Things to do in Lisbon District

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Lisbon District

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Lisbon District travel guide

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Cascais showing a river or creek and modern architecture

Lisbon showing heritage architecture and a city as well as a large group of people

Moorish Castle featuring château or palace, tranquil scenes and heritage elements

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Top places to visit

1. Rossio Square

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.

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Rossio Square featuring a square or plaza, heritage elements and a fountain

2. Belém Tower

In the early 16th Century, this four-storey tower was built on basaltic rocks found by the Tagus River, in close proximity to the riverbank, with the intention of supplementing the existing fortification defences along the sea approach to Lisbon.

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Belem Tower which includes general coastal views, heritage architecture and a bridge

3. Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.

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Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

4. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.

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Santa Justa Elevator which includes night scenes, nightlife and outdoor eating

5. Commerce Square

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.

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Commerce Square featuring a statue or sculpture

6. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.

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Castle of Sao Jorge which includes a city, château or palace and views

7. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.

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Pena Palace showing heritage elements and château or palace

What to do in Lisbon District

Popular places to visit

Rossio Square

4/5(881 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Avenida da Liberdade

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Avenida da Liberdade, a popular shopping spot in Santo Antonio. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area or seek out the local tours.

Belém Tower

4.5/5(779 reviews)

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon.

Marquis of Pombal Square

4/5(259 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Lisbon with a stop at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area.

Campo Grande

You can learn about the history of Alvalade when you stop by Campo Grande. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its surfing spots.

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(183 reviews)

Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(719 reviews)

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Commerce Square

4.5/5(715 reviews)

People-watch in this historic square while you enjoy a coffee and pastry in the café where the city’s literati once gathered.

Areas of Lisbon District

Lisbon showing château or palace, views and a city

Lisbon City Center

Avenida da Liberdade and Campo Pequeno Bullring are top sights in Lisbon City Center, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Campo Pequeno Station or Saldanha Station to see more sights in the area.

Santa Justa Elevator showing landscape views and a city

Baixa

4.5/5(604 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Carmo Convent featuring heritage architecture

Lisbon Old Town

4/5(777 area reviews)

Lisbon Old Town is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square. See more of Lisbon by jumping on the metro at São Pedro de Alcântara Stop or Elevador da Glória Stop.

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Alfama

4.5/5(165 area reviews)

Alfama is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Lg. Portas Sol Stop or R. Escolas Gerais Stop to explore sights like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

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