Welcome to the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal’s astonishing capital, along the picturesque Tagus River!
Lisbon earned the charming title of the “City of Seven Hills” with its extraordinary landscape. The city is nestled upon a collection of hills that gracefully overlook the river, giving it a distinct character. These hills not only contribute to the city’s delightful aesthetics but also provide awe-inspiring panoramic vistas from several viewpoints called miradors. As you explore Lisbon’s enchanting streets and staircases, you’ll uncover delightful surprises at every corner. So, get ready to put on your walking shoes and embark on a fascinating journey of exploration through this captivating city!
🛎️ Reminder: To explore Lisbon with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide! 😊
Where is Lisbon?
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is on the western coast of Portugal, situated along the Tagus River estuary. The city is positioned on the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the westernmost capital city in mainland Europe.
How to Go to Lisbon?
✈️ By Air: Lisbon has the Lisbon Portela Airport (also known as Humberto Delgado Airport). It is the main international airport in the city, serving numerous airlines and destinations.
🚅 By Train: If you are in another European country, you can consider taking a train to Lisbon. There are international train connections from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris to Lisbon. However, keep in mind that train travel may take longer than flying.
🚌 By Bus: Many European cities have bus connections to Lisbon. Companies like Eurolines and FlixBus operate routes to and from Lisbon, offering affordable transportation options.
When to Go to Lisbon?
Lisbon has quite a mild climate throughout the year.
If we were to give a suggestion on the best time to visit Lisbon, we would recommend spring, specifically from March to May. This period boasts pleasant and moderate weather in Lisbon, with temperatures averaging between 18-22°C (64-72°F). It’s an ideal time for discovering Lisbon’s historical landmarks, strolling through its delightful neighbourhoods, and engaging in outdoor pursuits.
Also, keep in mind: Spring attracts fewer tourists compared to the busy summer season, enabling you to explore the city at a relaxed and leisurely pace.
Must-Visit Places in Lisbon
We’ve made the perfect Lisbon itinerary for you. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 😊
Rua Augusta Arch
This triumphal arch by Santos de Carvalho marked the beginning of the Rua Augusta shopping street. Construction of the arch began and stopped several times over the years. So, the arch was redesigned by Verissimo Jose da Costa and finally completed in 1875. But the wait was worth it, as the arch has become an enduring symbol of Lisbon and a source of wonder for generations. The design of the arch is largely based on the famous Roman triumphal arches that have served as models for numerous famous arches around the world.
Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major, is a historic church in the Alfama district of Lisbon. It is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the city. The cathedral’s construction dates back to 1147 after the Moors were expelled from Lisbon during the Reconquista. It was a period when Christian kingdoms sought to regain control of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims.
It has undergone several modifications and additions over the centuries. The Lisbon Cathedral combines various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The original design followed Romanesque features, but subsequent renovations and expansions introduced Gothic elements, such as pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
The Bica Funicular
Lisbon’s most frequently photographed street!
The history of Bica Funicular dates to 1892. It was built to make it easier for the residents of the neighbourhood to climb the steeper hills of the city. The Elevador da Bica links the Rua de São Paulo located in the lower Cais do Sodré neighbourhood with the areas of Calçada do Combro and Largo do Calhariz.
25th of April Bridge
The awe-inspiring 25th of April Bridge functions as a captivating suspension bridge. It connects the lively city of Lisbon to the enchanting municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tagus River. This bridge has a remarkable similarity to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. They share notable features such as a vibrant red hue, a suspension bridge structure, and a common design origin from the same consortium.
While cars and trains have permission to traverse this bridge, pedestrians are not typically permitted to walk across it. However, since 1991, an exhilarating tradition has emerged where pedestrians are granted a special opportunity to stroll on the bridge for a single day each year. In the month of March, the city organizes an exciting half-marathon event, and to add to the excitement, it all commences right on the bridge!
For those who still map out their summer plans, do not forget to check out our Tokyo Travel Guide! 🤍
