Lisbon , the capital of Portugal , is located at a point where the Tagus River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The city, the westernmost capital in Europe, is one of the continent’s oldest cities. Despite its worn-out buildings, it is quite colorful, vibrant and has a strong spirit. Unlike other chaotic capitals of Europe , Lisbon has peace and plenty of nostalgia under its strong spirit.
In Lisbon, you witness the wonderful fusion of civilizations with very different cultures, creating a modern city with a high cultural heritage. On the one hand, the Moorish texture from Andalusian architecture, the melancholic Fado music rising in the streets, on the other hand, it is a tasteful city where the spirit of South American cities is felt. Many visitors who want to see Portugal head straight to Lisbon.
Lisbon is a city likened to Istanbul in terms of the opposite side, thanks to its historical monuments that can be seen at every corner, its urban architecture built on seven hills, its relaxing sea air, and the Tagus River that divides the city into two. With its mosaic pavements, dilapidated pastel colored buildings, iconic trams, and melancholy Fado music, Lisbon has one of the most beautiful city spirits in the world.
Lisbon Travel Guide
Lisbon has a history of 2700 years. First, the Phoenicians settled in the region where the Celts settled and established a city called Ulissipo. The city, which was later conquered by the Greeks and Carthaginians, was captured by the Romans in 205 BC and named Olissipo.
Ancient Lisbon was built on this city, but when Rome collapsed it was occupied by Germanic tribes and controlled by the Suevi Kingdom, which broke away from Rome in 585. The city, which was captured by the Arabs in 711 and called El-Uşbuna in Arabic, developed and grew during the time of the Andalusians.
The name of many parts of the city comes from Arabic, as its oldest quarter, Alfama, originates from Al-Hamma. The origin of the ceramic work Azulejo, which is quite common in Lisbon and has become a part of Portuguese culture, comes from the Arabic word zellige , which is a stone painting art .
Christians take the city back in 1147 with the second crusade led by Afonso I. With the flourishing trade in the 14th century, the city grew and from the 15th century Lisbon became one of the most important port cities in the world. Portuguese sailors soon became the best in Europe with their maneuverable sailing ships and advances in navigation and cartography.
Vasco da Gama’s long journey to the east brings exotic flavors to Europe for the first time. It brings spices such as cumin, pepper, ginger, as well as fruits such as potatoes, tea and pineapple to Europe. Monuments of sailors such as Magellan and Vasco da Gama, who are regarded as the world’s greatest explorers, adorn the most important places of the city today.
Thanks to its colonies, abundant wealth flows into the country, it becomes the most important slave trade center of Europe, it becomes stronger and richer. Lisbon’s strong spirit extends from the Atlantic islands to the African coast, from Brazil to India during the imperial era in the 16th century.
When the commercial golden years are behind and the discoveries are over, Lisbon is exposed to one of the most disastrous earthquakes in history. One of the most destructive earthquakes in history is experienced on November 1, 1755, the city is almost completely destroyed. Today, seismologists estimate that the magnitude of this earthquake was between 8.5 and 9 and lasted between 3.5 and 6 minutes. Added to the destructiveness of the earthquake is the 20 meter high tsunami coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
While Lisbon was almost completely destroyed, the tsunami that came on it 40 minutes later, left the people under water. The earthquake is felt in a wide geography from Finland to North Africa and the Caribbean. A large geographical archive, including that of Vasco de Gama, also disappears.
The city is rebuilt with precious stones and riches such as gold, emeralds, diamonds and rubies from the Minas Gerais mines in Brazil. The city is recreated as close to the past. The streets leading to the wide squares are arranged in such a way that they cross each other in parallel.
The city, which lost its strong spirit after the earthquake, always remains lifeless. The city is occupied by Napoleon in 1807, then recaptured by the British. The constitutional monarchy that started in 1833 lasted until the Republic was proclaimed in 1910. With rapid growth and incoming immigration, the city undergoes drastic changes, weakening its strong spirit.
Portugal became a member of the European Union in 1986, and Lisbon was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 1994. The kiss that wakes up Lisbon from its sleep comes with EXPO 98, the last world fair of the 20th century, and makes its name known to the whole world.
