Lisbon Guide: What to visit in the city of the Seven Hills

Lisbon, the City of Seven Hills

The city of the Seven Hills is one of the most beautiful in the world. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is built on seven hills overlooking the river Tagus, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. A city full of history and glamour, which was the starting point of the great expeditions at the time of the Discoveries.

In addition to its centuries-old beauty and history, Lisbon can surprise visitors with magnificent views from the belvederes and terraces strategically built on each hill. Lisbon is one of the European capitals with the best conditions for business and leisure.

What to visit in Lisbon

We asked local experts for their opinion to put together a set of suggestions on what to do and visit in Lisbon.

Come and experience Lisbon's charming neighbourhoods and lively atmosphere.

A Trip to Belém

Belem, the port of departure for Portugal's great maritime expeditions, is an itinerary not to be missed. Starting from the Tower of Belem, the most used image to represent the city of Lisbon, walk to the Jerónimos Monastery, the most impressive Manueline monastery and pause to taste the famous and delicious "Pastéis de Belém”, handmade and secretly produced since 1837.

A walking itinerary from Dom Pedro Lisboa Hotel

Walk down the Amoreiras Street, make your first stop at Mãe d'Agua (Mother of Water, Lisbon's old water reservoir), then go to Largo do Rato and cross over to the Escola Politécnica Street. On your left-hand side, you will find the Natural History Museum and the Lisbon Botanical Garden, go straight ahead to D. Pedro V Street, full of shops, cafés, and old houses, which give colour and life to this area.

When you see a garden on your left-hand side, stop and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Lisbon (S. Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint). Before going all the way down the hill, through Alecrim Street, make sure you stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in Bairro Alto, one of the oldest and most typical neighbourhoods of Lisbon. Keep walking until you reach a small Square (Largo da Misericórdia), with a church on its left side, which is one of the most precious baroque jewels in Portugal: The S. Roque Church. Continue along the Misericórdia Street until you reach a crossroads, where you will find the famous Largo do Chiado and be sure to grab a coffee at Brasileira.

The Coffee Culture

Coffee is a national passion and is enjoyed in many different ways. One of the most typical places is the "A Brasileira" coffee shop, near the Chiado Warehouses. Founded in 1905 and frequented by writers and poets like Fernando Pessoa and José de Almada Negreiros, it has wonderful Art Nouveau interiors.

Downtown Lisbon

From Largo do Chiado go down to the Garrett Street and turn left to the Carmo Street. Take the Lift of Santa Justa to downtown Lisbon, also called "Baixa Pombalina” as it was built by order of the Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 earthquake. Continue along Augusta Street until you reach Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), also known as "Terreiro do Paço”.

Situated in front of the Tagus River, it is one of the largest squares in Europe. Cais das Colunas is located in front of Terreiro do Paço and offers a unique view over the Tagus River. Take the opportunity and stop at one of the Praça do Comércio's esplanades for lunch or dinner.

Hotel Dom Pedro Lisboa