What to see in Lisbon in 1 day on your own – route, photo, description, map
Steep stairs, hilly landscape, funiculars, bohemian quarters, patterned cobblestone paths, pleasant atmosphere, tiny parks – to get to know Lisbon from the inside, you need to spend at least one day here. What to see in Lisbon in one day on your own and what places are required to visit? All answers in our guide.
Walk on a rare tram number 28
Let's start the walk with unusual rides on a rare tram, which follows route No. 28. Do not think that this is an entertainment for tourists, you will also meet local residents on the tram. After all, it's public transport. The uniqueness of this tram is its age. You will be surprised when you find out that it is already more than 100 years old, and its appearance has never been modernized. You will not confuse the tram with any other, because its “trick” is small yellow (sometimes red) trailers. From the inside, the interior is trimmed with wood, and the seats are covered with leather.
Tram number 28 rides according to the principle “quieter ride – further you will be” and never violates it. If you delve into history, you can find an interesting fact. In the 80s, this unique tram, which had many interesting routes, was wanted to be liquidated, since conscious citizens did not allow this mistake to be made. Thanks to their firm position, it was decided to change only its route network, since then it has been walking along the central streets, allowing tourists to take a sightseeing tour.
So, hop on a tram at Piazza Martin Moniz and you can enjoy the beauties of the city all the way to Piazza Oriki, but we recommend getting off at Miradora di Santa Lucia. Another small but useful tip, in order not to spoil the impression, try to avoid rush hour. The best time for such an adventure is early morning or late evening.
The observation deck of the fortress of St. George
Now is the time to take a little walk. We keep the direction up or, if it's completely lazy, then use the bus that follows route No. 37. It is important for us to get to the observation deck of the fortress of St. George. You can see it from anywhere in the city, so it's impossible to miss it. Since the fortress is one of the main attractions of the city, you will naturally have to pay for the entrance.
You should not spare money, especially since the issue price does not exceed 8.5 euros for an adult ticket. You can, if necessary, if the budget is very limited, cheat and impersonate a student, if you are not. But at the box office you will be asked to show your student ID. At this point, you can practice your gift of persuasion and acting skills.
The castle itself once had a very brutal look, but today only the walls and some individual buildings have been preserved from it. But this is not the main thing, because here you can accidentally meet peacocks and smile when they begin to resent the close attention of curious travelers. At this point they are very funny.
If you visit the castle on the weekend, then there is a high probability of becoming a spectator of an interesting event or even an active participant in it. So, you can, for example, learn how to shoot a crossbow. Of course, we are primarily interested in the gorgeous views that open up on the Tagus River and the Alfama district, the monastery of San Vicente de Fora.
Now it's time to leave the “cradle of Lisbon”. Going down is much easier than going up, so we speed up and transfer to the tram, which will take us to the Belem area. We recommend that you take your mind off your gadgets while on the road and pay attention to the impressive April 25 Bridge, which is 5 kilometers long.
April 25 Bridge
It is one of the visiting cards, reminiscent of the legendary Golden Gate in San Francisco. The structure is a two-kilometer suspension structure that connects the northern and southern banks of the Tagus River. The elegant building impresses with the grandeur of engineering. The deck of the bridge rises above the water level at a height of 70 meters. Powerful steel cables are suspended between two majestic reinforced concrete pylons. These cables are attached to vertical beams on which the roadbed is suspended.
The grand opening took place in 1966. The building was named after the dictator Antonio Salazar. After a bloodless military coup that ended the authoritarian regime, the townspeople named the bridge April 25th to commemorate the day of the Red Carnation Revolution. The bridge is accessible to both road and rail transport.
Jeronimus
In the Belem area, Jerónimos deserves our attention, which is a symbol of the prosperity of the country during the Age of Discovery. It's hard to believe, but once there was a chapel of Henry the Navigator. Do you know who visited it? Vasco da Gama himself. After returning to this very place, he was met by King Manuel I.
Jeronimos strikes the imagination with its solemn and majestic decoration of both exteriors and interiors. The delicate beige facade of the main body of the building stretches 300 meters in length. Made of sandstone, it is richly decorated with lacy stone carvings, bas-reliefs, ornate ornaments, stucco, buttresses, pinnacles and sculptures. The building is topped with soaring Gothic towers and a massive dome. Noteworthy is the inner square courtyard, surrounded around the perimeter by a two-story gallery with an intricate arcade. Each column is decorated with unique carvings depicting coils of rope, shells and sea creatures.
The interior features a vaulted ceiling. It is as if tightened with an openwork stone web. Stained-glass narrow windows saturate the interior of the basilica with golden light. Carved slender columns, masonry, iconographic symbols and painted arches evoke a blessed feeling. The cathedral houses the sarcophagus of Vasco da Gama, as well as the tombs of Portuguese kings.
Do not rush to leave this place, because here you will also be interested in the Torre de Belen tower.
