Historic places in Lisbon

419 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Lisbon.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 419.

Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

SeeHistoric siteBaixa
Santa Justa Lift
Excellent vertical view of the Baixa streets, next to Igreja do Carmo. The line can be quite long, you may want to consider walking up and riding it down instead.
08:30-20:30 (viewing platform) · €1.50 · Built 1902 · Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible
SeeCathedralAlfama
Lisbon Cathedral
Sé de Lisboa, Igreja de Santa Maria Maior
Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived various earthquakes and has undergone restoration, renovation, and modification over the years. Its elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It has been a national monument since 1910.
Mon–Sat 10:00–18:30 · EUR 5, children 7–12 EUR 2.50, children 6 & under free · Heritage listed
SeeMuseumBelém
Museu Nacional dos Coches
National Coach Museum
Housed in the former riding school of the palace, don't miss the world's largest collection of horse-drawn coaches and other royal vehicles. One of Lisbon's many unusual museums. In the "Museum street", Belem.
10:00-18:00 · €8 · Heritage listed
DoTheatreBaixa
Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II
Queen Maria II National Theatre
The most famous live theatre stage in Lisbon. The Neoclassical and Palladian building was built in the 1840s and has been a national monument since 2003.
Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible
SeeViewpointBairro Alto
Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara
Mirador
Excellent panorama from the lovely terrace/garden on top of Elevador da Glória and northern corner of Bairro Alto.
Free
SeeMuseumBairro Alto
Museu da Marioneta
Puppetry Museum
The museum covers the history of puppetry around the world, with an emphasis on Portugal. Various types of puppets are on display.
Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat Sun closed Mon · Admission EUR 5, ages 13–25 EUR 2.50, 65+ or disabled EUR 4.30, kids under 13 free; shows EUR 7.50, kids, seniors 65+, and students under 25 EUR 5 · Entry 5.00 EUR
SeeMilitary museumAlfama
Museu Militar de Lisboa
Lisbon Military Museum
Housed in a 16th-century foundry, this museum holds its testaments to Portuguese military history, and contains many artifacts, including a sword used by Vasco da Gama.
Tu-Su 10:00-17:00; easter off; Jan 01,May 01,Dec 25 off
DrinkCaféBaixa
Café Martinho da Arcada
Established in 1782, this is the oldest continuously-operating café in Lisbon and throughout its history has been associated with important politicians, writers, and intellectuals. Writer Fernando Pessoa had a permanent table reservation, as did the late Nobel laureate José Saramago.
Mon-Sat 12:00-15:00 19:00-22:00 · Wi-Fi
SeeMuseumBaixa
Palácio Foz
A palace constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visits can be arranged in advance via email. Concerts (some of them free) are offered.
Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00, closed Sat Sun
SeeViewpointAlfama
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Good viewpoint in Alfama uphill from the cathedral along tram route. Lovely view over rooftops and river.
Free
SeeMuseumAlfama
Museu do Teatro Romano
Roman Theatre Museum
Along the way from downtown to Saint George's Castle.
Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; Jan 01 off; May 01 off; Dec 25 off · Heritage listed · Entry 3.00 EUR
EatRegional restaurantBaixa
Leitaria Camponeza
On the location of a historical café (the leitaria), this place focuses on only a short number of dishes (meats, fish and seafood) but makes up for this in quality and portion size. For an atmospheric presentation ask for one of their espetadas. The wines complement the dishes and you can end the meal with a dessert. For someone looking for great value for their buck (no compromises on quality), it's a good place to start or end an evening.
Daily 19:00-23:00 · €15-30 · Takeaway · Wheelchair accessible
EatRegional restaurantBairro Alto
Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado
A popular locals' place in palace stables from the 18th-century. The atmosphere and the food are excellent. Service is very good and the recommendations by the staff are outstanding. The writing on the menu is very small and difficult to read in the subdued lighting.
Mon-Fri 12:30-15:00 19:30-24:00, Sat Sun 19:30-24:00 · €40 (appetizer, main, wine and desert) · Wi-Fi
DrinkPubBaixa
Bar Trobadores
Medieval bar in downtown with a cozy atmosphere and a diverse range of traditional Portuguese delicacies. National and international beers.
Mo-Su 15:00-02:00
SeeHistoric siteBelém
Torre de Belém
Belem Tower
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic fortified tower was built in the early 16th century in the late Gothic Manueline style as a fortress. It was said to be the last thing Portuguese explorers saw when departing, and the first thing they saw upon return. It was later used as a prison for political prisoners, and is today one of the most recognized symbols of Lisbon and Portugal.
