TOP 10 Things to do in LISBON - [2023 Lisboa Travel Guide]

In this video, we'll show you the  top 10 things to do in Lisbon. This video is based on our fun  trip to this beautiful city. Don't forget to like this video, subscribe  to our channel, and enable notifications.

And share your own experience or ask  a question in the comments below. Sponsored by Beeyond compression packing cubes  for travel. The link is in the description.

And stick around until the end because  we have a bonus attraction for you. Here are our top 10 picks: Number 10: Belém Tower The Belem Tower, part of UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Lisbon. Built in the 16th century, it was considered the gateway to the nation's capital, strategically located at the mouth  of the Tagus River.

It was initially built as a fort to protect the city  from incoming raids along the river. The tower is also a symbol of Europe's Age of  Discovery, also known as Age of Exploration, a period in the 15th and 16th century where  some European nations, including Portugal, began exploring and conquering the world. Did you know that the tower once stood  on an island, but the earthquake of 1755 shifted the river's course,  moving the island closer to land?

Don't skip nearby attractions including the statue  celebrating the Portuguese Age of Discovery, and Waterfront Promenade Belém with a fantastic view  towards the beautiful 25 de Abril bridge Number 9: Old-style forms of public transportation In the late 18-hundreds and  the beginning of 20th century, Lisbon came up with several  ingenious transportation solutions to help locals and visitors tackle the city’s  steep hills and enjoy its magnificent sights. Trams are a popular way to ger around the city, nowadays especially amongst tourists. These small nostalgic streetcars have been  a part of Lisbon’s streets since 1901.

Ride the renowned tram number 28 that passes through  the old city and other famous parts of Lisbon. By the way, did you know that before 1901 trams  ran as a horsecar line, but due to Lisbon's steep slopes, the horses were eventually replaced  by a more efficient cable-driven transport. Funiculars are another fun way to explore Lisbon. 

Ascensor do Lavra, city’s first funicular, was inaugurated in 1884. There are others, like Elevador da Glória famous for its colorful street art, or Bica funicular that will take you  through the picturesque part of the city. Ride the neo-Gothic vertical lift Elevador de  Santa Justa connecting downtown and Chiado, or take advantage of the  modern ones, like Lift Castelo.

Number 8: Castel of Saint George Castel of Saint George, initially  surrounded by a wall to form a citadel, is now an iconic historical complex that played  an essential role in the history of Lisbon. The fortification dates back to the 1st century AD and was occupied by different civilizations, however, the area was inhabited long before.  The site was eventually conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese military  action in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon.

In the 13th century, the castle became  a fortified residence for the kings. Today, visitors can enjoy a walk-through of castle's expansive grounds that include the ruins of the royal palace, a permanent exhibition with objects found in the archaeological area, and several platforms with amazing panoramic  views of the city and other attractions. Of course, you cannot miss funny and loud  peacocks roaming around the castle complex, a sort of unofficial castle permanent residents.

Check our Lisbon walking tour to get the real feel of the castle and the entire city.  The link is in the description. Number 7: Mercado da Ribeira and other food destinations One does not fully explore Lisbon without  tasting the city's unique cuisine.

Mercado da Ribeira is one  of Lisbon's oldest markets and has been around since the 13th century. From the early beginning, the market has  undergone several upgrades. The market hall, which features iron interiors and a large oriental dome, was opened in 1882.

The area is divided into the traditional  market that sells fresh produce and a modern food hall with  over 30 stalls and bars serving top-notch Portuguese cuisine  as well as food from other parts of the world. In 2014, the Time Out Market,  a venture of Time Out magazine, took over the food hall  part of Mercado da Ribeira. Don't skip other markets and food  destinations across the city, like the bohemian Lx Factory situated  in an old textile factory complex, now full of trendy bars and restaurants,  quirky shops, independent art studios and Livraria Ler Devagar – one of the most unique bookstores in the world.

Walk around cobblestone streets, sit down in one of many bars or  restaurants, and soak up the atmosphere. Explore Alfama and other districts with  traditional taverns and restaurants, some even offering live fado, a unique  genre of music that originated in Lisbon. Check our travel guide for more suggestions. 

By the way, our mobile-friendly travel guide covers the top 20 things to do in Lisbon and  things to know before you visit, including maps, opening hours, links to buy tickets, itinerary  suggestions, and other information. By purchising our travel guide, you are also helping us sustain this channel, so a big thank you for that! Number 6: Carmo Convent Built in the 14th century, Carmo Convent  used to be the largest church in Lisbon.

