I visited Lisbon for my birthday weekend. In order to cover as much as possible, you would have to book at least 2 tours. Tours are great because the guides suggest best times and give you a better explanation of sights than you’d read online. Unlike my trip to SriLanka where I also had a tour-guide/driver for all 8 days, Lisbon is filled with walking. So get your flats! Click here to watch video.
Things to do in Lisbon (9 must-dos)
TOUR advised
c. Praça do Comércio was a rebuild by the Marquis of Pombal led by Portuguese architect Eugénio dos Santos. He designed a large, rectangular square in the shape of a “U”, open towards the Tagus river.[2] The buildings have galleries on their ground floors. The square was named Praça do Comércio, the Square of Commerce, to indicate its new function in the economy of Lisbon.
d. Alfama (edgy small streets) – Take A Tour
3 —-> Tram 28
4 ——> Castelo de Sao Jorge’/Moorish Castle/São Jorge Castle
Open 7 days a week, Castelo de S. Jorge is now a place where you can enjoy our heritage.
There was a long queue. Guided tours are advised.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake severely damaged the castle and contributed to its continuing decay: apart from the walls of the old castle, the soldier’s hospital and the Recolhimento were left in ruins.
5 ——> Belem
Belém, Portuguese for Bethlehem; named after the civil parish on which it is situated, Santa Maria de Belém
The Belém Palace, or alternately National Palace of Belém, (Portuguese: Palácio Nacional de Belém) has, over time, been the official residence of Portuguese monarchs and, after the installation of the First Republic, the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic. – Eat Pasteis de Belém.
– Visit Jeronimos Monastery
– Visit Belém’s Tropical Botanical Garden
6 ——> Oceanarium
It is located in the Parque das Nações, which was the exhibition grounds for the Expo ’98. It is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.
7 ——> Flea Market
Major flea market, open Tues & Sat, with an eclectic mix of housewares, clothing, antiques & media.
8 -—-> Lisbon at Night
– Clubs: Cinco, Silk, Lux,
– The National Ballet of Portugal, Companhia Nacional de Bailado (CNB),
Hon, good on you for treating yourself to a vacay for your bday, totally well deserved! Lisbon is mos def on my to-to list. Recently, everyone’s been banging on about it, ha! ( :