Visiting Lisbon, Portugal: Highlights, History and Travel Tips
Lisbon sits on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, about 10 miles from the Atlantic coast. Portugal’s capital is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, with roots going back more than 3,000 years.
Despite that long history, Lisbon feels modern. Trams rattle through tiled streets. Rooftop bars look out over terra-cotta rooftops. And the food scene draws visitors from around the world.
Why Visit Lisbon?
Lisbon combines deep history with a relaxed atmosphere that larger European capitals sometimes lack. The city is walkable, the people are welcoming, and the cost of dining and sightseeing is lower than in most Western European cities.
It also serves as an excellent starting point for touring the wider Iberian Peninsula. Caravan’s Spain and Portugal tour begins in Lisbon before heading south through the Algarve and into Spain.
The Weather
Lisbon gets roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers are warm and dry, with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making those seasons ideal for sightseeing.
Top Things To Do in Lisbon
Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Portuguese Late Gothic architecture in the world. Construction began in 1501 under King Manuel I, funded in part by the spice trade profits that flowed through Lisbon’s port.
Inside, visitors find ornate cloisters, the tomb of explorer Vasco da Gama, and stonework so detailed it takes several visits to absorb it all.
Belém Tower
A short walk from the monastery, Belém Tower stands at the edge of the Tagus River. Built between 1514 and 1520 as a ceremonial gateway and defensive fortification, the tower is now one of Portugal’s most photographed landmarks.
Monument to the Discoveries
Nearby, the Monument to the Discoveries honors the Portuguese explorers who sailed from this stretch of riverbank during the Age of Discovery. The monument features carved figures of navigators, cartographers and missionaries, with Prince Henry the Navigator leading the group.
Queluz Palace
Just outside Lisbon, Queluz Palace is sometimes called “the Portuguese Versailles.” The 18th-century royal residence features baroque and rococo architecture, manicured gardens and an azulejo-tiled canal that once served as a royal swimming pool.
Alfama District
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Its narrow cobblestone streets, fado music clubs and small family restaurants give visitors a glimpse of the city before modernization. Walking through Alfama in the evening, with fado drifting out of open doorways, is one of Lisbon’s most memorable experiences.
Lisbon’s Food Scene
Portuguese cuisine is built on fresh seafood, olive oil and simple preparations. In Lisbon, visitors should try:
- Pastéis de nata at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, which has been making custard tarts since 1837
- Bacalhau (salt cod), prepared in dozens of ways across the city
- Fresh grilled sardines, a staple during summer festivals
- Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur served in small cups at tiny bars throughout the Rossio district
How To Visit Lisbon on a Guided Tour
Visiting Lisbon as part of a guided tour takes the guesswork out of navigating a foreign city. Caravan’s 14-day Spain and Portugal tour includes a two-night stay in Lisbon with guided visits to Jerónimos Monastery and Queluz Palace, plus time to explore the city on your own.
From Lisbon, the tour continues south to the Algarve before crossing into Spain.