9 Reasons to Visit Lisbon, Portugal for its Scenic and Beautiful Views

Lisbon has grown to be one of the most popular European destinations, and with its pleasant climate, scenic views and beautiful architecture it’s easy to see why! It was once named the coolest city in Europe by Vogue magazine and it has been rated as one of the best places to visit in Europe by National Geographic Traveller. Let’s have a look at 9 reasons that make Lisbon such an amazing place to visit.

1) River Tagus

In this sense, as this broad river, heading towards the Atlantic, was the origin of Lisbon’s wealth, beginning with a walk along the Tagus’ shore would be logical. There are many bars, cafes, and restaurants that provide a place to sit back and relax while you watch the river traffic.

The River Tagus is one of the most important rivers in the world. It starts in Spain at an altitude of 894 meters and ends at 1302 meters above sea level. It’s a real gem because it has so many qualities which makes it unique.

2) Lisbon Heritage Hotels

Janelas Verdes is an 18th century townhouse which once belonged to famous writer Eça de Queiróz. It is one of five Lisbon Heritage Hotels. This 29-bedroom boutique hotel is right between trendy Lapa and stylish Santos, overlooking the River Tagus.

The hotel is on a green-ish lane called Rua das Janelas Verdes, a street characteristically full of architecture that has endured.

3) Historic districts

In Old Lisbon, Alfama and Bairro Alto, two historic neighborhoods, cling to slopes leading up from the river, represent the city’s old charm. Learn the secrets of these two charming neighbourhoods by walking the streets.

These two regions of Lisbon are almost pedestrianized, cars are rare. Cafes and restaurants spill over onto the cobbled streets.

4) Museums

Lisbon houses a great number of museums. This ranges from a museum for antiquities to one focusing on contemporary art.

There is no doubt that the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) at Belem has the most impressive construction, with its flowing white curves rising from the riverbank and cradling the museum’s contemporary exhibitions.

5) Belem

Trains from Cais do Sodre take travellers to MAAT and Belem is also the rail station for the Monument to the Discoverers, a favourite weekend getaway for Lisbonians. A biker, walker or skateboarder can enjoy the views from the 25th April Bridge, which commemorates the revolution that overthrew dictatorship in 1976.

Located across the river from them, visitors are able to gaze up at the towering monument to Christ. This monument stands in celebration of the country’s exploratory success. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Portuguese caravels sailed both east and west, as well as north and south. The map tiles on the floor depict the historic voyages of these courageous explorers, despite many misconceptions at the time that the world was flat.

6) The Jerónimos Monastery

Belem’s Jerónimos Monastery, another of Belem’s sights, is located across the road from the River Tagus. Its stunning Gothic Manueline architecture has earned it UNESCO’s World Heritage Site designation. Monks had provided assistance to travelling seafarers from a dilapidated church before the monastery was built.

The Jerónimos Monastery is an amazing monument that was built in the 16th century. The monastery was founded by King Manuel I of Portugal in gratitude for his escape from the Moors.

7) Costa Caparica

Get back on the train at Belem and head west for a few stops. One option is to alight at Estoril, a well-to-do seaside resort that hosts both a casino and a grand prix. Cascais, a beach resort with a harbour and numerous restaurants, is only a 40-minute stroll west along the promenade.

One of the most beautiful regions in the Lisbon area is Costa Caparica. This coastal region is filled with natural beauty and has a rich cultural history. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions that are all connected by pleasant walks along the beaches or through ancient forests.

8) Fado

Throughout Lisbon, at night, the lights dim and fadistas sing of times of trouble and woe. The fado is Portugal’s version of the blues, the music for when people have had a hard day.

In Ofai, a fado restaurant in Bairro Alto, sad songs have been sung since 1947. Acoustic guitarists accompany the singers, while fado music is sung.

9) Lisboa Social Press

They run regular workshops where visitors can develop their creativity and artistic skills in their Lisbon studio, Lisbon Social Press, run by Tom and Jilly, two English artists.

One workshop demonstrates how to use a linoleum cutter, similar to that used to create the traditional azulejo tiles, to print onto cards and postcards.