Belém Tower

Belém Tower is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its role in protecting Portugal’s coast during the Age of Discoveries and later. Portraying a combination of Gothic and Manueline architecture like the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower attracts visitors for its appearance as well as its role in history.

Alfama

‘Visit Alfama’ is what most first-time travelers to Lisbon are advised. The oldest part of the city, it may feel like you’ve stepped through a time warp to the 17th or 18th century. The narrow roads are winding and eclectic, filled with souvenir shops and tiny bars or cafés, and Alfama is one of the best tourist-friendly locations to enjoy authentic Portuguese meals while listening to the country’s favorite genre of soul music, fado.

Baixa & Bairro Alto

Most of Baixa, the ‘lower neighborhood’ was ruined during Lisbon’s catastrophic Earthquake of 1755, and rebuilt during the decades that followed to become as one of the trendiest parts of the city. Today, it attracts visitors with its Pombaline architecture (a Portuguese style derived in the 18th century), romantic cafés and restaurants, and a plethora of shopping opportunities. Bairro Alto, on the other hand, is Lisbon’s artistic and bohemian-friendly ‘upper neighborhood’ filled with some of the best bars, clubs and restaurants. It’s also one of the best places to enjoy Lisbon’s urban street art scene.

São Jorge Castle

The São Jorge Castle is much more than a Moorish hilltop fortification with stone walls and exceptional views. It is one of the oldest and most recognisable structures in the city. It also houses an archaeological museum and an underground excavation site with remnants that may date back millennia and from different eras. From the Iron Age to Medieval Period to the Renaissance and more recently, this castle was witnessed many changes, which visitors can get an idea of when walking through the corridors, viewing antiques, and catching glimpses of unearthed treasures.

Jerónimos Monastery

Built over the course of 100 years, mostly during the 16th century, the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the top reasons tourists beeline to Belém (in addition to the famous Pasteis de Belém sold practically next door but with roots from the Monastery). Also known as the Hieronymites Monastery, it’s not just a major attraction near Lisbon but one of the most popular landmarks in all of Portugal, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Belém Tower. Built to honor Portugal’s role during the Age of Discoveries, it is now the tomb of many prominent historical persons including Portuguese explorer and navigator Vasco da Gama.