Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Soumya
From historic landmarks to scenic viewpoints, there’s no shortage of beautiful places in Lisbon.
However, that doesn’t make life easy when we want to zero down on THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN LISBON. Does it?
So, I, an ardent Lisbon fan, multiple-times visitor, and a Portuguese history nerd, am here to help you figure out the prettiest places in Lisbon that are an absolute must-see.
This epic list includes some famous places in Lisbon such as the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower.
But it also has lesser-known places of interest in Lisbon such as the National Tile Museum, which are often not added to the list of Lisbon’s top attractions.
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10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Lisbon
Alfama
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, Alfama is a charming area known for its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and traditional Fado music.
It is steeped in history and is home to some of the most popular historic attractions in Lisbon. The Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, and the National Pantheon are only a few of them.
You’ll also find some of the best Lisbon viewpoints or miradouros in Alfama.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
One of the best ways to explore the charming neighborhood of Alfama is by taking a ride on the historic Tram 28 that zigzags through the cobbled alleys.
Or you could take an Old Alfama Quarter Walking Tour and discover the best of this iconic neighborhood with a knowledgeable local guide.
Walking through Alfama feels like stepping back in time, with its labyrinthine alleyways always ending with a surprise, laundry hanging from the balconies of pastel-colored houses, and traditional Fado music echoing through the streets.
Alfama, truly, is the experience of a lifetime.
📖 Related Read: Visiting Alfama? Read our post on the 14 best things to do in Alfama Lisbon.
Carmo Convent
Located on Largo do Carmo, the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Caramel, or Carmo Convent for short is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lisbon.
This Gothic church was built in the 14th century and was once known for its imposing facade, intricate arches, and Manueline-style windows.
However, today it stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755. It is one of the few medieval buildings of Lisbon that survived the earthquake even though it lost its roof.
The church’s majestic Gothic arches rise high into the sky making it one of the most hauntingly beautiful Lisbon attractions.
The convent also houses a small archaeological museum that displays artifacts from different periods of Portuguese history.
The museum also has some creepy collections such as a couple of South American mummies, a Roman sarcophagus, and an Egyptian mummy.
Explore Carmo Convent and dig deeper into its history on this History, Stories, and Lifestyle Walking Tour of Lisbon.
📖 Related Read: Traveling to Lisbon? Remember to check our easy, 2-day Lisbon itinerary.
Belem Tower
One of the best places to visit in Lisbon is the iconic Belem Tower or Torre de Belem.
Located on the banks of the Tagus River. the Belem Tower was built as a fort in the 16th century as a means to protect the city from enemy attacks.
As years passed, the tower was used as a lighthouse, state prison, and a customs port. Today, Belem Tower, alongside the Jeronimos Monastery, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal.
The tower is built in the beautiful Manueline style and features an exquisite blend of Gothic and Moorish architecture.
Adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, the Belem Tower is one of the most beautiful sights in Lisbon.
Be sure to check out exotic maritime sculptures and interesting animal figures, including one of an Indian rhino, that cover the facade.
Further, a climb to the top of the tower offers stunning views of the river and surrounding areas.
Belem Tower also has a small museum where you can learn about its role in Portugal’s maritime discoveries.
✦ Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Belem Tower, be sure to check out our detailed Belem Tower Visitor’s Guide.
Remember to buy your Belem Tower skip-the-line tickets in advance here.
Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery in Belem is yet another beautiful place in Lisbon that totally needs to go into your Portugal bucket list.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site today, the stunning Jeronimos Monastery was built in the early 16th century to mark Vasco da Gama and his team’s successful voyage to India.
The monastery showcases the beautiful Manueline style of architecture that originated during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
It features stunning cloisters, intricate carvings, and grand halls. I found the detailing at Jeronimos to be truly mind-boggling.
The monastery is also the final resting place of several prominent figures from Portuguese history. Vasco da Gama is also buried here.
Whether you’re visiting Lisbon for one day or more, Jeronimos Monastery is one beautiful attraction you should not miss.
Remember to book your skip-the-line ticket for Jeronimos Monastery here.
✦ Pro Tip: Right next to Jeronimos Monastery is Pasteis de Belem, a confectionery shop that’s been making original Portuguese egg tarts since 1837.
Do not miss tasting these heavenly egg tarts when visiting Lisbon.
For more dessert ideas, check out our mouth-watering post on the 9 Best Desserts to Try in Portugal.
Praca do Commercio
Also known as Terreiro do Paco, Praca do Commercio in Lisbon is one of the largest squares in Europe.
It is located near the mouth of the Tagus River and offers breathtaking views of the water.
