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On the hills overlooking the Tagus, Lisbon unfolds with its cobbled streets and pastel facades. The yellow tram squeaks around the bends, the azulejos shine in the sun, and the city seems to shift its character with every neighborhood.
The Alfama district keeps its lively atmosphere, laundry hanging from windows, the smell of grilling fish, voices rising through the narrow alleys. Higher up, the São Jorge Castle offers a wide view over the red rooftops and the river, like a bridge between past and present.
Further west, Belém lines up its monuments along the water, towers and monasteries echoing another time. And for those eager to explore more deeply, here are 9 secret places to discover in Lisbon, another way of approaching the city. In the evening, terraces fill, a quiet guitar drifts through the air, and the capital slows down, leaving its mark in memory.
Top 5 Guided Tours
Places to Visit
From one time to the next, the status within a neighborhood can change dramatically. This is the case of the Alfama. The latter, once reserved for an underprivileged population, now welcomes night lovers.
Do you feel like partying until noon? You now know the trendiest corner of Lisbon. The ballads are also part of the party. Lose yourself in a maze of narrow, romantic perched streets.
Fancy a break? A shady courtyard awaits you for a moment before continuing on your way until you reach the château Saint-Georges from the top of its ramparts and its hill.
One of the most beautiful in the world, the tour of Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 16th century by King Manuel I of Portugal to preserve his power over the port of Lisbon.
Later it was used as a prison until 1840 when it was renovated. Its architecture is a mixture of Moorish and African artistic influences. Its interior promises beautiful gardens with a panoramic view that will leave you speechless. The monastery of the Hieronymites (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) next to it is also well worth a visit.
Do you want to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature? Take a trip to the village of Sintra half an hour by train from Lisbon. You will learn a little more about the history of the region while strolling nonchalantly.
It is the palace where many Portuguese Kings lived that will open the doors to each of the peculiarities that characterize these monarchs. Magnificent azulejos highlight the style of each of them. Do you like fairy tales? You will be enchanted by the Palácio e Quinta da Regaleira.
This castle, built in the 19th century, is impressive especially for its ornaments and sumptuous decorations. In the middle of the woods, on its small hill, its whitewashed walls give it a very special charm.
Another monument marking the history of Portugal is in front of Lisbon at Almada: the monument of Cristo Rei (Christ the King in English).
Planted on the other bank of the Tage, you have the choice to reach it by the ” ponte 25 abril “ or by ferries. Built at the end of World War
II, it will be inaugurated in 1952. It is the work of the sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa. It is composed of two parts: a portico 82 meters high and the statue of Christ 28 meters high facing the Portuguese capital with open arms. Inside, there is a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Paz. An elevator will take you to the feet of Christ and especially to enjoy a view of the capital that is worth the detour.
You will probably want to sunbathe. Go to the small fishing village Cacais. From the 19th century onwards, it became a seaside resort much appreciated by the inhabitants of Lisbon.
No less than 20 beaches invite you to relax by the sea less than 20 kilometers from the Portuguese capital. A marina, a park with beautiful greenery, souvenir stores, bars and restaurants await you to complete your stay.
The train is the most appropriate means of transport to get there. From the Cais do Sodré station, go to the Estoril station and the best thing to do at the end is to extend your pleasure with a walk to the waterfront.