The EXPO area is transformed into futuristic architectures, warehouses on the shores are transformed into clubs and restaurants. The narrow cobbled streets of the city are filled with energetic youth, boutique hotels and modern hostels, and artistic designs that will bring back self-confidence. His strong spirit again envelops the city.
Lisbon is a city where light is felt abundantly. The strong sunlight it receives almost all year turns into a mirror made of thousands of colors, highlighting the beauty of the city. There is so much to see and do, and a wide variety of experiences available to visitors in Lisbon.
I recommend you to wander through the streets of this city, which I believe does not reflect the usual European atmosphere, but has its own character, soul and atmosphere. The streets with many slopes, the colorful buildings covered with tiles and used without being restored for some reason are so beautiful that you would be surprised how such a harmony could be achieved among all the distortions.
Everywhere you turn your head, a different detail draws attention. Various colorful doors, laundry hanging on the balconies and windows of the houses, shabby street restaurants similar to our artisan restaurants, extraordinary works and graffiti almost everywhere you look. Street Art is legally allowed in this city.
Lisbon is a city where transportation from the airport to the city center is very cheap and easy (via the metro line). You can easily provide transportation within the city with the daily travel card you will receive. Lisbon is not a very big city and especially when you want to visit its historical districts, it is possible to see the key points of the city with a maximum of half an hour’s walking distance.
The most important regions are Baixa, Barrio Alto, Alfama, Belem, Cascais and Sintra. If you stay close to the city center, you can walk around Baixa, Barrio Alto and Alfama. Even if you don’t want to walk, you can quickly switch between these areas by using the subway.
Baixa can be defined as the center of the city. The district that changed the face of Lisbon, an 18th century city. With its modern structure and cobblestone streets, Baixa is very pleasant with its museums, theaters, unique cafes and boutiques, as well as eye-catching small boutiques with elaborate and stylish designs.
It is a region where young people mostly hang out, where you can’t get enough of listening to street musicians and its stylish and flamboyant venues. Its streets, which are closed to vehicle traffic in the evenings, are very active and safe. Rossio Square is also located in this neighborhood and it is a lively area day and night.
Rossio Square is one of the most popular and central squares in the city, with its fountain pools, obelisk and cobblestones that move like ocean waves. These cobblestones and wave figures, which people have stepped on for more than a century, appear in many squares, but they are well-kept and neat as if they were made only yesterday.
Restaurants and cafes, shopping and entertainment venues are also gathered around this square. Don’t worry about prices either. If you are going with a limited budget, there are many alternatives in this region where you can eat very cheaply and buy gifts for your loved ones.
The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the city’s most popular buildings, built in neogothic style, to connect the Baixa and Bairro Alto districts. Constructed of cast iron, the elevator offers an exquisite view of the entire city. Built by Raul Mesnier in 1902, the elevator was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris .
When you go along the long and tourist-filled Rua Augusta road, a large historical gate welcomes you at the end of the road. When you pass through the gate and go to the beach, you find yourself in the huge Trade Square. The square, called the Palace Square, is one of the places of high historical importance for the Portuguese.
Praca do Comercio Square , surrounded by yellow-colored official buildings on three sides, is one of the places frequented by tourists. The riverside parks of the square, where cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions are held, are among the most ideal places to watch the 25th April Bridge, the Christ statue and the most beautiful panorama of the city, especially in the evening and at sunset.
Alfama District , Lisbon’s oldest settlement. It has a very authentic atmosphere with its labyrinthine-like recessed streets connecting cafes, shops to restaurants, its Arabian-influenced architecture and breathtaking churches. This is the heart of fado music.
The district where the oldest streets and houses of Lisbon are located. Perfect for breathing the atmosphere full of experiences and capturing great photo frames. Get lost in the side streets, you don’t need to follow any route. When you pass by Sao Jorge Castle, Se Cathedral, Santa Engracia Church and Fado venues and get lost in its narrow streets, you will realize that this is one of the most beautiful and magical areas of the city.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the giant stone towers of the large and old cathedral, which reflects the strong spirit of Lisbon, are part of the city’s skyline. Se Cathedral was built in 1147, after which it was renovated many times due to earthquakes and fires.
