25 Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 | Part 1
I left Lisbon wishing I'd planned an extra day. There are so many charming streets to wander down, viewpoints to admire, and hidden corners waiting to be discovered. 🇵🇹💫
Here's part 1 of everything worth adding to your itinerary! ⬇️
/Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square) - I loved the wave-patterned pavement, the beautiful fountain, and (if you're visiting in late spring) the blooming jacaranda trees that add a splash of purple to the square. 💜
/Miradouro das Portas do Sol - One of my favorite viewpoints in the city, with beautiful views over Alfama and the Tagus River. ☀️
/Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) - Lisbon's grand riverside square opening onto the Tagus River. Walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta, then spend a few minutes by the water watching the ferries go by.
/Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) - Built to honor Portugal's Age of Exploration, it's even bigger and more impressive in person than in photos. If you have time, head to the top for panoramic views over Belém. ⛵️
/Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) - Nearly 900 years old, this cathedral is one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks.
/Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) - The line can get long, so my tip is to walk up to Largo do Carmo instead. You'll get a similar view for free and can ride the lift down if you still want the experience.
Save this post for your Portugal trip and stay tuned for Part 2! ✨️
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Having explored Lisbon myself, I highly recommend allotting extra time to truly embrace its charm. One of the standout experiences is wandering the cobblestone streets of Alfama where Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the red rooftops below—especially magical at sunset. When visiting Praça Dom Pedro IV, also known as Rossio Square, take time to admire not only the stunning wave-patterned pavement but also the jacaranda trees in late spring that bathe the square in a lovely purple hue. For an iconic Lisbon experience, the Monument to the Discoveries is a highlight. I found climbing to the top incredibly rewarding, offering panoramic sights of the Belém district and the river where the explorers once set sail. Nearby, exploring the historic Lisbon Cathedral gives insight into the city's rich 900-year history. A practical tip if you want to avoid long waits at the Santa Justa Lift is to walk up to Largo do Carmo. This spot offers similar scenic views for free, and you can enjoy a unique descent by the lift without queues. Lisbon’s diversity—from grand riverside squares like Praça do Comércio where you can watch ferries glide along the Tagus, to quiet hidden corners and charming cafés—makes it a city where every corner tells a story. Whether you’re absorbing history, architecture, or simply soaking up local vibes, these top spots provide a memorable first introduction, with much more waiting to be explored in the following itinerary parts.
