Lisbon Highlights Tour, a Walk Through Lisbon Landmarks (2024)

Discover the charm of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks! From the historic São Jorge Castle to the vibrant streets of Alfama, explore the rich culture and heritage of Portugal’s capital city. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lisbon landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery and UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase Manueline architecture at its finest. Stroll through the bustling squares of Praça do Comércio and Rossio, where history meets modernity in a dynamic fusion.

Lisbon marked the final stretch of my six-week backpacking journey across Europe. Despite nearing the end of my travels, I brimmed with energy and enthusiasm to explore the city on foot. Venturing through Lisbon’s highlights on a self-guided walking tour, I immersed myself in the city’s remarkable landmarks.

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About Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a global icon alongside Porto. Renowned for its distinctive architecture and iconic yellow trams, Lisbon boasts many museums and art galleries. Notably, it’s considered one of Europe’s most budget-friendly cities.

Were you aware that Lisbon is the Kizomba dance capital? Originating from the Angola region, Kizomba dance embodies a vibrant movement style. In the Bantu language, “Kizomba” translates to “celebration” or “party.”

Portugal’s wineries, especially around Lisbon, offer a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Just a short drive from the capital, the regions of Setúbal and Colares are renowned for their unique wines.

Setúbal is famous for its fortified Muscat wines, produced from grapes grown in sun-soaked vineyards overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Colares, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive sandy soil, which gives rise to exceptional white and red wines, including the rare Ramisco variety.

Number of Days Required for Lisbon

The number of days required to visit Lisbon depends on personal interests. But plan for at least three days of exploration to fully appreciate its charm. The optimal times to visit are from March to May and September to October when the weather is warmer and more pleasant; however, if time is limited, fear not! Tailored itineraries for one or two days in Lisbon await.

For those with just a day to spare, an optimized one-day itinerary for Lisbon ensures you experience the essence of Lisbon’s allure. Meanwhile, a two-day itinerary for Lisbon allows a deeper dive into the city’s treasures, providing a more comprehensive exploration.

For travellers with ample time, venturing beyond Lisbon’s borders unveils a trove of captivating day trips around Lisbon. Consider embarking on a one-day excursion to Sintra, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and historical significance. These excursions promise unforgettable experiences that enrich your journey through Portugal’s vibrant landscapes.

Also, Read Diving at Sesimbra.

How to Get to Lisbon?

• Lisbon boasts an international/domestic airport known as Humberto Delgado or Portela Airport, offering connections to major cities worldwide and throughout Europe.
• Flixbus is the primary bus operator that facilitates travel between European cities. One of Europe’s perks is the ease of intercity travel by bus, with many journeys conveniently overnight and typically lasting 8 hours.

For comprehensive tips and tricks on planning your European vacation, dive into the Europe Travel Planner and unlock all the insights you need for a memorable trip.

Lisbon Highlights Tour, a Walk Through Lisbon landmarks

The Lisbon Highlights tour offers a seamless, self-guided experience. It allows you to stroll through the charming streets of Lisbon while encountering its spectacular and iconic landmarks.

Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour, where knowledgeable guides lead you through the city’s landmarks, offering detailed information and historical insights. These guided tours can be conveniently booked through Viator for a curated exploration of Lisbon’s treasures.

Click here to check for prices on Viator

Statistics of the Walking Tour

• Starting Point: Castle of Sao Jorge.
• Finishing Point: Santa Jasta Elevator.
• Total Distance: 3.5 kilometres.
• Time Taken: One hour, depending on how much time you wish to spend at each landmark.
• Path: Castle of Sao Jorge – Lisbon Cathedral – Dam Square – Santa Jasta Elevator.
• Grade: Easy.

Lisbon Landmarks Covered During the Walk

Castle of Sao Jorge

Dating back to the 1st century BC, São Jorge Castle is a historic landmark in Lisbon, playing a significant role in Portugal’s history. Various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and ultimately the Portuguese, initially used the castle for fortifications.

Open to the public from Sunday to Friday, from 10 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM, the castle welcomes visitors to explore its grounds. Admission for adults is priced at €8.5 and can be conveniently purchased at the entrance gate.

While exploring the Castle of São Jorge, take a moment to admire the nearby Carmo Convent, a captivating 14th-century monastery in picturesque ruins. I highly recommend visiting this site for an enriching historical experience during your castle excursion.

Lisbon Cathedral

Constructed in 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral is a Roman cathedral showcasing a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque. Its design features a Latin cross layout with three aisles, a transept, a main chapel, and an ambulatory, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich historical significance.

Open to the public on varying schedules from Monday to Saturday; typical visiting hours often span from 10 AM to 6 PM. Notably, no entrance fee is required to explore the cathedral, making it accessible to all who wish to admire its beauty and heritage.

Dam Square

At the heart of Lisbon lies Rossio Square, a bustling hub teeming with charming cafes and restaurants, perennially bustling with crowds. Adjacent to the beach, this vibrant square offers an idyllic setting, particularly enchanting during sunset. This is also the place to buy some cool and memorable souvenirs from Lisbon.

While in Lisbon, I had the pleasure of lodging in several hostels along Rossio Square. For more insights on hostels in Europe, check out my guide on navigating hostels while travelling across the continent.

Santa Justa Elevator

Also known as the Carmo Lift, the Santa Justa Lift is a vertical elevator located in the civil parish of Santa Justa. Renowned for its striking architectural beauty, this elevator has become one of Lisbon’s tourist attractions.

Constructed in 1902 using cast iron, it is a testament to the city’s rich heritage and engineering prowess.

If you relish tales of enchanting walks or revel in exploring destinations on foot, the historical walk in Porto is for you. Porto holds a special place in my heart and is undeniably one of my favorite destinations in Portugal.

Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Portugal is widely regarded as a safe destination for solo female travelers, and Lisbon, in particular, maintains a reputation for safety. For those planning a solo trip to Portugal, here’s your perfect guide to solo travel there.

During my stay, I opted for accommodation opposite the Santa Justa Elevator and predominantly explored the city on foot. Thankfully, my solo adventures were smooth, and I encountered no issues throughout my exploration of Lisbon. However, as with any destination worldwide, it’s essential to exercise caution, particularly at night, and remain vigilant of your surroundings at all times.

When traveling to a non-English speaking country, it’s essential to have these travel apps on your phone to facilitate seamless navigation and communication.

Closing Notes

Lisbon exudes beauty and boasts a rich tapestry of history waiting to be explored. For an authentic experience, immerse yourself in the city’s charm by strolling through its streets and observing the daily rhythms of local life. I highly recommend embarking on a walking adventure, where you can discover the city’s old landmarks and uncover its fascinating stories firsthand.

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