But the Great Earthquake of 1755 destroyed  the building, along with much of the city. Today, visitors can admire its grand arches and the carvings on the walls  that have survived for centuries. A small archeological museum located at  the sacristy features archeological finds from Portuguese history, including  fountains, tombs, and architectural relics from different styles and areas.

The  museum also features a 15-minute interactive video projection describing the convent's history. Number 5: Lisbon Zoo No matter your age, a trip to the  zoo will always be fun and memorable, and especially so at the Lisbon Zoo. The zoo founded in 1884, is the first park with various flora  and fauna in the Iberian Peninsula.

Today, Lisbon Zoo is home to over 2,000  animals from 300 different species from all over the globe, including dolphins,  tigers, reptiles, primates, and other animals. The mission of the zoo is also  scientific research, conservation and breeding of endangered species,  along with the recreational activities. Embark on a unique adventure and explore  the zoo from a different perspective and jump on a fascinating  20-minutes cable car ride.

Number 4: Museum of Art,  Architecture, and Technology Visit The Museum of Art, Architecture,  and Technology or MAAT opened in 2016. As the name suggests, it is home to exhibitions  in art, architecture, and technology. Its distinct design stands out, with its prominent  location on the banks of the River Tagus.

The museum’s rooftop offers a fantastic views  of the 25 de Abril bridge and the city. Instead of permanent collections,  visitors can explore temporary exhibits by contemporary artists, and other creators like  architects, both national and international. Don't skip Tejo Power Station, situated  in a former thermoelectric power plant, now a permanent exhibition venue.

Lisbon has a long and rich history, and this is reflected in its numerous museums.  Check our travel guide for more suggestions. Number 3: Jerónimos Monastery Construction of this massive monastery  and a church for the Order of Saint Jerome began in 1501 but was not completed  for another 100 years.

Jerónimos Monastery replaced the old church used by monks providing assistance to sailors in transit. The monastery is a prime example of Manueline architectural style from the 16th century. This Portuguese late Gothic style  originated in the Portuguese Renaissance and Age of Discoveries.

The style incorporates  richly decorated maritime elements carved in limestone discovered on expeditions of  Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral. Stroll along the two-story cloisters  and the Church of Santa Maria, and it will be easy to understand why  Jerónimos Monastery is considered a symbol of Portugal's immense wealth  during the Age of Discoveries. The monastery, now a UNESCO World  Heritage Site, is also a burial place of King Manuel I, and other prominent figures, like  the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

Did you know that the recipe for the  world-renowned Portuguese custard tarts known as pastéis de Nata also called pastéis de Belém  was created by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery? This video is sponsored by Beeyond, helping  you save space when you travel and organize your suitcase. A revolutionary new way to organize  your luggage consists of a set of small and large packing cubes.

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The link is in the description. Number 2: Oceanário de Lisboa Oceanário de Lisboa is the largest indoor aquarium  in Europe, home to over 16,000 marine animals and plants from 450 different species,  including sandtiger sharks, cute sea otters, funny penguins, and other fascinating animals. Walk around this unique aquarium and  experience four different natural habitats and learn about animal life in their natural  environment through information panels.

The oceanarium's main exhibit is a  large tank with glass panel windows strategically placed in various aquarium  parts, creating a unique visual experience. Oceanário de Lisboa is just one  of the famous landmarks located in Parque das Nações, the former site  of Expo '98. While in the Expo district, admire the majestic Vasco da Gama bridge, the longest bridge in Europe, or the beautiful Torre  Vasco da Gama.

Hop on the cable car to get a nice view of the entire district. Number 1: Commerce Square Praça do Comércio or Commerce Square, overlooking the Tagus River, served as a transportation and commercial hub, and is now the seat of some of the most  important Portuguese state offices. Walk along Cais das Colunas or Ribeira das Naus  to enjoy a historic waterfront area.

One of the most famous attractions  in the square is Arco da Rua Augusta, a stone building commemorating the city's  reconstruction after the earthquake in 1755. Climb the arch to enjoy spectacular  views of the square and the city. The arch entrance reveals  Lisbon's main pedestrian area, Rua Augusta, a bustling street  full of shops and restaurants.

The nearby Rossio Square has been  one of the main squares in Lisbon since the Middle Ages. Sit down in  one of many cafes or restaurants, like the historic Café Nicola, and  admire traditional Portuguese pavement style "calçada" and the plaza's baroque  fountains and neoclassical architecture. And here is the bonus that we promised.

If you have some time left, explore Almada district with Cristo Rei National Sanctuary, a favorite destination for those looking to spend some quiet time with breathtaking views towards  the river and the city. If you find it familiar, it’s because it resembles the Christ  the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro. Thank you for watching.

We wish  you an amazing trip to Lisbon!