Oct-May: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30; May-Sep: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:30; last entry 30 min before closing; closed 1 Jan, Easter, 1 May, 13 Jun, and 25 Dec · €6 (adults), €3 (seniors/students/youth card), free (children under 12); free admission on first Sun of the month. Combined ticket with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos €12, combined ticket with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Museu Nacional de Arqueologia €16, combined ticket with 5 other sites €25 (see website for details)
SeeHistoric siteBaixa
Praça do Comércio
This magnificent plaza, facing the river, is the beginning of Lisboa's downtown. It is also known as 'Terreiro do Paço', meaning 'Grounds of the Palace', relating to its function before the Great Earthquake of 1755. The upper floors of the yellow buildings surrounding the square are mainly used as government offices, while the lower floors often contains cafés and restaurants. King Josef I, who ruled during the reconstruction of Lisbon, is seen as a mounted statue in the middle of the square, while the arch facing north is a tribute to the explorer Vasco da Gama.
SeeMonumentBairro Alto
Palácio de São Bento
Saint Benedict's Palace
Built in 1598, the palace has served as the home of Portugal's parliament since 1834. The adjoining São Bento Mansion serves as the prime minister's residence.
SeeMuseumBairro Alto
Cemitério dos Prazeres
This large cemetery is packed with majestic gravestones and mausoleums, separated by wide, pedestrian, tree-lined "streets". Many graves are marked with icons telling something about the person's role in historical Lisbon. A beautiful respite from the busy city.
daily 09:00–16:30 · Free
EatRegional restaurantBairro Alto
Cervejaria da Trindade
This excellent restaurant-brewery in a former monastery has several kinds of Sagres beer and Guinness. The appetizer that is charged for each item that is consumed separately. Nice codfish plates.
Sun-Thu 12:00-24:00, Fri Sat 12:00-01:00 · €15-25
SeeHistoric site
Aqueduto das Águas Livres
The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a historic aqueduct system in Lisbon, Portugal. It is considered one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering and one of Lisbon's best-known landmarks. The main aqueduct extends approximately 14.2 kilometres (8.8 mi), while the complete network of canals, galleries, reservoirs, and distribution systems reaches nearly 58 kilometres (36 mi).
Built 1748
SeeHistoric siteBaixa
Palácio Alverca
Antigo Palácio Pais do Amaral, Antigo Palácio São Luís, Casa do Alentejo
Unassuming from the outside, the interior combines neo-Gothic, neo-Arab, neo-Renaissance, neo-Rococo, Art Nouveau, and baroque elements.
SeeHistoric siteBaixa
Praça Dom Pedro IV
Rossio
One of Lisbon's principal squares. A statue of King Pedro IV stands on a column in the centre. The square, a popular meeting point for local and tourists, is known for its wavy black-and-white stone pavement.
SeePublic artBelém
Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque
In front of the former Royal Palace of Belém, now the Presidential Palace, there is a massive statue looking out to sea, representing Afonso de Albuquerque, second ruler of Portuguese India in the early 16th century.
SeeBelém
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Jerónimos Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery was built in the 16th century and is an outstanding example of the Portuguese late Gothic Manueline style.
Oct-May: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30; May-Sep: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:30; last entry 30 min before closing; closed 1 Jan, Easter, 1 May, 13 Jun, and 25 Dec · €18 (adults), €9 (seniors/students/youth card), free (children under 12); free admission to the church and on first Sun of the month. Note that tickets are sold from the neighbouring archeological museum, not at the monastery entrance
SeeHistoric site
São Jorge Castle
A colina onde se ergue o Castelo de S. Jorge foi das primeiras áreas ocupadas de Lisboa.Durante a Idade do Ferro e o período romano desempenhou um papel estratégico na defesa do povoado.Ocupado pelos árabes,foi conquistado em 1147 por D. Afonso...
Mo-Su 9:00-21:00
SeeArt museum
National Museum of Ancient Art
Mandado edificar no séc. XVII por Francisco de Távora,1º Conde de Alvor,sofreu obras de adaptação e restauro nos sécs. XVIII e XIX.Traduz um dos mais perfeitos exemplares de palácio urbano barroco aristocrático...
Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 · Heritage listed
BuyBairro Alto
Armazéns do Chiado
This upscale and trendy shopping centre was developed inside Lisbon's historic grand department store which burnt down in 1988. The food court on the top floor has a terrace with a brilliant view over Baixa and Chiado.
SeeGarden
Estufa Fria
É constituída por três ambientes diferentes, a Estufa Fria, a Estufa Quente e a Estufa Doce, sendo que os dois últimos são envidraçados e permitem a existência de plantas que necessitam de mais calor e humidade.
Mo-Su 10:00-19:00 · Heritage listed
SeeBairro Alto
Aqueduto das Aguas Livres
This is a historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering, including the largest stone arch in the world. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals extends through nearly 58 km. The Mãe d'Água (Mother of the Water) reservoir of the Amoreiras, the largest of the water reservoirs, was finished in 1834. This reservoir, with a capacity of 5,500 m³ of water, was designed by Carlos Mardel. It is now deactivated and can be visited as part of the Museu da Água (Water Museum).
