First Timer’s Guide To Visiting Lisbon

Lisbon is a top travel destination in Europe. With artistry dating back centuries, big wave surfing, local street markets and nightlife, and undeniably breathtaking scenic landscapes, it is hard to stay away from this wonderful city. Lisbon is one of Tripio’s favorite destinations to visit because of the sheer opportunity that comes with every vacation to Portugal. This city has something for every sort of travel. An abundance of art, history and culture flood through the cobblestone roads of Lisbon. Don’t fret, thrilling adventure also lurks behind every street corner of Portugal’s capital city. Building your personal custom itinerary on the Tripio App will bring you the vacation of a lifetime. The activities and destinations linked below will help you create a bucket list itinerary for your next vacation to Portugal. Let’s get started!

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Belem Tower

Photo by Marin Barisic on Unsplash

The Belem Tower is the most popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. Lovers of art, history and culture, this is the activity that you will not want to leave out of your custom itinerary. The Belem Tower was constructed in 1514, officially given the name ‘Tower of Saint Vincent’. The tower served as a fortification in the Lisbon harbor. Belem had served during the Age of Exploration as a symbol and point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, setting off or returning to and from their journeys around the world. A must-see landmark in Lisbon. 

Carmo do Convento

Photo by Sandra Grünewald on Unsplash

At number 2 of Tripio’s bucket list for first time visitors to Lisbon we have the Carmo do Convento, also referred to as Carmo Convent Archaeological Museum. The Carmo do Convento is a Portuguese Catholic convent that was established in 1389. Gothic architecture flows within the construction of the Carmo do Convento. High arching bridges, towers reaching for the sky. A perfect example of true Gothic architecture. The unique Gothic architecture attracts thousands of tourists every year. During the great earthquake of 1755 took much of the convent with it, however the main portion of the structure stayed intact. This has to be Tripio’s favorite historic adventure in Lisbon!

Sanctuary of Christ the King 

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or Lisbon, Portugal? Sanctuary of Christ the King actually happens to be across the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal. This monumental statue of Jesus Christ is a symbol to all Catholic Christian believers in Europe. Christ the King resembles that of its sister statue located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Sanctuary of Christ the King was established in the mid 20th-century and has stood as a sacred shrine for the Catholic religion ever since. This is a hot destination for photographers and those of faith. Tourists can bask in the statue’s beauty from afar or make an adventure out of it and get up close and personal with Christ the King.  Beyond exciting landmarks to visit during your first vacation to Lisbon. 

Torre Vasco da Gama 

Photo by Sandra Grünewald on Unsplash

Another one of Lisbon’s top destinations to add to your vacation bucket list is the Torre Vasco da Gama. An adventure to the top of Vasco da Gama Tower is one to never forget. The tower of Vasco da Gama is 145m high and is the tallest structure in Lisbon. At the top of the tower is a 360 degree view of the city and all of its beauty. Named after the world famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. For those looking to spice up their vacation to Portugal with a bit of adventure, be sure to add the Torre Vasco da Gama to your custom travel itinerary that you build on the Tripio App.

Parque Eduardo VII

Photo by Kit Suman on Unsplash

Parque Eduardo VII is the finest public park to visit in Lisbon. In 1903, King Edward VII of Great Britain came to Lisbon to settle previous tensions between the nations. After the settlement between Great Britain and Portugal, the largest park in Lisbon was established and named after the former ruler of the United Kingdom. The park is filled with marvelous gardens and surrounded by intricate architecture and statues. This park was also featured in the famous Indian film “The Great Gambler” during the song “Pehle Pehle Pyar ki Mulakate”. A perfect easy adventure for your first vacation to Lisbon!

Castelo Dos Mouros 

Photo by E. C. on Unsplash

A fairytale-like castle rests upon the hilltops of Lisbon’s outskirts. The Castelo Dos Mouros rests picturesque in the Portuguese Riviera (just North of Lisbon). Though this attraction is not necessarily in the city limits of Lisbon, it is one that Tripio could not leave out of our First Time Guide to Lisbon. This is one of Tripio’s favorite destinations in all of Portugal! The ancient castle was built by the Moors during the 8th and 9th-centuries. Throughout all of the nation’s history, the Castelo dos Mouros has been one of its oldest and most fascinating landmarks. The castle was later taken over by the Christian militia during the fall of Lisbon in 1147. Today this secluded attraction offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for world travelers. Venturing out of the city might just be the best idea you make during your Portuguese vacation!

Lisbon Cathedral 

Photo by Eduardo Goody on Unsplash

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have the Se de Lisboa. The Se de Lisboa, often referred to as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major or simply the Lisbon Cathedral, is the oldest church in the city. The establishment of the Lisbon Cathedral dates back to 1147. Through natural disasters, areas of the cathedral had to have been modified. After centuries of wear and tear, Se de Lisboa has faced many reconstructions. To be honest, that is what makes the Lisbon Cathedral so unique. Along the interior and exterior of the Lisbon Cathedral, hints of multiple eras of art can be spotted. Makes it all the more worth it! Don’t miss out on adding the most famed Cathedral in Lisbon to your custom itinerary on the Tripio App. 

All of these activities and more can be discovered on the Tripio App!

Interested in more of what Portugal has to offer, check out: The Greatest Adventures In Portugal

or check out Nightlife Tour Of Budapest

-Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

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