Things to Know About Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a charming blend of historic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and vibrant nightlife. Perched on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon captivates visitors with its rich history, maritime heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. From its cobblestone streets to its pastel-colored buildings, Lisbon offers a picturesque setting for exploring Portuguese culture, cuisine, and traditions.
Attractions to See in Lisbon
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): A UNESCO World Heritage site, Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortress and symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Explore its Manueline architecture and views of the Tagus River.
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos): Adjacent to Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Visit its cloisters, tombs of Vasco da Gama and Camões, and Maritime Museum.
Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio): Rossio Square is Lisbon’s main square with a bronze fountain, cobblestone patterns, cafes, shops, and access to the Rossio Railway Station.
Chiado and Bairro Alto Districts: Chiado is a historic district known for theaters, bookstores, and cafes like A Brasileira. Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife, Fado music, and panoramic views from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Alfama District: Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama, features narrow streets, tiled façades, Fado houses, São Jorge Castle, and views from Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge): Perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill, São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views of the city, Tagus River, and beyond. Explore its medieval walls, towers, and archaeological site.
Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa): One of Europe’s largest aquariums, Lisbon Oceanarium in Parque das Nações showcases marine life from around the world, including sharks, rays, and penguins.
National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo): Discover Portugal’s tile-making history and artistry at the National Tile Museum with exhibits on azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles) from Moorish to modern times.
Tram 28: Ride Lisbon’s iconic Tram 28 through Alfama, Baixa, and Graça districts, passing by major landmarks, viewpoints, and historical sights.
Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa): A neo-Gothic iron elevator connecting Baixa to Carmo Square, Santa Justa Lift offers views of downtown Lisbon and Carmo Convent ruins.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Gardens: Explore European and Eastern art collections at the Gulbenkian Museum and relax in its gardens with sculptures, ponds, and walking paths.
Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio): Lisbon’s grand waterfront square, Commerce Square faces the Tagus River and features the Triumphal Arch, historic buildings, and outdoor cafes.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): Founded in 1147, Lisbon Cathedral is the city’s oldest church with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Visit its cloister and treasury.
Ajuda National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Ajuda): Ajuda Palace showcases 19th-century royal interiors, art collections, and royal stables in a neoclassical setting near Belém.
Lisbon’s Street Art: Explore Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Graça, with murals, graffiti, and urban art installations.
Weather and Conditions at Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Weather: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Summers (June to August) are warm with average temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F), while winters (December to February) are cooler with occasional rainfall.
Current Weather: For current weather conditions and forecasts, consult a reliable weather forecasting service.
Travel Tips
Dress Code: Pack lightweight clothing for summer and layers for cooler evenings. Casual attire is acceptable, but dress neatly when visiting churches and upscale venues.
Local Cuisine: Sample Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), grilled sardines, and port wine. Enjoy meals at tascas (taverns) and seafood restaurants.
Transportation: Navigate Lisbon with trams, buses, metro, taxis, and ferries. Purchase Viva Viagem cards for public transport and plan routes using maps and transportation apps.
Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) is UTC+0.
Lisbon’s blend of historic landmarks, cultural diversity, and scenic beauty invites travelers to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, discover Portuguese heritage, and enjoy a memorable experience in the heart of Portugal.