Tower Torre de Belen
A remarkable building stands on the shallows of the river in a picturesque place in the historical district of Belém. Basalt rock serves as the base of the tower. The four-storey building was erected at the beginning of the 16th century as a defensive fortress. The appearance of Torre de Beden harmoniously combines the architectural elements of the Moorish culture with the flaming gothic of the traditional Portuguese Manueline style.
The rectangular tower, 35 meters high, is decorated with ribbed domes, battlements, openwork balconies, a Venetian arcade, double windows and fine stone carvings. A massive bastion with an open terrace surrounded by Arab turrets adjoins the building. Behind the ornate façade hide austere, laconic casemate halls with vaulted ceilings. Artillery pieces are placed here, reminding visitors of the true purpose of the fort.
Belene Palace
The official residence of the President of Portugal is the National Palace of Belém. This magnificent historical building, built in the 16th century, served as a guest house for the royal family. A rather modest architectural ensemble consists of five interconnected buildings. The buildings of different heights are painted pink and topped with hipped roofs.
The main decorations of the facades are snow-white stucco details and colorful tiles depicting epic scenes from the life of mythological heroes. The side buildings form a terrace divided by balustrades. The abundance of green spaces gives the palace a unique appeal. On the third Sunday of each month, the ceremonial changing of the guard of honor takes place in the courtyard of the residence.
It will be interesting to visit the “Water Hall”, located at the entrance to the palace. The name of the premises was born because of the two gutters. The floor is in black and white. The walls are lined with multicolored colorful azulejo tiles, creating picturesque panels.
Monument to the discoverers
A grandiose monumental monument dedicated to significant figures of the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries was erected on the banks of the Tagus River. The majestic sculptural composition is made of pink stone, limestone and concrete. The legendary monument is a caravel with sails spread in the wind. The height of the stylized stone ship reaches more than 50 meters. The monument was erected in 1960.
On both sides of the deck of the caravel directed upwards, there is a series of sculptures of prominent Portuguese, whose names are inextricably linked with the discovery of new sea routes. Among them are captains, sailors, monarchs, cartographers, writers, scientists, artists, missionaries and many other explorers of overseas lands. The group of famous Portuguese is headed by Prince Henry, who is the main organizer of long-distance expeditions. There are 32 statues in total.
Each meticulously detailed sculptural figure holds objects that symbolize the activities of the pioneers. Noteworthy are various ancient instruments for navigation. At the foot of the monument there is a square paved with tiles with drawings in the form of wavy patterns. Here you can see a huge marble mosaic “Wind Rose” with a diameter of 50 meters. In the center of the panel is a large-scale planisphere indicating the routes of the Portuguese caravels.
National Carriage Museum
A magnificent collection of vintage carriages is on display at the Lisbon Carriage Museum. Unique vehicles of the 16th-19th centuries are on display for visitors to see. The museum fund has authentic Portuguese, Italian, French and Austrian horse-drawn carriages that belonged to royalty, nobles, ambassadors and influential nobles.
An impressive collection of carriages can be seen both in the modern pavilion and in the historic building. The new building is located within walking distance of the old building. A small part of the exposition is located in the horse arena of the eastern wing of the Belensky Palace, erected in 1786. Luxurious interiors of the main hall, 50 meters long, correspond to the amazing exhibits exhibited here.
The high ceiling is covered with picturesque frescoes. The room is surrounded by an arched gallery with a balustrade.
Of particular interest are the perfectly preserved carriages, which are true works of art. The crews are distinguished by a bewitching finish. They are decorated with patterns, ornaments, carved figured details with gilding, velvet and fringe, as well as intricate accessories and statues.
Trade area
For those who are limited in time and want to see the city in one day, we recommend that you go back to the tram and head back to the center, or rather to the Arc de Triomphe and the Market Square, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the city. This iconic historical site was of great importance for the active development of Lisbon. It was from here that caravels set off on long sea voyages. The marina, with its marble staircase, received foreign ships bringing in all sorts of exotic goods.
Before the devastating earthquake of 1755, a pompous royal palace complex towered over the square. The raging elements swept away all coastal luxurious buildings from the face of the earth. After the restoration of the territory, new administrative buildings were erected here, in which foreign trade relations between Portugal and the states of Europe, as well as Asian, American and African colonies were regulated.
The wide quadrangular area impresses with its size and architectural solutions. It is surrounded on three sides by symmetrical buildings adorned with shady arcade galleries. In the center, on a high pedestal, there is a bronze equestrian statue of King José I.
Triumphal Arch
The pearl of the Market Square is the monumental Arc de Triomphe. The majestic building was founded in 1775, 20 years after the catastrophic earthquake. Due to political turmoil, the construction of the monument was completed only in 1873. Outstanding sculptures worked on the creation of this masterpiece, which in their works sought to emphasize the steadfastness of local residents before the blows of the elements.
A single-span arch 30 meters high attracts tourists with its unusually refined beauty. The architectural creation is crowned with an allegorical sculptural composition, symbolizing Genius, Glory and Courage. On the facade of the building you can see marble statues of famous Portuguese, including the navigator Vasco da Gama, the Marquis of Pombal, the monk Nuno Pereira and many others. The arch is decorated with columns, bas-reliefs, ornate patterns and clocks framed by exquisite stone carvings.
