Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal

Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
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If ever you wanted to experience the top 8 tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal this will give you a great guide on what to do, where to go and what to see. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and oozes culture, quirkiness, and style. Well known for its yellow tram cars, winding alleyways, hidden squares, galleries, museums and monuments, Lisbon is a perfect city getaway.

Here is a list of the top 8 tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal

National Museum of Ancient Art or the Palacio Nacional da Ajuda

If you’re into art and history, this is a perfect attraction for you to see. The completion of the building was in the late 18th century. It is a rectangular shape with four wings to the building. It has one of Europe’s finest collections of art from before 1800, including several paintings by Titian, El Greco, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

The Ribeira District

This is one of the oldest and most traditional areas in Lisbon, is also an important tourism destination. It was historically the centre of commerce and trade in Lisbon. The old buildings are a mixture of Gothic and Manueline styles that are still in excellent condition. It is one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in Europe.

In recent years, there have been changes in the Ribeira area that have affected its medieval feel but it’s still worth a visit for those interested to see where Lisbon began. The Ribeira area is a must see with its beautiful riverside promenade and colourful houses.

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle Lisbon was built in the 12th century by King Afonso I of Portugal. It sits on the highest point of the city, overlooking the Tagus River and, in its time, defended Lisbon from attacks. This castle is more than just a castle; it is a monument to Portuguese history and culture.

This castle has been used as a prison for many years and currently hosts some museums and exhibitions. It’s one of the main attractions in Lisbon and is visable from almost every point on the riverside.

Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
São Jorge Castle

Belem Tower

This Tower is an iconic landmark and national monument in Lisbon, Portugal. In the 16th century, King John III built the Tower. Belem Tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was registered as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders in 2007. This means it is an area or landmark that has legal protection by the United Nations.

Built from limestone (lioz), this structure has an angular point which projects outwards from the curtain wall and is usually at the corners of a fort. It also has a 30 metre 4 storey tower that overlooks the Tagus River.

The construction began on September 4th, 1954 by a national company and the completion was on October 30th, 1996 by a Portuguese-Brazilian company that took over the work. In 2008, it lost its title as tallest building in Europe to Moscow’s Mercury City Tower but regained it in 2009 when Moscow’s Federation Tower did not go higher than 202 meters (663 ft).

Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
Belem Tower – Lisbon

The Tagus River

The Tagus River is a major river in the Iberian Peninsula. It flows through the Portuguese capital Lisbon, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean in front of the city’s harbour. The Tagus has a very important role in Portugal’s system of dams and hydroelectric power stations because of its extensive water storage capacity.

Edward VII Park

The Edward VII Park is a public garden in Lisbon, Portugal. It was a creation of the initiation of King Edward VII’s visit to Portugal in 1903. The English landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson was the designer of this beautiful park. This park has many green spaces and picturesque ponds. Visitors will find a large variety of trees and exotic plants, as well as sculptures and fountains. The Park is very large and occupies an area of 26 hectares (64 acres) looking down towards the Tagus River. It’s a great location to take pictures of the stunning flowers and greenery.

Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
Edward VII Park – Lisbon

Trams in Lisbon

The Lisbon tram system is not just a network of trams but also a big part of Lisbon’s history. The first lines were built in order to connect key points across the city: Praça da Figueira (to Santa Apolónia) and Avenida da Liberdade (to Campo Grande). This is a great way to explore Lisbon and the entire system has expanded over time with additional routes being opened up and others shut down. The main reason for this is that many areas such as Avenida da Liberdade are now built up with high-rise buildings, making it impossible to access these areas by tram.

Lisbon Tram

Ponte 25 de Abril

The Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. The construction spans over 17km of the Tagus River and in the late 70s. The Ponte 25 de Abril is not only a work of engineering but it is also an iconic part of Lisbon. The bridge helps connect two cities that were in separation from each other by water for centuries and has made it possible for commuters to travel back and forth between them quickly.

Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
Ponte 25 de Abril

Conclusion

If you’re planning a holiday in Lisbon, there are many attractions and things to do here. The above is just a list of the top 8 tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal. The scenery and activities definitely keep tourists coming back for more each year.

Seagull Circuit offers great tours to various locations throughout Lisbon and Portugal. You have many options to explore the beautiful scenery and attractions of this popular destination.