What to see in Lisbon - Top 10 Places to see in Lisbon

1. Tips for studying abroad in Lisbon - Study abroad in Lisbon
2. How to get to Lisbon - Getting to Lisbon by plane, train, bus or car
3. Public transport in Lisbon - Getting around Lisbon
4. Cost of Living in Lisbon
5. Accommodation for students in Lisbon - Top tips and advice
6. Save money in Lisbon - Tips for living on a student budget in Lisbon
7. Lisbon neighbourhoods - The most important districts of Lisbon
8. Nightlife in Lisbon - A guide to nightclubs and going out in Lisbon
9. Portuguese cuisine - The gastronomy of Portugal and traditional dishes
10. Where to eat in Lisbon - Gastronomy in Lisbon
11. What to see in Lisbon - Top 10 Places to see in Lisbon
12. What to do in Lisbon - The best things to do in Lisbon
13. Festivals in Lisbon - Festivals and events in Lisbon
14. Day trips from Lisbon - Places to visit and excursions around Lisbon
15. Lisbon in 3 days - What to see in Lisbon in 3 days

In order for you to have the best experience in Lisbon we are going to tell you the Top 10 best places to visit in Lisbon. We chose these places because we think they are the most iconic and most worth it to see. Besides referring to the monuments, we are going to talk about their history, the visit schedule, the entrance prices and also some tips, in order for you to save some money.

If you want to know more about other monuments, museums, theatres, cinemas, palaces, among others, you can check the next article of this guide, because we talk more in detail about almost all the places to see in Lisbon.

1. Monument to the Discoveries “Padrão dos descobrimentos”

The Discoveries Monuments is an important monument that was inaugurated in the XX century, in 1940. It was rebuilt in 1960 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Infante Henrique, the Navigator.

This monument is something completely different, because it’s a homage to all the important people in Portugal during the Discoveries. You can see the sculptures of important historical figures as King Manuel I (carrying the armillary sphere, symbol of Portugal nation); Camões (the poet, an important person for the portuguese people, which sculpture is holding verses from The Lusiads); Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, Cristóvão da Gama, Fernão de Magalhães, Pedro Álvares Cabral or the King Afonso V. The only female is Filipa de Lencastre, who was the mother of the navigator.

Inside the monument you can see an exhibition, and also there is a lift that can take you to the top, to see the amazing view from upstairs. I advise you to do that, it’s amazing.

As a student you only pay half of the price, a single ticket costs 2,50 euros. It’s open from 10 am. Until 6 pm. Or 7 pm., depending on the season.

2. Belém Tower

Belém Tower, an important mark in the Manueline Style, is also a special place. Built in the XVI century, in 1515, it used to be a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon, and nowadays is considered UNESCO Heritage. The monument stands out because it’s privileged position, facing the river, protrudes through their windows with impressive elements, the details that remind us of the ocean, the figure of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming and because it was the symbol of protection for sailors, during their discoveries. The single ticket costs 6 euros. It’s open from 10 am. until 5h20 pm. or 6h20 pm., depending on the season. Tip: Sunday and Holidays from 10:00 a. m. to 2:00 p. m the entrance is for free. And try to visit it during the Sunset. It's really pretty.

3. Monastery of Jerónimos

Monastery of Jerónimos, this is one of the most important monuments of Lisbon, and it’s visited by thousands of people every day. The Monastery of Jerónimos it’s one of the most impressive symbols of Manueline Architectonic Style in Portugal. Representing and inspired in the Age of Discoveries, it was built by King Manuel I, in the 16th century. Classified as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO, it’s a monument that will surprise you, because of its details, maritime motifs, cloisters, fountains and gardens.

It’s open from 10 am. until 5:20 pm. or 6:20 pm., depending on the season. The individual ticket costs 10 euros. Tip: Sunday and Holidays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm the entrance is for free.

4. São Jorge’s Castle

Located on the tallest hill of Lisbon, the Castle of Lisbon is an iconic monument in the city. Here you can see an amazing view of the capital, and you can learn a lot by visiting this place. The Castle was invaded by the first King of Portugal, D. Alfonso Henriques, in the year of 1147, and then the King made the castle his house.

