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Things To Do In Lisbon

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A bridge over a body of water - Ponte 25 de Abril
Ponte 25 De Abril Bridge Lisbon Portugal

The 25 de Abril Bridge in the capital city of Lisbon Portugal is the longest suspension connect in Europe. hand

Places to visit in Lisbon today and during your next visit.

Exploring Lisbon Portugal

Things To Do In Lisbon – Exploring Lisbon and the surrounding areas can bring a lot of enjoyment. It is getting off the beaten path, and looking into the shops where only locals go that really brings the concept of an old city to life. Having a glass of wine and some cheese out under the sun on a cool afternoon can be exciting, or taking a stroll along the streets while looking at something new. Lisbon can bring you to the past and future, all at the same time. With its community culture of friendliness and good food along each street, the possibilities are endless. You will have a great time exploring Lisbon, no matter the season.

There are several great spots around the city where the views are magnificent, and where you can see whole areas of the city, even the whole city if you are high enough. It’s important for us to try and see the details of a monument or to view the details of the rooftops. Since architecture is built with real hands and hard work, we look toward the emotion of life within each image and try to tell a story.

Photo of the Day ~ Blending The Old And The New In Lisbon Portugal - A large city - Lisbon

City Views

This view gives us a tremendous amount of detail of both the old and the new. Notice the different styles of tile used for the roofs of the different homes, and the elaborate terraces found both on the rooftops and on the sides of the buildings. These rooftop terraces with the cool climate and peaceful mood of the city provide a good ambiance and some amazing views. The light in Lisbon always seems to be perfect for these spectacular terraces found in many homes, restaurants, and bars.  Enjoying the high and lofty terraces that are a way of life in Lisbon.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A small clock tower in front of a building - Lisbon

The City center of Lisbon has a mixture of old and new, and you will find very old architecture built within the city. Lisbon’s long history can be told in its architecture. The city dates back to the time of the Romans and the Moors. It has been a Christian Monarchy, a busy republic, and a complete dictatorship. In our time, it is the fascinating capital city of Portugal, where history is living and mingles with the present.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A bus that is parked on the side of the street - Rickshaw

Transportation around the city can be arranged in many different ways, and you can choose what fits your own style. Lisbon has excellent subways, trams, trains, buses, and taxis. If you happen to buy a Lisboa Pass, all public transportation is free, including the underground Metro Train System.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A statue in front of a building - Statue

The artwork of this woman carved within this monument in the city center helps tell the story of the people of Lisbon. These unique and detailed statues give us a glimpse into a different time, providing a bridge for the known historical events and the culture of a time past.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A castle on top of a building - Carcassonne

Notice the building sitting within the area of someone’s home here. Every day this family awakes to be within the old compound of antiquities. Maybe they understand what and where it is or maybe they don’t, but life continues, and new structures mix with the old.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A close up of a plate of food - Lisbon

Unique food abounds in Lisbon, and this fish dish with a different form of potato chip than what most are used to is delicious. Cod is often the fish used in making these fish dishes, though Cord fish is also used. This fresh Cod is especially good cooked with the local olive oil and a special local type of potato chip. This is authentic Portuguese cooking at its finest!

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A large tall tower with a cloudy sky - Lisbon

A City Of Religion

On the other side of the city is one of two Christ the Redeemer Monuments in the world. This one was built after the one in Brazil was completed. The monument was completed in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall. The monument shows the faith of the city, as the arms embrace and protect the harbor and the people of this great city. These arms have a span of 92 feet across and further embrace the faith of the whole city. If you have time you can take an elevator and see the whole city of Lisbon on top. It’s a wonderful view, and well worth the time it takes to get there.

Exploring Sé de Lisboa Cathedral In Lisbon Portugal - A room filled with furniture and a fireplace - Lisbon Cathedral

Religion is a part of the human experience, and the Cathedral of Maria helps tell that story. Each edge of the building, the beautiful paintings, the awesome mosaics,  and each person who lives around it give us a glimpse of the past within its walls and structure.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A statue in front of a mirror posing for the camera - Lisbon
Lisbon Cathedral Paintings

Art within these churches tells us the ideas, and importance this area had to the people during a different time, and why others of faith flock to its walls to pray.

Exploring Sé de Lisboa Cathedral In Lisbon Portugal - A close up of a red light - Lisbon Cathedral

The candles of prayer represent the people’s thoughts, hope, and dreams being lifted up to their creator.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A large stone building - Belém Tower
Lisbon Cathedral Hall

The ancient old halls, and grottos hold those of the past within their caskets along each niche within its walls. The nitches are filled with the Saints of Old, their wisdom echoing through the halls.

ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Lisbon Portugal Part 1 - A large stone building - Archaeological site
Lisbon archaeological-site

At the center of this church lies this ongoing excavation of past life that once lived here hundreds of years ago before the cathedral ever existed. As relics are discovered, and ancient rooms uncovered, the past is pieced together one brick at a time.

Discovering The Mysteries Of The Belem Tower In Lisbon Portugal - A castle on a cloudy day with Belém Tower in the background - Belém Tower

Lisbon Tower or Torre Belem is a site to be seen, with its spectacularly carved balconies and magnificent turrets. This once-critical tower was the first line of protection as the ships began coming into the area of the city. What once was an island, now sits alone by the monument of the unknown soldier.

