Amazing places to see in Lisbon including the awe-inspiring Castelo de Sao Jorge

09 January 2023 , 14:30

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Lisbon is filled with amazing landmarks and brilliant restaurants (Image: Shutterstock / TTstudio)

Portugal holidays have been a firm favourite with Brits for decades - and for those after heaps of culture, amazing sights and great food, Lisbon is well worth having on your travel wishlist.

Set over seven hills, at the mouth of the Tagus river overlooking the Atlantic, the Portuguese capital is one of the oldest cities in the world.

Lisbon’s cultural heritage, abundant sunshine and excellent shopping is only a two-and-half-hour flight away, with the likes of easyJet offering up plenty of deals year-round.

So, what are some of the best things to see and do in Lisbon?

Check out our guide to the city below...

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Best places to visit in Lisbon

We take a look at some of the best places to see while you're on a city break in Lisbon.

A view of gorgeous Lisbon (Shutterstock / Dmytro Shevchuk)

Botanical Gardens

Home to one of the largest collections of sub-tropical exotic plants in Europe, the Botanical Gardens in the Principe Real district is an enchanting shady haven to escape from the heat and the buzz of the city centre.

And a short stroll from the Gardens led us to the Miradouro de Sao Pedro De Alcantara. This landscaped terrace offers panoramic views of the city such as St George’s Castle and is said to be its most romantic spot.

Lisbon Cathedral

Built by 12th century Christian crusaders, and known as Sé de Lisboa, this is is the city’s oldest church, having survived numerous battles and the great earthquake that rocked Lisbon in 1755. A huge rose window linking the two towers catches the eye. Inside you can view manuscripts and sculptures dating to the 18th century. Find out more at sedelisboa.pt.

Lisbon Cathedral is a must-see (Shutterstock / kudla)

Castelo de Sao Jorge

St George’s Castle on a hilltop in the Alfama district is dedicated to the patron saint of England. If you have a head for heights climb up the towers for a walk along the ramparts and views over the Tagus estuary. Find out more at castelodesaojorge.pt/en.

Carmo Convent

Also known as the Roofless Church, this was another earthquake victim with the roof over the nave collapsing on a congregation at Mass. Much of the art in the 14th century building survived the disaster, along with the Baroque tile panels and Gothic arches.

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In summer the ruins provide a dramatic backdrop to concerts. Just to the right of the Convent is a gate to the Santa Justa Elevator. Opened in 1902, the wrought iron lift is one of Lisbon’s top attractions climbing seven storeys to offer views of the city.

Find out more at golisbon.com.

Louise Flood shares her highlights from a city break in Lisbon (Daily Mirror)

(Daily Mirror)

Jeronimos Monastery

It’s worth the 40-minute bus ride to the Belem district to visit this UNESCO world heritage site and its ornate cloisters. The Gothic-style monument was built in 1502 to commemorate the return of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama from India.

Find out more at lisbon.net/jeronimos-monastery.

River Tagus cruise

This takes in monuments such as the 16th century Belem Tower, built to defend the city, and hilltop Catholic shrine the Sanctuary of Christ the King. But the highlight was seeing the sun set as we sailed under the Ponte 25 de Abril or Tagus River Bridge.

Find out more at taguscruises.com.

Best places to eat in Lisbon

Lined with restaurants and bars, Praça do Comércio, the city’s main square, is the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by over lunch, with the Rua Augusta Arch on one side and on the other the Ponte 25 de Abril or Tagus River Bridge.

Nosolo Italia, our favourite restaurant, didn’t disappoint, serving up simple but tasty pizza and pasta.

For a chance to sample dishes from some of Portugal’s most famous chefs, head to Time Out Market in Cais do Sodre – home to more than 40 food stalls at the Mercado da Ribeira.

You can’t leave Lisbon without tasting a Pastel de Nata, the country’s legendary custard tart. Join the queue at Pastéis de Belém bakery which has been producing the pastry, made with a secret recipe, since 1837.

Book the holiday

Stay there: The four-star Hotel Marques de Pombal in the centre of the city on the elegant Avenue da Liberdade is near to Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon’s largest park, while the magnificent plaza, Praça do Comércio, is just over a mile away. Find out more at hotel-marquesdepombal.pt/en.

Book the holiday: Three nights on room-only at the Hotel Marques de Pombal in Lisbon starts at £255 per person based on two travelling, including easyJet flights departing from Gatwick on March 3; departures from Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh also available. Head to easyjet.com/en/holidays to book.

Extra info: A Lisbon Card offers free travel by bus, metro and tram, plus free entrance or discounts to many museums and monuments (from £18 for 24 hours). More information can be found at visitlisboa.com.

Louise Flood