The Castle is open 7 days per week, from 9 am. until 6 pm. or 9 pm. depending on the season. If you are a student and less than 25 years old, you only pay 5 euros. The entrance is free for the Lisbon residents and also for the residents in the national territory on Sundays from 9 am. to 2 pm.

5. Carmo Convent

It was built in the 14th century, in 1389, and it was a religious building funded by D. Nuno Álvares Pereira. The Convent used to be really emblematic in the city, because of its monumental beauty. It’s a Gothic monument, and during the centuries many changes were done in the convent. Today we can see a monument marked with the architectural romantic style, and is an opening air building.

The ticket with the student card will cost you 3,00 euros, and the monument/museum is open every day from 10 am. until 6 pm. or 7 pm.

6. Bairro Alto

This is the most typical neighbourhood in Lisbon. Here you can find a little of everything, and you always have something to do here, either during the day or the night. You can come here to eat something in a restaurant, to listen to music, drink something with your friends, walk through the streets, visit the bookshops, see a theatre’s performance, go for a coffee or even visit some monuments.

Bairro Alto is the place for the parties, you will see this place full of people all the time, it’s a really picturesque neighbourhood of how the Portuguese live their lifes. In Bairro Alto you can find something for all the tastes and wallets. Some interesting places and monuments that you can see here are: Luís de Camões Square; Príncipe Real Square; Botanical Garden; Viewpoint of S. Pedro of Alcántara or the Viewpoint of Santa Catalina.

7. National Pantheon

This is a masterpiece in Lisbon; in this place you can find the tombs of the most important people in the history of Portugal. It was founded in the XVI century and it’s a monument that you need to visit, not just because of the history but also because of its baroque architecture. Inside you can see the dome, the main nave and the colourful details all over the monument. From the outside you have an outstanding view from Lisbon’s river. The National Pantheon is classified as a National Monument.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am. until 5 pm.. The price for one ticket it’s 4 euros, but as a student you have a 50% discount. Tip:If you are going to the Pantheon, seize and go to see the “Feira da Ladra”, a typical Portuguese market. It happens only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and stays really close to the monument.

8. Gulbenkian Museum

The Gulbenkian Museum it’s a wonderful place for those who love art, history, culture and music. Considered one of the best museums in Portugal, here you can see different masterpieces, such as statues, paintings, furniture, artefacts or traditional items of Portugal. The Museum exhibits collections from Ancient Egypt until the present day. If you visit the museum you will see a lot of students that usually are coming to write university's works. And don’t be surprised if you visit the museum and you find artists performing, there is always something happening in this place.

The ticket costs 11,50 euros (including everything) or 10 euros (for the founder’s and modern collection). The Museum is open from 10 am. until 6 pm. and the closing day is on Tuesday. Tip: We advise you to go on Sunday’s afternoon after 2 pm. because the entrance is for free.

9. Tram 28

Tram 28 is one the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon. These trams date back to 1930, and the amazing thing is that they are still working and thousands of tourists are going in them every day. Going on this tram is a great option to get to know the city, because it’s route passes through a lot of important places in Lisbon. Taking the tram you can see the neighbourhood Estrela (the tram stops in from of the Basílica and Garden of Estela); S. Bento (passes through the Portuguese Parliament and the Assembly of the Republic); Luís de Camões Square; Baixa (Augusta Street and the Commercial Square); Sé de Lisboa and in Alfama (Portas do Sol, a known viewpoint of Lisbon).

Tip: You can use your transport’s pass to the tram and try to go early in the morning, because there is a better chance of getting a seat.

10. Oceanarium

In 2017 the Oceanarium was elected as the World’s Best Aquarium, by TripAdvisor. It’s open from 10 am. Until 8 pm., but don’t forget that the last entrance it’s at 6 pm. The price for an adult ticket is 15 euros (for the permanent exhibition) and 18 euros (for the permanent plus the temporary exhibition, usually this temporary exhibition is about social causes, or different species of sea life). It is really worth seeing, and it’s for sure a must see!

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