Top 10 Places to Visit in Lisbon –From Belém to Alfama (Part 1)

Lisbon has become one of our absolute favourite destinations in Europe — a city full of colour, character, and energy. It blends history, culture, breathtaking viewpoints, and the fresh ocean breeze in a way that feels truly unique. Whether you’re visiting for a short weekend escape or staying a little longer, here are the Top 10 places to visit in Lisbon that, for us, capture the real essence and magic of the city.

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✨Pro Tip: Book a Bike Tour

We booked a bike tour to explore Lisbon more comfortably and cover more places in less time — and it was one of the best decisions of our trip.

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Now, let’s dive into our Top 10 Places to Visit in Lisbon!

1. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

Prepare to be awestruck by this beautiful UNESCO-listed monastery in Belém. We were completely blown away by its intricate Manueline architecture! Walking through the cloisters felt like stepping back in time to Portugal’s Golden Age — a true must-see.

2. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)

This iconic landmark stands proudly on the edge of the Tagus River. We loved visiting at sunset — the view is unbeatable, and the tower itself is a powerful symbol of Portugal’s rich maritime history.

3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos & Rose Compass (Rosa dos Ventos)

Marvel at this monumental tribute to the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, overlooking the river. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views across Belém and the waterfront. Don’t miss the Rose Compass, the impressive marble world map showing the routes of historic Portuguese explorers — it’s the perfect spot to pause and reflect on history.

4. Ponte 25 de Abril

Lisbon’s iconic suspension bridge, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, is absolutely dramatic. Whether you admire it from the river or a scenic viewpoint, we found it impossible not to be impressed.

5. Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)

Once part of the old red-light district, this street is now a vibrant nightlife hotspot full of bars and cafés. Its bright pink pavement makes it one of Lisbon’s most Instagram-worthy streets — we couldn’t resist snapping a few photos!

6. Praça do Comércio

Step into this expansive riverside square framed by yellow arcades and elegant architecture. We loved starting our exploration of the historic center from here — it immediately gives you a sense of Lisbon’s grandeur.

7. Arco da Rua Augusta

Experience the grandeur of this triumphal arch leading into Praça do Comércio. We climbed to the top and were rewarded with stunning views over the square, the river, and downtown Lisbon — a great perspective of the city.

8. Alfama District

The oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon is full of narrow streets, tiled houses, viewpoints, and the soulful sounds of traditional fado music. Wandering here without a map is the best way to truly feel the heartbeat of the city — we completely fell in love with its charm and could have wandered for hours getting lost in its magic.

🎶 It’s definitely worth booking a fado night to experience the music in an authentic setting — it’s an unforgettable part of Lisbon’s soul.

9. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This romantic viewpoint, adorned with blue-and-white azulejos, overlooks Alfama and the river. Watching the sunset here was one of our most memorable Lisbon experiences — the view is absolutely breathtaking. 🌅

Extra tip: Just a short walk away is Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) — definitely worth visiting for even more panoramic views of the city and a peek into Lisbon’s fascinating history.

10. Take the ferry to  Cacilhas

Cacilhas, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon, is one of our favorite hidden gems. We took the ferry from Cais do Sodré, enjoying stunning views of Lisbon on the way. Once there, we loved strolling along the riverside promenade, exploring local street art, and indulging in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. Don’t miss the viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the river and city — and if you can, stay until sunset for a truly magical experience.

🌟 Looking for even more amazing places and day trips from Lisbon? Check out Part 2 of our guide — we’ve rounded up plenty of hidden gems and must-see spots you won’t want to miss!

💬 Have you visited any of these spots — or discovered your own favorite corners of Lisbon? Share your experiences in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!