For this first day of sightseeing in Lisbon, I’m proposing a fairly full itinerary, which you can spread over two days if you don’t know the city at all, or if you want to take your time and stroll around.

As far as I’m concerned, since this wasn’t my first stay here, I quickly went through some areas I knew well and had to cancel some things due to unforeseen circumstances, so it’s up to you to decide depending on how much time you have. Let’s just say that if you’re short on time and like walking, it’s possible.

One last point: I’ve concentrated on this part of the city a number of things that can be done on foot, saving other parts of the city (Belem in particular) for the following day, as it’s better to take public transport to get there.

If you don’t know Lisbon, it’s a very pleasant city to walk around, but it has a rather special topography: it has many hills, so even if the distances are very reasonable, it goes up and down all the time so it’s better to have good legs.

You will find all the articles about this trip to Portugal at the bottom of the page.

Here we go!

Au programme

• Castelo de São Jorge
• Alfama
• Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
• São Roque Church and Museum
• Bairro Alto
• Elevador de Santa Justa
• Praça do comercio
• The Tagus
• The Sé de Lisboa
• And also…
• Articles about this trip to Portugal

Castelo de São Jorge

A fine climb to start the day. It is located on the highest hill in the historic center, offering a magnificent view of the city.

In its present form, the building dates back to the 12th century, but a fortified site existed here before, alternating between Christian and Muslim over the course of conquests and reconquests. It served as a royal palace from the 13th to 16th centuries.

You may be lucky enough to meet one of the many peacocks that call the castle home.

A word of advice: you’re likely to see a long queue when you buy your ticket. Don’t panic: just pick up your phone and buy a ticket online. It takes 10 seconds and saves you a hefty half-hour wait.

Alfama

While you’re at Castelo de São Jorge, take the opportunity to stroll through the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest and most typical neighborhood.

Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara

Now we’ll cross the city to the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, a promontory from which you can enjoy a 360° view of the city.

On the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s typical architecture and its legendary streetcar.

So after descending one hill and climbing another, you’ll have an unbeatable view of the city.

São Roque Church and Museum

A stone’s throw from the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara you’ll find the São Roque church and the museum of the same name.

The church is a 16th-century Baroque church.

The museum is dedicated to sacred art.

Bairro Alto

As you leave the church, take the opportunity to stroll through Bairro Alto, a picturesque district that’s also very lively at night. If you’re in the mood for a gastronomic experience, this is where you’ll find the excellent 100 Maneiras.

Elevador de Santa Justa

Heading towards the Tagus, you’ll continue to enjoy the local architecture, and on your way you’ll find the elevador de Santa Justa.

Built in the 19th century, this elevator links the upper (Largo do Carmo district) and lower (Baixa district) parts of the city, and at the time of its construction was part of the city’s public transport system. Today, it’s nothing more than a tourist attraction, and you’ll often have to queue long and hard to use it.

Praça do comercio

Continuing towards the Tagus, you arrive at the Praça do Comercio (Trade Square).

It housed the royal palace for four centuries after King Manuel I decided to abandon the Castelo de Sao Jorge and settle on the banks of the Tagus.

The statue in the center represents King Joseph, and you can enjoy a panoramic view from the top of the triumphal arch.

There are many restaurants and terraces around.

Unfortunately, the sexiest toilets on earth were closed when I visited.

The Tagus

After all this sightseeing, it’s time for a little break on the banks of the Tagus, opposite the square.

Sand lovers will also be delighted.

The Sé de Lisboa

Just a few minutes away and after climbing one more hill, you’ll find the Sé de Lisboa, the common name for Lisbon’s Santa Maria Maior cathedral.

Built in the 12th century, it is the town’s oldest church.

For the ultimate experience, you can also reach it by streetcar!

And also…

There were other things I would have liked to visit but didn’t include in my program, preferring to enjoy the sunshine outside while it was gray in Paris in March.

– The Lisbon History Centre, located in the Place du Commerce, tells the story of the city through the great moments that have shaped it.

– National Azulejo Museum: traces the history of azulejo from the 15th century to nowadays.

Articles about this trip to Portugal

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