Lisbon - the finest city you should visit!

The Praça do Comercio - blue skies and glorious weather

Although Lisbon might not be blessed with as many world-famous landmarks as other European capitals, Portugal's main city possesses a unique and captivating charm that makes it a 'must visit' for any prospective globetrotter.

Forget the hoards of happy-snappy tourists with selfie-sticks around Big Ben, the crazy-long queues to set foot inside the Colosseum, or the Louvre loving day-trippers in Paris; Lisbon offers relaxation, history and tranquility in equal measure.

There's a relaxed feel about the whole city, helped by the brisk sea breeze and the gloriously warm sunshine that's about for most of the year - even in December!

Like everywhere, there's an unwritten rule of 'do's and don'ts' but on the whole Portuguese folk are some of the nicest and friendliest people you will ever meet.

Pastel buildings and delightful blue skies

If you do book a trip to Lisbon then congratulations, you're going to a wonderful place!

Whether you stay for a day, a week or longer, there's plenty of things to do (explained below) and so many sights to see in this most historic and charming of cities.

With that, here are some hints and tips of what to see, do and enjoy in Europe's most westerly capital city...


1. Elevador de Santa Justa

Located in the heart of Lisbon, the Elevador De Santa Justa solves a practical problem as well as being a main tourist attraction, as it directly links the Baixa and Bairra Alto districts.

Queues can occur so it's advisable to arrive early in the morning or late at day if you want to try and avoid the crowds.

At the top of the platform, you get magnificent views over the Alfama district and Rossio Square (pictured), whilst being only a very short walk from the Carmo Convent Ruins.

TIP: Don't pay just to go on the Elevador de Santa Justa. It's classed as transport and is included in the 24hr travel tickets that also cover the metro and trams (useful if you're arriving from the airport ot have limited time in the city). You can also enter the viewing platform free-of-charge from the Bairra Alto district.

Those few euros you save here might just afford you an extra Pastel de Nata or two (more on those further in this article).

A view from the street of Lisbon's most unique form of transport

The Elevador de Santa Justa from below

Looking towards Rossio Square

The grid-line streets of Baixa with the castle in the distance

The imposing design of the Elevador de Santa Justa

2. Igreja do Carmo Church

Possibly the most well-known landmark in Lisbon's historic centre, the Igreja do Carmo Church acts as a permanent reminder of the devastating earthquake of 1755 which changed the landscape of the city forever.

Entry costs just a few euros and is well worth the admission fee.

Steeped in history and worth the admission fee

Inside the iconic the Igreja do Carmo Church

Looking towards the exit of the old church

One can't begin to imagine the terror caused by the 1755 earthquake

3. Praça do Comercio

Undoubtedly one of the prettiest facades on the continent, the Praça do Comercio is very much an iconic landmark of the city.

Facing onto the Tagus River, the pastel-coloured buildings and pretty architecture make for some great photographs.

TIP: Watching sunset in Lisbon is something to behold. One of the best places to experience day becoming night is here as the sun sets to the west, behind both the Cristo Rei statue and the Ponte 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge.

Praça do Comercio is a highlight of a trip to Lisbon

Heading under the arch towards Baixa

Tiled floors and grand architecture

Sunset over the Tagus River is a special experience

4. Number 28 Tram

If nostalgia is your thing, then a ride on the rickety old Number 28 trams is an absolute must.

The polished-wooden trams draw thousands of visitors each day and take in many of the best sights of the city - weaving their way down from the hills of Alfama and through Baixa, before journeying on to Estrella Basilica.

The trams themselves are a throwback to a bygone era and make for some great photograph opportunities - especially in the Alfama neighbourhood.

TIP: Trams can get crowded pretty quickly so if you want a seat it's advisable to board at the terminus points and enjoy the 40-minute ride.

Rickety trams just add to the delight of Lisbon

The tram on its way through the streets of Alfama

The Assembleia da República (Portuguese Parliament) is another
stunning sight on the Number 28 route

The Estrella Basilica takes about 40 minutes to reach

5. Se Cathedral

Another fine sight is the famous Se Cathedral, located within walking distance of the Praça do Comercio, and on the Number 28 tram route.

The cathedral, rebuilt after the devastating events of 1755, also offers free entry - making it even more of an attractive proposition to those on a tight budget.

The Se Cathedral at sunset - note the tram tracks!

Congestion around Se Cathedral can frequently
lead to trams being delayed.

6. Belem

It would be quite easy to write a complete section just focused on Belem - given this is the district that contains most of the well-known landmarks of the city.

Located some six kilometers to the west of the city centre; a journey which should take you no more than half-an-hour at most, it's worth spending a full day in Belem alone and taking in the stunning history, architecture and magnificent views.

The sweet taste of Lisbon is intensified further by a trip to the Pastels de Belem cafe, which serves the delicious Pastels de Nata - cooked to their original recipe.

TIP: The Pastels de Nata (that's an Egg Custard tart) originates from Belem and the very cafe which is adjacent to the tram stop. Cooked to a secret recipe, they are absolutely delicious. Pastels de Nata are also widely available from the various Mini Prego supermarkets, which are dotted around the city at a fraction of the price.

Belem - hidden delights in a glorious setting

The Torre de Belem is possibly the most famous landmark in Lisbon

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos: The Monument to the Discoverers

A closer look at The Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is situated in the heart of Belem

No trip to Belem is complete without a Pastel de Belem (or two, or three)

The sweetest taste of Portugal

7. Various viewpoints

Regardless of you location you'll probably only be a short walk from one of the various free viewpoints which offer a stunning panoramic view of the grand old city.

There are numerous 'paid' attractions which give an elevated view of the city as well - such as the Elevador de Santa Justa (if you choose to pay, anyway), the Torre de Belem and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Even Parque das Nações, the new, futuristic and modern area located some five kilometres north of downtown Lisbon, has it's own cable car and other attractions to make it worth a visit.

Lisbon really is a city like no other!

Looking out over the Alfama district

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers a superb view of the city

Looking out over Lisbon from Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte viewpoint

Adamstor viewpoint offers a look towards the Tagus River

These are just some of my own personal favourite attractions in Lisbon. As you can (hopefully) gather by now, the city really does have something for everyone and makes for a perfect getaway.

Depending on the length of your stay, you may also wish to take in a day trip or two.

Sintra, a pretty little picture-perfect town with a castle in the sky, is just a short train ride away, and if you want some rest and relaxation away from the bustling inner-city life head to the golden sands of Cascais & Estoril (which even has its own casino).

And if you've read this far, here's the link to SkyScanner so you can book your own trip...