Praca do Commercio was once the main gateway to Lisbon and features a triumphal arch and the equestrian statue of King Dom Jose I.
The triumphal arch is called Arco da Rua Augusta and is one of the most famous landmarks in Lisbon.
Take a walk underneath the arch to admire the intricate details on its columns. Or take the elevator for panoramic views of the city from the top.
The square is also surrounded by beautiful and symmetrical yellow buildings. This arrangement makes the square one of the most picturesque spots in Lisbon.
Take a stroll around the square or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes that surround the happening Praca do Commercio.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lisbon because it offers stunning views of the city and its colorful rooftops.
The miradouro features a charming terrace adorned with colorful tiles and a white-washed church, adding to its beauty.
It gets even prettier in spring when Lisbon is full of colors and life.
Located in Alfama, this viewpoint or miradouro is a must-visit for any traveler.
As you gaze out at the view, you will see the winding streets of Alfama, the Tagus River, and even glimpse the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in the distance.
The best time to visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia is at sunset when the sky turns a beautiful shade of pink and orange.
You can also visit during the day to enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the nearby cafes and follow it up with a historic walking tour of the Old Town of Alfama.
📖 Related Read: For more beautiful views, check out our post on the 10 Best Viewpoints in Lisbon.
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara is one of the prettiest places to visit in Lisbon because of the stunning views that it offers.
Come here to grab some cool shots of Lisbon’s downtown area and Castelo de Sao Jorge.
Located in the trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood, this viewpoint is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the views.
The miradouro features landscaped gardens, shaded seating areas, and a beautiful fountain at its center.
Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara is the perfect romantic spot in Lisbon for sunset picnics. Taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying the breathtaking scenery is also a good idea.
Also, right across the street, you’ll find Lisbon’s Port and Douro Wine Institute or Solar do Vinho do Porto.
Housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace, the Port Wine Institute is the best place in Lisbon to taste different varieties of Douro and Porto wines.
✦ Pro Tip: If you’d like to visit the heart of Portuguese wine country, be sure to check out our guide on Visiting Douro Valley from Porto.
Sao Jorge Castle
Lisbon is a city of hills and the famous Sao Jorge Castle is perched on Lisbon’s highest hill, offering sweeping views of the city.
With a history dating to the 1st century BCE, the medieval Sao Jorge Castle is an imposing structure and a must-visit Lisbon attraction.
Visitors can explore its fortified walls, an archaeological site, and the castle’s towers.
The castle grounds are also home to gardens filled with native plants and peacocks, offering serene spots for relaxation.
At the Tower of Ulysses, you’ll find a camera obscura that allows you to get a 360-degree view of Lisbon.
Moreover, the on-site museum showcases relics unearthed at the archaeological site, portraying Lisbon’s history from the 7th century BC until the 18th century.
Explore the castle and its grounds on this guided tour to get in-depth insights into the history of Lisbon. And don’t forget to take in the spectacular views of the city from its walls.
✦ Pro Tip: The queues at Sao Jorge Castle are always way too long. Be sure to book your Sao Jorge Castle skip-the-line ticket here.
National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum is one of the most beautiful places in Lisbon because it showcases the rich history and cultural significance of tiles in Portugal.
The museum is housed in the Madre de Deus Convent, a beautiful 16th-century building filled with intricate tilework.
Visitors can admire over 5 centuries’ worth of Portuguese tiles, from traditional azulejos to contemporary pieces.
Take your time exploring the museum’s various rooms and galleries, each showcasing different themes and styles of tiles.
One of the most unmissable attractions is the 75ft long panel dating to the early 1700s that fills an entire room.
The panel depicts Lisbon’s skyline from before the 1755 earthquake and is one of the most iconic Portuguese azulejo collections.
📖 Related Read: If you’d like to visit more hidden gems like the National Tile Museum, check out our post on the Best Offbeat Attractions in Lisbon.
National Pantheon
The National Pantheon is an impressive church located in the Alfama neighborhood.
It is a former convent that now serves as the final resting place for notable Portuguese figures. These include writers, poets, and presidents. Portugal’s famous Fado artist, Amalia Rodrigues is also buried here.
The building itself is a work of art, with its intricate architecture and beautiful dome. The beautiful marble interior is absolutely breathtaking.
Climb up to the terrace for breathtaking views of the city and enjoy a peaceful moment in the Pantheon’s beautiful gardens.
A flea market opens up right next to the National Pantheon every Tuesday and Saturday morning. It is my favorite place to purchase Portuguese curios.
If you’re interested in learning more about Portuguese history, be sure to add the National Pantheon to your list of must-visit places in Lisbon.
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