St. George’s Castle is an ancient building that reflects the splendor of Lisbon. From one of the castle walls, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city. In one of the towers there is a periscope from which you can observe the city, and in the terrace gardens there are gardens, one of the most beautiful places where you can see the sunset.
Tram No. 28 is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the bumpy streets of Alfama. The tram both keeps the old tradition alive and transports its passengers to the oldest and most popular points of the city. The tram, which is one of the economical ways to discover the pleasant texture of the city, also goes up the hill where the Sao Jorge Castle is located.
One of the remarkable things in this city is the beauty of the metro stops. Each stop is designed according to a different concept and decorated with tiles, sculptures and paintings of important people from Portuguese culture.
The Bairro Alto District is a bohemian neighborhood located just above the city, where the nightlife is striking. It has an intellectual side that attracts artists, writers and students with its narrow, cobbled streets and bohemianism.
Wine houses, clubs, fado nights, bars are all together in the Barrio Alto region. Historical houses are covered with handmade patterned tiles, and most of these houses have a warm neighborhood feel, as the laundry is hung outside.
Sao Roque Church (Igreja De Sao Roque) is the most magnificent of Lisbon structures. It is also home to the most expensive chapel in the world with its fine workmanship, abundant mosaics, and painted wooden ceilings decorated with jewels. Sao Roque Church is one of the most magnificent examples of Baroque architectural style. The chapel was built in the 16th century from extremely valuable materials such as ivory, agate, gold and silver.
The Chiado District is at the bottom of the square where the Baixa-Chiado metro station exits. Despite being badly damaged in a fire in 1988, Chiado is today an attractive corner of Lisbon with its design and art galleries and stylish cafes. It is also a shopping paradise with its cute, stylish and luxurious shops.
With its more than 50 museums and narrow streets winding through the slopes overlooking the river, Lisbon has a magnificent view that fascinates those who see it.
The Carmo Archaeological Museum (Museu Arqueológico do Carmo) is one of the few legacies left behind from the Lisbon earthquake. Ancient church ruins, gothic tombstones, a South American Peruvian mummy and an Egyptian mummy, prehistoric objects, and even bronze age pottery are all on display here.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum was established in order to tell the historical past of the city for generations and not to be forgotten. Gulbenkian, in the foundation museum financed by Armenian oil traders, has a very rich variety of artifacts from the old to the modern, from east to west. There is everything from Rembrandt to Islamic ceramic artworks, French glass, jewelery and glass works created by jewelery designer and decorator Rene Lalique, to French ivory plates and historical carpets.
Expo 98 hosts great examples of modern architecture, such as the Estacao do Oriente, the train station designed by Santiago Calatrava, which was reorganized as the site of the 1998 World Expo, and the Portugal Pavilion designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira.
Lisbon Sea Aquarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, located in Parque dos Naçöes in Expo 98. The Oceanarium Aquarium, designed by Peter Chermayeff, has four different sections, each representing a separate ocean. The life of all sea creatures of the underwater world such as penguins, seals, sharks, octopuses, sea horses and corals are on display.
The National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) is home to priceless and first-class works of art that illustrate Portugal’s development since the 11th century.
Belem is where Portuguese sailors sailed to the ocean. This is an area that is not far from the center of Lisbon and attracts a lot of visitors. It can be reached by taking the tram number 15 and going west along the coast in the direction of the ocean. Torre de Belem or Belem Tower, Pastais de Belem with its traditional flavor, the Explorers Monument and the enormous Jerónimos Monastery built to crown the discoveries of Vasco de Gama are located in this region.
Belem Tower is one of Lisbon’s landmarks. Belem Tower, built in the Manueline style, was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1983. It has a very imposing appearance with its sharp architecture and castle walls washed by the waters of the Tejo River on three sides. It was built in the 16th century in memory of the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama.
Just before you come to the Belem Tower, one of the symbols of Lisbon, you will see an airplane monument. This monument; It was erected in honor of the Portuguese pilots Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral, who made the first flight between Lisbon and Rio De Janeiro in 1922.
