Now Lisbon is not only the capital of Euro 2016 winners, but also a city which everyone wants to get in. The best time to visit Lisbon is from June to August due to numerous festivals, and, if you’re planning a budget trip, it’s better to go from November to February as hotel prices descrease significantly during this period.
The most Western capital of Europe with its rich culture and history presents to your attention top 6 attractions worth visiting while discovering Lisbon.
Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Truly one of the most recognizable sightseeing of Lisbon. This is the monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome built in the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline Style protected by UNESCO. You can not imagine a trip to Lisbon without visitng it!
Address: Praca do Imperio, Lisbon 1400-206, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 38°41′51.60″N 9°12′21.60″W.
Admission fee: free entry to the church of Santa Maria, and €10 for the rest of the monastery. But, if you’re going to visit both Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, you can pay only €12.
Opening hours: 10AM-5:30PM in winter (October–April), 10AM-6PM in summer (May–September). Closed to the public: on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th.
Tip for tourists: don’t miss visiting the bakery is across the street from the monastery, not just because you may feel pekish, but to taste famous tarts.
Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, Lisbon 1100-129, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 38°42′50″N 9°08′01″W.
Admission fee: €8.50 for adults, €5.00 – for children and €20.00 – family ticket.
Opening hours: opened every day 9AM-6PM in winter (low season), 9AM-9PM in summer (peak season).
Tip for tourists: 1PM-5PM three guided tours are providefd in Portuguese, English and Spanish and the cost is included in the admission price. Also, if you’re traveling with your pet, there is a personalized service available (guide and assistance dogs are welcome).
Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela)
Another famous attraction of Lisbon is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the official name of The Estrela Basilica) which was built in the late 18th century by order of Portuguese Queen Maria I in honor of her son’s birth.
Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisbon, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 38°42′48″N 9°09′38″W.
Admission fee: you can entry the basilica for free, but to see the Nativity scene will cost you €1.50, and to entry the roof – €4.
Opening hours: basilica is opened from 7.30AM to 7.45PM, and the terrace – 10AM-6.40PM.
Tip for tourists: don’t miss visiting Nativity scene or Presépio with more than 500 figures which will give you an unforgettable experience. Also, there is nothing better than to relax in a meadow in a big park just next to the basilica.
Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)
The square, which is also known as Palace Yard (Terreiro do Paço), is situated on the bank of the Tagus River and, also, has the statue of King José I and the triumphal arch – Arco da Rua Augusta – as its centerpiece.
Address: Commerce Square, 1100 Lisbon, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 38°42′27″N 9°8′11″W.
Tip for tourists: this is a great place to eat on budget and feel the true Portuguese atmosphere! Note that all tourist busses stop here and unload, so plan your daytrip and evening walks properly.
Sao Roque Church (Igreja de São Roque)
Or also known as the most expensive church in the world! Not the most remarkable one in Lisbon, but only from the outside. Inside everything strikes with its greatness and quantity of gold ornaments of the altar and each and every chapel.
Address: Largo Trindade Coelho | Bairro Alto, Lisbon 1200-470, Portugal.
GPS coordinates: 38°42′49″N 09°08′37″W.
Admission fee: there is no entrance fee to the church, but, if you want to visit the museum, the fee is €2.50 and it’s free on Sundays until 2PM.
Opening hours: 9:30AM-5PM every day, museum – 10AM-6PM every day and closed on Mondays (later opening on Thursdays between 4PM-9PM).
Tip for tourists: there are free English guided tours around the small museum and church given every Thursday and Friday at 4:30PM which will take you about half an hour.
What else you should not forget to do in Lisbon:
- Take the longest and the oldest Tram 28 which is used since 1873. The fare is €0.50, you can buy tickets at metro stations or kiosks around the city, and take it uphill to make the best of it.
- Listen to traditional Fado music in Alfama district, the oldest one in the city. One of the best places to do that is Clube de Fado with great Portuguese traditional cuisine and drinks.
- Ride and take a look at Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest bridge in Europe across Tagus River.
Clearly, these are not the only attractions worth seeing in this beautiful city. Take a look around and you’ll see how many wonderful places are waiting for you!
What about moving around the city:
According to the experienced travellers taxi-drivers are quite dishonest and unreliable, that’s why taxi is not the best way to get where you need to in Lisbon. The answer is to hire yourself a vehicle. Remember about steep streets and to feel more comfortable think about renting a 4×4 car, for instance.
Wish you a nice journey to Lisbon!
Author Bio:
Lily Berns is a travel writer and she likes to explore new tourist destinations and their hidden spots.