With the onset of twilight, it acquires a special charming appearance. Colorful illumination envelops the building with multi-colored lights. At the top of the arch is an observation deck, to which two narrow spiral staircases and an elevator lead. Can you imagine what kind of view you will have? Do not put into words!
Nearby you will find a very colorful place – the legendary Café Martinho da Arcada, which has been welcoming visitors since 1782. It is worth mentioning that Portuguese writers and other creative personalities liked to pass the time here while waiting for the Muse.
To find out more information about local attractions and buy souvenirs for friends, we recommend that you go to the western part of the square, to the main tourist office. If you are lucky enough to be here on the weekend, you can see performances by street artists. Double-decker buses also depart from the square, on which you can see the most significant sights in a few hours.
Now a small fly in the ointment. This information applies not only to Commerce Square, but to the entire center. Be careful if a stranger offers to try and purchase drugs. It's better for you not to know how it all could end. Drugs are illegal in this country.
Elevador di Santa Justa
We continue our journey. From the square we head north. So we can get to the Baixa quarter. Here we have an old elevator, very beautiful – Elevador di Santa Justa. This is an old vertical elevator that connects the Baixa seaside area with the high-rise blocks of the city. The hilly terrain of Lisbon has made it difficult for locals to move from time immemorial. Only physically hardy Lisboners could regularly overcome steep slopes. At the beginning of the 20th century, a magnificent monument of engineering was erected, designed to alleviate the fate of the townspeople and guests of the capital.
The graceful steel structure rushes up to 45 meters. On the facade of the building you can see a lot of neo-Gothic decorative elements. Openwork arcades and slender columns give the impression of an airy structure. The base of the tower is supported by four columns. The two elevator cabins are finished with wood paneling and mirrors. Having risen, tourists follow to the observation deck, from where the picturesque landscapes of the city open.
There is also a little trick. Even though it is an elevator, it is part of the public transport system. Do you have a tram ticket? Then feel free to use it. Let's not stop and continue our journey. It will not take long to walk, because in a few minutes you will find yourself in the very heart of Lisbon, on Rossio Square. The official name is Don Pedro IV Square.
Rossio Square
Its observable history spans over 500 years. In the medieval era, the tribunal of the Inquisition was located on the square, and public executions were also held. From time immemorial, riots and festive festivities have been organized here. After the devastating earthquake, Rossio was built up with an architectural ensemble in the style of the Portuguese Renaissance. For many tourists, it is from here that acquaintance with the sights originates.
Lined with wave-shaped mosaic tiles of black and white cobblestones. Figured paving was created so that sailors who went ashore could quickly restore their vestibular apparatus and adapt to walking on land. Rossio is surrounded by old mansions that now house hotels, restaurants and shops. Among the architectural monuments, the classical building of the national theater stands out. Its façade is adorned with a monumental portico with six columns and a pediment.
The elegant structure of the railway station strikes the imagination. The central entrance is decorated with horseshoe-shaped arches with exquisite stone lace. The openwork roof balustrade, narrow buttresses, tiled inserts and Gothic pinnacles make an indelible impression. In the center stands a sculpture of King Pedro IV, mounted on a high column. The base of the pedestal is decorated with marble female figures, which embody the qualities inherent in monarchs. It is strength, justice, wisdom and restraint. Two bronze fountains with sculptural compositions give the area a special solemn charm.
If you haven't had time to eat yet, then climb the stairs to the west of Praça do Rossio. Here you will find a place where you can have a delicious lunch and enjoy your vacation in a pleasant environment. Refreshed? Great, there's so much more to come.
Alfama area
Now you need to cross the Dona Pedro IV square to the east, where you can take the funicular. It will take you to the Alfama area. Enjoy the views and beauties, especially since there is no point in hurrying anymore, you have already seen all the main sights. Evenings can be spent at the bar tasting Ginginha cherry liqueur. You can do this in any of the local bars. We recommend having a fun evening and a delicious dinner in the Barrio Alto quarter.
Where to stay
If you plan to make a stopover for more than one day, then you can book accommodation in advance, although experienced travelers recommend deciding on the spot. The fact is that in Lisbon you can easily stay in a boarding house, but they practically do not post their offers on aggregator sites. Despite the modest environment, boarding houses have undeniable advantages – price and convenient location. If you do not want to spend time searching, then we recommend that you pay attention to the following options:
Alojamento Local Santo Tirso is quite easy to find, because it is located on the main square of Lisbon, Rossio. In addition, this is one of the most budget accommodation options in the city center.
SANA Rex Hotel 3. The hotel is located in the center and from its windows there is simply a stunning view of the park and the historical center.
Hotel Metropole 3. A chic option for those who do not save on amenities. The hotel is located in the very center of the city.
I hope that our guide will help you spend an unforgettable one day in Lisbon.