Places To Visit In Lisbon

The Adventure Continues

The Many Faces Of Lisbon Portugal

 

things to do in lisbon

Vinho do Porto Wine From The Remote Vineyards Of The Douro Valley In Portugal  

A City With Ancient Architecture

Way up in Northeastern Portugal, there is a region famous for its amazing wines. The upper Douro Valley has an amazing history in the production of Wine. Winemaking goes all the back to the ancient time on the Iberian Peninsula, though it was not till after the middle part of the 17th Century that the Douro Valley came to produce what we know as Port Wine. In the year 1386, the Valley began to be well-known for its classic wines.

things to do in lisbon

The triumphal stone Arch of the Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon Portugal

The Rua Augusta is built like a triumphal arch that connects two sides of a historical building in Lisbon on the Praça do Comércio. This spectacular arch commemorates the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake and is adorned with many statues of famous and historical people. At the top of the arch is a coat of arms that represents glory, valor, and genius. Originally, the building included a bell tower that was redesigned as this magnificent arch a century later.  Like so many of the buildings in Lisbon, the architecture is exquisite.

things to do in lisbon Cycling Around Portugal Is A Unique Experience 

Portugal is amazingly rich in culture, history, and tasty Portuguese food. There are many small amazing local cafes with some of the most astonishing food in all of Europe. These small cafes and shops add many choices to the many things to do in Lisbon. One of the amazing experiences you can do in Lisbon is to join the locals in cycling around the city. For the locals, it is a way of life, and for the visitor, it gives you the opportunity to really see and get a genuine feel for this amazing city that spans several centuries of spectacular history. When you bike or walk, you can easily spot all the local shops and cafes that make a perfect day even better. Discovering the ancient history of the past, and the local businesses of today, are a special treat of the bicycle culture.

things to do in lisbon

  A Street Artist And His Canvas In Lisbon

There are some amazing street artists in Lisbon. Street art is encouraged and was made a part of the city’s urban renewal project. Lisbon is well known as a center for urban art. A simple walk through the center of the city, or almost any historic neighborhood, will delight the visitor with many street art exhibits. Because of this, as well as its very colorful buildings, Lisbon has become the most colorful city in Europe.

things to do in lisbon

Statue Of King Jose I In Praca do Comercio  

This is a bronze statue commemorating the inauguration Of King Jose I in 1775 in Praca do Comercio.  The square is the greatest square in all of Portugal with buildings lining three sides. All the buildings are painted according to the original plans.  Notice the snakes that are symbolically crushed with the hoofs of King Jose’s horse.

things to do in lisbon

 The Top Of The Praça do Comércio Triumphal Arch In Rua Augusta Lisbon Portugal  

You can see the coat of arms for Portugal. The figures at the top represent glory, which follows valor and genius. A time when Portugal ruled well beyond its borders. They were known for the conquest of people deemed below them. They took advantage of any weakness, and again there is a good view of the snakes being crushed under the power of the kingdom.

things to do in lisbon

 One Of The Statues At The Praca do Comercio In Lisbon Portugal  

things to do in lisbon

  Monastery Of São Vicente de Fora On The Top Of The Romantic Hills Of  Lisbon 

The Monastery of   São  Vicente de Fora means “Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls.” This is a monastery and church from the 17th century and is of extreme importance in Portugal even today. Today, the original cistern is still standing, as well as the cloisters. The cloisters have the original tiles from the 18th century. There is one collection of tiles that depict the many stories and fables of Jean de LaFontaine. A trip to the rooftop will render a fabulous view over the Tagus River and the city of Lisbon.

things to do in lisbon

 Love Locks In Miradouro da Senhora do Monte  

This is the highest and most romantic lookout point over Lisbon and allows you to see for miles across the city.  It is well known for its panoramic views of the city and its one-of-a-kind sunsets.

things to do in lisbon

  View of Almada On The Southern Tagus River 

The site of an ancient trade route used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors in Portugal.

places to see in lisbon
Places to see in Lisbon while exploring the city.

 São Jorge Castle Is A Moorish Castle  

The castle overlooks the historic center of the City of Lisbon and the Tagus River.  The castle is a National Monument that occupies a special area of the old citadel. Furthermore, the grounds are an active archaeological dig and include the castle, as well as the remains of the former royal palace. The historic neighborhood surrounding the castle is for the wealthy and privileged class of the city.

While touring places to see in Lisbon make sure to embrace the city’s food, wine, and culture. One of the best ways to discover Lisbon is by renting a car with Enjoy Travel. They offer incredible low prices and easy booking for car hire in Lisbon Everything is alive and with wonderful possibilities each day you are there.

Lisbon is an amazing and unique city among the cities of the world. If you are looking for adventure, you will find it in Lisbon. It is the most unusual city in all of Europe, with its efforts to make sure that the past is never forgotten.  The past and the present seem to flow together in a seamless matter that has a freshness about it. On your next European adventure, be sure and include this rare and one-of-a-kind city in your itinerary.

Enjoy this list of Things To Do In Lisbon and it provides you with some useful insight into what we found and what you can also see and do while there.

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Editors Notes:

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With this article and information from these additional searches you should be able to make a great list. Rank your list according to must see location and group according to location. By doing so you will be able to see more and avoid some of the traffic around the city. We reccomend hiring a car hire and use the services of a high quality hotel to assist you. We did this and had several drivers who all worked out well. Get prices ahead of time and don’t negociate after this has already been agreed. With that being said our things to do in Lisbon comes from our first hand experience, and from our research before hand. We feel just this list alone will keep you very busy.

Happy Travels!