20 essentials: what to see and do in Lisbon in 1, 2 or 3 days

El Baixa neighborhood It is where the commercial life of the city of Lisbon takes place. 

This is the neighborhood with a layout of perpendicular streets that extends between the two hills of the castle and the Barrio Alto that configure the city urbanistically.

This neighborhood extends from Commerce Square On the banks of Tajo, to the also wide squares of the Rossio y Restorers.

Commerce Square in Lisbon

La Commerce Square It is the place where the old town was located until the earthquake of the 18th century. Royal Palace.

With a large pedestrian esplanade on the banks of the tagus river, is currently the axis of the city's transportation networks, since the main bus and tram lines coincide there.

Rossio Square in Lisbon

La Rossio Square It is a nerve center of the city of Lisbon, and has a natural extension with the Restaurateurs Square and Avenida de la Libertad. 

In the center of the wide square is the monument to Don Pedro IV, first emperor of independent Brazil.

Ride the Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon

One of the characteristics of the city of Lisbon is the possibility of going up lifts or in rack trams from the lower part of the Baixa neighborhood to the higher areas of it, such as the Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. 

And if there is something you should not miss doing on your trip to the Portuguese capital, it is ride the Santa Justa Elevator, one of its tourist attractions.

It is a 45-meter-high metal structure built in 1902, with an elevator that leaves you next to the remains of the old Convento do Carmo, in the area of Chiado neighborhood.

From the upper platform of the elevator you have the best panoramic views from the city center of Lisbon.

Chiado neighborhood in Lisbon

El Chiado neighborhood It extends half a hill near the Santa Justa Elevator and Convento do Carmo, and today it is one of the most elegant areas of the city, with modern shops, cafes and restaurants. 

One of its axes is Garrett Street, in one of whose corners is the famous coffee A Brasileira, Front of statue of Fernando Pessoa.

Lisbon's Upper Quarter

In this area of ​​the city is what is known as Barrio Alto, which in recent times has become a space for nightlife, with restaurants with terraces in its narrow streets, as well as bars.

During the day it is a very quiet neighborhood, and you can also get there with the Santa Gloria Elevator, a cogwheel tram that takes you up from the Restaurateurs Square.

In this area you have the viewpoint of San Pedro de Alcántara, with panoramic views of the city center and, in the background, the hill of St. George's Castle.

El Park of the Nations It is the place where the Lisbon Universal Exhibition, and where there is also a large shopping center, you can now visit various attractions such as a large aquarium known as the oceanarium. 

Azulejo Museum in Lisbon

If you like traditional Portuguese tiles and are interested in delving deeper into this tradition, it is worth visiting the Lisbon Azulejo Museum, which you find halfway between the Commerce Square and park of nations. 

El tile museum It is located in the building of the old Convent of the Mother of God, from 1509, which in itself enriches the visit by being able to see some very interesting corners in its church.

In this museum you have the possibility of seeing a spectacular panoramic tile set known as the Vision of Lisbon,

This great artistic jewel of tile work shows you what the city was like at the beginning of the 18th century, before the earthquake that devastated the Baixa neighborhood and the old Royal Palace.

Belem neighborhood in Lisbon

A visit to Lisbon will be incomplete if you do not visit the Belem neighborhood On the banks of tagus river. 

En Belem you can see some of the most outstanding monuments of the city, especially the Monastery of los jeronimos, but also the Belém Tower or monument to the Discoveries.

Here is the practical information you need to know to visit the Jerónimos Monastery.

Belem Tower in Lisbon

Another interesting monument is the Belém Tower, which is located in front of the monastery, on the same bank of the Tajo.

Also from the beginning of the 16th century, it was a defensive enclave to defend itself against attacks by corsairs and other enemies.

Also Manueline style, during your visit you will be able to tour the different floors of the tower and reach the terrace from where you will be able to see the best panoramic view of the Jerónimos Monastery.

Monument to the Discoveries in Belem in Lisbon

This monument is also located on the banks of the tagus river, and in front of the monastery.

It is very recent as it was built in 1960 to honor the Portuguese discoverers of the The new World.

I tell you that you can go up to the terrace of the Monument to the Discoverers, and from there, in addition to the panoramic views, you can see the enormous Compass Rose that is on the ground in front of it.

Belem Cakes Pastry Shop

If you like sweets, in your visit to the Belem neighborhood You have an appointment with the establishment where they are made and the famous Belem cakes.

There is the historic factory where these popular sweets have been produced since 1837. Lisbon, and currently has numerous rooms where you can taste these known as cream cakes, but they are actually cream.

Visit the surroundings of Lisbon