SeeAlfama Not mapped
Castelo de São Jorge
St. George's Castle
Humans settled on this hill as early as the 8th century BCE, and the first fortifications date from the 1st century BCE. Before the Portuguese conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, the site was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Sights within the castle include the permanent exhibition of archaeological artefacts with an emphasis on the 11th- and 12th-century Moors, ruins of the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a garden with native forest species, and a camera obscura showing the city's sights. The castle offers great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighbourhood of Alfama.
Mar–Oct: daily 10:00–21:00, Nov–Feb daily 09:00–18:00 · EUR 15, ages 13–25 EUR 7.5, disabled or seniors 65+ EUR 7.50, children under 12 free; guided tour EUR 5
SeeBelém Not mapped
Museu da Marinha
Navy Museum
One of the most important in Europe, evoking Portugal's domination of the seas. Its colossal 17,000 items are installed in the west wing of Jerónimos Monastery, and include model ships from the Age of Discovery onward. The oldest exhibit is a wooden figure representing the Archangel Raphael that accompanied Vasco da Gama on his voyage to India.
May–Sep 10:00–18:00 daily, Oct–Apr 10:00–17 daily · Adults EUR 7.00, seniors 65+ & youths 4–12 EUR 3.50, kids 0–3 free, family (2 adults & 2 youths) EUR 18.00
SeeHistoric site
Belém National Palace
O início da sua construção remonta ao séc. XVI por iniciativa de D. Manuel de Portugal. Em 1726, D. João V, tendo adquirido a propriedade, procede a melhoramentos, resultando um palácio de recreio com jardim.
Built 1726
SeeArchaeological museum
Museu Arqueológico do Carmo
O espólio museológico da Associação dos Arqueólogos Portugueses, que deu origem ao Museu Arqueológico do Carmo (MAC), encontra-se instalado, desde 1864, nas denominadas Ruínas do Carmo, classificadas como Monumento Nacional, correspondendo à anti
Oct-May: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; Jun-Sep: Tu-Su 10:00-19:00; Jan 01,May 01,Dec 25 off · Wi-Fi · Built 1864 · Entry 7.00 EUR
SeeHistoric site
Elevador da Glória
The Glória Funicular is a hybrid funicular-tram line in the civil parish of Santo António, in Lisbon, Portugal, operated by Carris. It connects the Pombaline downtown (at the Restauradores Square) with the Bairro Alto (São Pedro de Alcântara Garden). Along with the Elevador do Lavra and the Elevador da Bica it is one of three such funiculars in Lisbon.
Built 1885
DoTheatre
National Theatre São Carlos
The Teatro Nacional de São Carlos (National Theatre of Saint Charles) is an opera house in Lisbon, Portugal. It was opened on June 30, 1793 by Queen Maria I as a replacement for the Tejo Opera House, which was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The theatre is located in the historical center of Lisbon, in the Chiado district.
Heritage listed
SeeCastle
Palácio do Grilo
Construído em 1760 por D. João Mascarenhas da Silva,segundo Duque de Lafões,ergue-se no Beato,em terrenos do Convento de São Bento de Xabregas.O palácio,de gosto setecentista,localiza-se no interior de uma quinta arborizada,cortada a Norte...
SeeHistoric site
Rua Augusta Arch
The Rua Augusta Arch (Portuguese: Arco da Rua Augusta) is a stone, triumphal arch and visitor attraction in Lisbon, Portugal, on the Praça do Comércio. It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. It has six columns (some 11 metres (36 feet) high) and is adorned with statues of various historical figures.
Built 1875
SeeAlfama Not mapped
Igreja e Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls
Started in 1582, this Mannerist monastery wasn't completed until 1629, following the reconstruction of a 1147 church under royal decree. The church houses the Pantheon of the House of Braganza, where many monarchs, consorts, and their offspring are entombed.
SeeBelém Not mapped
Tejo Power Station
Central Tejo, f/k/a Museu da Electricidade, Electricity Museum
This disused power station is now a museum dedicated to the science, industry, and history of electricity production in Portugal.
Admission included in the price of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
SeeMuseum
Museu da Farmácia Lisboa
The Pharmacy Museum of Lisbon is a museum dedicated to the history of pharmaceutical activity. It was established in the building of the National Association of Pharmacies, in the Santa Catarina district of the Portuguese capital, and was inaugurated in June 1996. A branch of the museum was created in the city of Porto in 2010.
Mo-Fr 10:00-19:00; Sa 14:00-19:00 · Entry 8 EUR

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Lisbon (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).