenty of azulejos but centuries-old oil paintings, which added an extra layer to the experience. The museum is closed Monday but open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets are 5 euros (less than $6) for adults. Admission is free the first Sunday of the month. The National Tile Museum is located about a mile and a half northeast of Alfama. You can reach the museum by getting off the Santa Apolónia metro stop and walking a little less than a mile northeast.
Get Google maps directions>
11. Feira da Ladra
Come and discover Lisbon’s most original market. The Feira da Ladra, or Flea Market, which is immortalised in the poem by the Portuguese singer songwriter Sérgio Godinho, is held every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara, behind the monastery of São Vicente de Fora. Traditionally dedicated to selling used objects, you’ll find real gems, azulejos, antiques and handicrafts, amongst indescribable bric-a-brac. The market dates back to 1272 and was held in various parts of the city before settling permanently here. From here you can easily visit the Panteão Nacional and the church of São Vicente de Fora, so the best thing to do is save this neighbourhood for a day when the market is on. Between souvenirs and bargains, you may just take the best memory of your stay in Lisbon from here. Get Google maps directions>
12. Sintra
Located about 20 miles northwest of central Lisbon, Sintra's praises have been sung in literature by the likes of British poet Lord Byron and Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camões; Byron described it as a "glorious Eden." A veritable heaven on earth, the small city's rolling hills are clad with vibrant vegetation and fairytale-like villas separated by cobblestone streets. The star of the show is the colorful Palácio Nacional de Pena, which was built to be a romantic getaway for Queen Maria II and her husband. There's also the Palacio Nachional de Sintra, whose azulejo-adorned interiors make up for its bland exteriors, the Monserrate Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira. What's more, the entire city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travelers
thoroughly enjoyed hopping back and forth between what many visitors
described as beautiful palaces, villas and castles that Sintra had to
offer, but recommended stamina and sturdy pair of shoes, as the area is
very hilly. To get from Lisbon to Sintra, you can take the
train from the Rossio train station. You could drive as well (though
parking will be tricky), or take one of the local buses.
Get Google maps directions>
Get Google maps directions>
Deborah is our Lisbon local representative, we asked her what an ideal day of leisure in Lisbon could look like, what she'd suggest doing from early morning to late at night
Here is what she suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Deborah on Twitter @bigcitychase #Lisbon #questionforDeborah if you have questions for her, we may publish your conversation in this blog if she thinks it might be useful to other Lisbon visitors.
Deborah from Lisbon for Big City Chase Lisbon :
"Hello, my name is Deborah, I'm from Lisbon and
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