The drive from the airport to the center takes only 20 minutes. If you’re traveling as a family, check out where to go with your child in Lisbon.
Castelo de S. Jorge (Castle of St. George)
It is better to come here in the evening, as the castle walls offer a panoramic view of the city and the sunset. The castle does not represent a serious historical value, as it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 and rebuilt only in 1938. But this does not stop tourists, there are always a lot of visitors. Peacocks walk along the paths, pestering passers-by and demanding treats.
There are small tables on the castle grounds, you can bring your own food. Nearby they sell wine in souvenir glasses with the castle logo. When you buy a ticket you get a free guide in Russian.
Prices: children under 10 years old are free, for others the price is 8,5 €. Tickets can be purchased online at the official website.
Schedule: every day from 9 to 9 p.m., tickets stop selling 30 minutes before closing.
Alfama neighborhood
Just after St. George’s Castle, the historic part of Lisbon, Alfama, begins.
The 1755 earthquake destroyed most of Lisbon. The Alfama neighborhood is the only surviving piece of the old city. It’s great for a leisurely stroll. The streets here are so narrow and winding that it is difficult to navigate without a navigator, a typical Moorish layout. But azuleju tiles add color and make each building unique. The patterns are not repeated, the tiles on each building have a different pattern. Sometimes whole panoramas or scenes from life are depicted.
Carmelite Museum (Carmo Archaeological Museum)
It used to be a church, but in an earthquake the dome collapsed and only the walls remained. The building has not been restored to this day, a feature that makes the church an interesting tourist attraction. In the evening after 9 pm, a laser show on the walls of the church is held on the history of Lisbon.
The surviving part contains the barracks of the Republican Army. At the entrance to the museum soldiers of honor guard in ceremonial uniform are on duty.
The exhibits in the museum are interesting, especially the Egyptian sarcophagi and Peruvian mummies.
Prices: 4 € adults, teenagers 14—17 years old and pensioners — 3 €, children under 14 years old free admission.
Schedule: June through September 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., other months 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details on the museum’s website.
Elevadór Santa Justa Lift (Santa Justa Lift)
The elevator connects the two parts of the city, built in 1902 by a student of Eiffel. Now the object is more like a tourist attraction, in the summer months you have to wait in line for at least an hour. To the side of the elevator is a spiral staircase, which can be used to climb on foot to the same observation deck.
The observation deck offers a circular view of the city, the Tagus River and passing ocean liners.
Prices: 5 € if you take the elevator. If you walk up the stairs, the entrance to the observation deck costs 1.50 €.
Schedule: every day from 7:00 to 21:45. Opening hours may change, check the website in advance.
Santa Maria de Belém (Torre de Belem)
It was built in 1515 in honor of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. The tower is beautiful, but there is absolutely nothing to do inside, with a huge queue of tourists to enter.
Over the years, the tower has served as a customs house, prison, lighthouse, and telegraph station. And it even housed Europe’s first rhinoceros, which was a gift to King Manuel I.
Prices: 6 € for adults, children under 12 years old are free. More information can be found on the official website.
Schedule: May through September, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. October through April from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ticket sales end at 17:00.
Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos)
The most visited Portuguese landmark. It is protected by UNESCO and in 2007 it was included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Monarchs and seafarers, including Vasco da Gama, are buried in the monastery cemetery.
Every Sunday until 2pm, there is free admission to many museums, including the Jeronimos Monastery. However, due to the large number of tourists, it is necessary to arrive in the morning and queue in advance.
Prices. Adults 10 €, seniors and teenagers (12—17 years old) 5 €. Children under 12 years old are free of charge. Details on the monastery’s website.
Opening hours. May-September from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, October-April from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The ticket office closes at 17:00.
The oldest pastry shop in Lisbon, Pastéis de Belém, is located next to the monastery. The local cakes are considered the best in the city, and the pastry shop is always lined with tourists.
Lisbon streetcars
This mode of transportation has become a trademark of the city. Many streetcars are more than a hundred years old. The most picturesque streetcar route No. 28 has turned into a tourist attraction, and in high season you have to wait in line for about an hour.
It is better to choose morning or evening hours for the trip, the operating time allows. The scheme and traffic interval are available on the official website of the transportation company.
Prices: 1,45 € with a travel card. A ticket bought from the driver costs 2,90 €.
Schedule: weekdays 5:40 to 11:10 p.m., weekends 6:45 to 10:30 p.m.