Jeronimos Monastery is a magnificent structure that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. It is said that the construction of this monastery with its stunning stonework cost 70 kg of gold every year and its construction was financed by the spice trade. It is a typical example of the architecture of the Manueline period, where the influences from the sea explorations were mixed with the Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
The Lisbon Naval Museum is Europe’s largest maritime museum, where it traces maritime history along with the history of discoveries. Explorations, wars, fishing, sporting racing boats, royal boats, freighters, long-haul vessels, spades, dredgers, paddlewheels, riverboats, school ships and royal watercraft are on display.
The Belem Explorers Monument was erected right where the Tejo River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It stands on the Tagus River, where Portugal’s most important discoveries began, sailing like a ship. It was built in memory of Infante Dom Henrique , also known as Prince Henry of theThe prince ushered in Portugal’s age of exploration and is depicted in the statue along with other heroes and explorers. Visitors can watch the magnificent view from the top of this monument with the elevator.
The Belem Cultural Center was opened to exhibit the works of the Portuguese art collector Warhol’s Picasso, Dali and Lichtenstein. Established in the early 1990s, the cultural center also hosts the Portuguese presidency of the European Union.
I think the most important flavor paired with Lisbon is ‘Belem Pie’. This crispy dough, called Pastel de Nata, is a warm flavor that is filled with vanilla pudding and is eaten with plenty of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top. It can be found in all patisseries of Portugal and is often consumed especially for breakfast.
The pastry shop named Pasteis de Belem in Belem is known as the starting point of the dessert, but it is rumored that the recipe for the traditional flavor is still a secret. It goes especially well with coffee. If you wish, you can also consume it with cherry liqueur or port wine.
Do not leave this city without discovering and listening to the touching music of Portugal, Fado. The lamentations of Portuguese women after the sailors who left and did not return form the origin of Fado. Indeed, every music brings different feelings to people when listened to in their own land. I recommend you to listen live in a small bar called Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto.
Dinner in Lisbon is usually eaten after eight o’clock and after nine or ten on weekends. There are restaurants that will appeal to all kinds of tastes in the Bairro Alto Region, which are more affordable compared to other big cities in Europe.
This region, which is very popular as a tourist attraction, has plenty of both local and international cuisines. Lisbon is very famous for its seafood. The most popular type of fish in the city, which has many fish restaurants; cod
Lisbon has the most affordable leather products and shoes among the capitals of Europe. Ceramic tiles, which are also local handicrafts of the country, are sold in traditional and historical niche shops. The famous port wine, which has many varieties, should definitely not be forgotten.
The Lisbon stores of the most luxurious brands are located on Avenida da Liberdade and Rua Garrett. If you’re looking for a little more unusual style, you can go to the boutiques in Bairro Alto, or if you like more sophisticated and independent styles, you can go to Dom Pedro V. You can stop by the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center, one of the main shopping centers, and the Colombo Shopping Center, the largest shopping center in the Iberian Peninsula.
The flea market known as the ‘Thieves’ Market’ (Feira de Ladra), which is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is quite interesting. It is possible to find everything from old porcelain, colonial furniture, old postcards to used car batteries in the market. You can stop by to buy something as a gift.
The historical tram that runs through the city, Tejo river, fado, pastel de nata, ginjinha, wine, cod fish, shabby environments, warm air, nostalgic funiculars, the beauty and silence of the streets, the sailors who have engraved their names in world history, every step of the way makes you feel yourself, has a soul. city Lisbon has been a very interesting city for me.
It is possible to be at Lisbon Airport with Turkish Airlines flights between Lisbon and Turkey , which take 4 hours and 20 minutes from Istanbul Airport every day of the week. You can easily reach the center from the airport, which is 8 km away from the city center of Lisbon.
You can go anywhere or to the center by taxi, which is located right at the terminal exit, for an average of 10-15 €. Since Lisbon Airport is located right in the center of the city, you can quickly be at your hotel with both the metro and AeroBus. When you reach the center, you can use the metro to go inside or outside the city.
Lisbon is a city of history, culture, architecture and modesty away from the flamboyant cities of Europe. Lisbon deserves to be visited with its narrow cobbled streets, nostalgic patisseries and towering cathedrals like a visual feast.
