Filled with vibrant culture, delicious food and astounding sights, Lisbon is an excellent travel destination. Oddly enough, it often gets overlooked, but this works to travelers’ advantage since it’s not too pricey to travel there. If you can’t head to the typical southern European travel destinations like Rome or Barcelona, travel to Lisbon and you’re sure to have an experience you won’t forget. Here are a few things you can do and see in Portugal’s lovely capital:
Alfama
Alfama is a picturesque neighborhood with narrow streets, steep flights of steps and winding alleyways. Alfama is also Lisbon’s oldest quarter, hence the rustic charm. While you’re visiting Alfama, make sure to check out the gorgeous castle, the stunning cathedral and the plethora of historic 17th-century churches in the area. To get a stunning view of Lisbon, head to the Miradouro Largo das Portas do Sol, a square that was once the entrance gates to the old city. Alfama has a number of delicious cafes and restaurants that open at night, serving traditional cuisine.
Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Located in Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of the most awe-inspiring structures in Portugal. Once populated by monks of the Order of St Jerome, this monastery has a good deal of history, and of course religious significance, behind it. After the monks left, the monastery was then used as a school and orphanage until around 1940. With tree-trunk like columns and a ceiling that resembles a web of stones, this monastery is not to be missed. A soft golden light is cast over the church thanks to the windows, and there is an excellent view of the church from the upper choir. Entering the honey-stone Manueline cloisters is a breathtaking experience with its incredibly detailed architecture.
Chiado
If a trendy neighborhood with topnotch shopping is what you’re after, visit Chiado. This elegant district is where people meet for coffee or before a night out in nearby Bairro Alto. But just because this district is bustling doesn’t mean that it lacks the historic charm of Lisbon’s other districts. The majority of the buildings are from the 1700s, though a number of them were restored in the 1990s after a fire destroyed them in 1988. This district’s cosmopolitan vibe is combined with the aesthetic of the late 19th and early 20 centuries. The neighborhood is full of old bookshops, theaters and major international brands.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
If you want to relax and take in the best view of the castle and the hill, look no further than Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From there, you will be able to see the entire city of Lisbon, and the sight is sure to take your breath away. If you want to go on foot, it is a bit of a steep hike, but it is also accessible by tram. If you go by tram, there is a bit of a walk after the tram as well. Once you visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, you’ll be able to see just how stunning Lisbon truly is.
Lisbon is a lovely city brimming with culture and history. If you want to visit a European city that is somewhat off the beaten path but definitely still work the visit, book a flight to Lisbon, Portugal. You won’t regret it.