Lisbonis a fascinating city, vibrant, ancient, with thousands of history of background, back from the Roman period 2000 years ago, passing by the Moorish 1000 years ago, and with more than 800 years as an independent nation, one of the oldest in the world. It is also the capital of Portugal.
Year after year, more than 12 million visitors arrive to Portugal, eager to explore the city of Lisbon.
The best way to explore downtown area is walking, but never forget that the city is hilly (city of the 7 hills), and also you might need transportation for longer distances.
The best option is to hire a private guide, taking a private tour. Having a knowledgeable guide will help you exploring the best attractions, avoid the lines, and optimizing your time.
As being one of the most popular place in the whole country, it can be difficult to visit Lisbon smoothly, comfortably, and with quality, so make sure to hire someone who knows the city well.
If visiting Lisbon downtown area walking, without transportation, here are the places you should cover in one full-day:
- Rossio Square / National Theater / Rossio Station
- Jewish Memorial
- Sao Domingos Church
- Manteigaria Silva, one of the oldest grocery shops in Lisbon
- Rua Augusta, famous walking street
- Custard Tart (you can get some on Rua Augusta), or save your time for later in Belem or Chiado/Largo Camoes at original Manteigaria
- Santa Justa Elevator (exterior only, lines are big, dont take the elevator)
- Praça do Comercio / Commerce Square
- Alfama / Lisbon Cathedral
- Saint Antonio House and Birthplace (Saint Antony From Padua, Saint of Lost Things
- Viewpoints (several, such as Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia, etc)
- Old Jewish Quarter (Alfama)
- Chiado / Rua do Carmo
- Visit the oldest bookshop in the world, Bertrand, in Chiado
- Chiado / Rua do Carmo
- Carmo Convent Ruins
- Sao Roque Church
- Lisbon Tram (see only from the exterior, don’t take the tram, it’s often packed with lines of tourists)
- and Much More !
Some other places like the Belem, Parque das Nacoes (Expo), Lisbon Aqueduct, etc, will require transportation, and cannot be reached walking.
If you wish to book a walking tour of Lisbon, without transportation, please CLICK HERE
If you wish to book a tour of Lisbon, with transportation, please CLICK HERE INSTEAD
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
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