Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Lisbon, Portugal

Article updated July 2025. This post includes affiliate links.

Lisbon is one of my favourite cities I’ve visited in Portugal. It offers an amazing mix of attractions. You’ll find here palaces, castles, historical monuments and several museums. Visiting Lisbon is definitely a great way to get to know the Portuguese history from the very early stages to modern times.

For this guide I chose the best five attractions that you should not miss while visiting Lisbon. These will give you a great overview of the best neighbourhoods, offer interesting insights into Portuguese history and culture, as well as provide a perfect mix of various activities (because not everyone wants to see 5 museums in one day!).

Four of the attractions are included in the purchase of the Lisboa Card, a tourist discount card, which is a great deal if you’re planning to see as many places as possible and use public transit. All of these places can be visited in one day if you start early in the morning, which makes it for a perfect 1-day itinerary.

You can purchase the card online through all major ticket sellers, such as Tiqets or Get Your Guide.

Table of Contents hide

1. São Jorge Castle

2. National Tile Museum

3. Belém Tower

4. Jerónimos Monastery

5. Ajuda National Palace

6. Book hotels, rent a car, purchase travel insurance & more!

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle, known in Portuguese as Castelo de São Jorge, is a historic castle situated on the edge of Alfama in Lisbon, Portugal. The castle itself was founded around 10-11th century, however the site’s oldest fortifications date from the 2nd century BC, and human occupation in this area goes as far back as the 6th century BC.

One of the most appealing reasons to visit the castle is the view! Hands down, one of the best you are going to find in Lisbon.

When you first enter you will find yourself in the main square surrounded by large, luscious trees with a place to relax and admire the views. You can explore the castle going through all different gateways, climb multiple towers, as well as see the barbican and the moat.

During your visit you will also see a partially-ruined Royal Palace located right in the middle of the castle site. The remains of the buildings belonging to the palace are now used as a Museum Centre, showcasing a collection of pieces excavated from the surrounding grounds.

At the far edge, you will find an archaeological centre where some areas are still used as ongoing excavations.

Read a full guide about visiting São Jorge Castle.

Purchase through: V iator | Tiqets | Get Your Guide

National Tile Museum

The National Tile Museum is an art museum located in the former Convent of Madre Deus, founded in 1509. It is dedicated to the traditional artwork of Portugal, the azulejo, and holds one of the largest collection of ceramics in the world.

Portugal is mostly known for its wine, cork and you guessed it, tiles! The museum is a perfect place to explore this artwork dating all the way to the 15th century until present day. The pieces showcased are in an amazing condition and most will truly leave you speechless.

When you walk inside the museum, you get a chance to go through different rooms and hallways, all decorated in different forms of azulejos. In the middle, you will find a beautiful courtyard surrounded by tall, engraved pillars – perfect spot for a photoshoot!

One of the rooms opens up to a majestic church, filled with paintings, tiles and carved wood pieces.

Read a full guide about visiting the National Tile Museum.

Purchase through: Viator | Tiqets | Get Your Guide

Belém Tower

Belém Tower, known in Portuguese as Torre de Belém, is a monument built on the shores of the Tagus river between 1515 and 1521. Its main purpose was to act as a defence against attacks, mostly to protect the Jeronimos Monastery, since the river was often used as the first point of invasion.

This attraction is situated in the most wonderful area, right by the river and around lush greenery. It’s definitely one of the prettiest sights you will find in Lisbon.

The whole building is beautifully decorated with arched windows, balconies, renaissance-style loggia and engraved stone walls. The tower is 35m tall and you have full access to all three terraces through a spiral staircase to see the view. Each floor has something different to offer – The Governor’s Hall, The Kings’ Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and the Roof terrace.

One thing worth mentioning is that a talented violinist is usually stationed right outside the Belém Tower. This makes it for an amazing atmosphere to just sit on the steps, listen to the music and relax.

Read a full guide about visiting Belém Tower.

Purchase through: Tiqets | Get Your Guide

Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery, known in Portuguese as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. Its construction began in 1501 and was completed about 100 years later. The whole complex consists of two parts: the cloister and the Church of Santa Maria.

This will be one of the most impressive buildings you’ll see in Lisbon. When entering the church you will be greeted by its exquisite vastness. Its incredibly tall vaulted ceiling is held by six beautifully sculpted columns. On two different sides you will find tombs of Vasco da Gama, Luís de Camões, King Manuel I and King João III.

The two-storey cloister is also remarkable with its decorated stone carvings and arches. The most detailed ornamentations are found on the lower level, which gives an opportunity for some great photos. The cloister houses a tomb of Fernando Pessoa, a Portuguese writer and poet.

Read a full guide about visiting Jerónimos Monastery.

Purchase through: Tiqets | Get Your Guide

Ajuda National Palace

Ajuda National Palace, known in Portuguese as Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, is a former royal palace built in the 19th century. It proudly preserves the original decor of the rooms, as well as showcases valuable art collections, such as paintings, sculptures, jewellery, silverware, textiles and more.

Plainly said – this will be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see! Throughout your tour you will be entering from one room to the other, moving in one direction on two floors.

Aside from the beauty of it, the feel of the fully original arrangement preserved here is hard to explain. It definitely makes you feel a certain way knowing that everything you’re looking at had stood in the same spot for over 100 years without major alterations. This place definitely has a soul.

Some of the highlights you’ll see at the palace are the Audience Room, the Throne Room and the Banquet Room. As much as I loved these grand rooms, I also appreciated the smaller themed rooms, such as the Green Room or the Pink Room – all so well curated and interesting.

Read a full guide about visiting Ajuda National Palace.

Purchase through: Viator | Tiqets | Get Your Guide