Sightseeing in Lisbon, Portugal

Explore the inner beauty of Lisbon as a backpacker

Discover the Portuguese capital on holiday and feast your eyes on the Westernmost city in Europe. From the cobbled hillsides to crumbling Gothic cathedrals, Lisbon has a decadent story to tell. Go to the marine exhibition at the Lisbon Oceanarium, Europe's largest indoor aquarium or grab a bowl of Caldo verde at a local restuarant.

Lisbon is a city for explorers and offers a fairytale vision of Europe. Book your holiday in Lisbon and sleep cheaper than ever before. Like many European capitals, Lisbon has embraced the hostel revolution demanded by young independent flashbackers. Lisbon has a fantastic selection of designer hostels bang in the centre of town. Highly rated by travellers and critics, you'll get fantastic value for money staying in a hostel in Lisbon.

Why Lisbon?

Portugal’s capital is a romantic throwback with its ornate piazzas, lush fountains and flamboyant coloured buildings. From the iconic arch Praça do Comércio to Rossio Square, the city's grid system is connected by rickety wooden trams emblazoned with fifties style Coca-Cola logos. Undoubtedly the best way to see the city is by tram and the iron tracks slice deliciously across some of Lisbon's steepest hills.

After scaling up the rickety gradients from Rossio Square you'll arrive in Alfama, Libson's oldest quarter that dates back to Moorish times. Spread over a steep hill and comprised of cobbled narrow streets, the picturesque setting is a gorgeous place to go for an evening stroll. With its pot flowers, small archways and stray cats, the terraces of Alfama are a joy to explore on foot.

Equally inspiring is the most popular tourist attraction in Lisbon, Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle), which crowns a hilltop in the downtown Baixa district. Offering splendid views of the Lisbon marina and capturing the city's history through the ages, St George's Castle is one of Portugual's finest landmarks.

Explore the Belem tower, the city's icon, and marvel over the breathtaking views of the River Tagus. Jump on a tram and head to the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and resting place of Portugal's most famous explorer Vasco da Gama. Stroll through the medieval cloisters and explore the old Lisbon before heading down to modernist shopping district.

One of the most extraordinary modern sights in Lisbon is Oriente Station. Designed by modernist architect Santiago Calatrava with a roof of glass and steel, the station is a futuristic celebration with a special nod to Gaudi as it's made to look like a row of trees. Outside the entrance to the Metro platform are gorgeous tile murals, which are replicated across the city, and these have been designed by some of Portugual's finest artists.

With its extraordinary modern architecture and world class aquarium, the city offers travellers a remarkable casket of riches. Surprisingly ignored in favour of the bigger European capitals, the Atlantic city has enough culture and surprises to keep you occupied for over a week. Book your holiday in Lisbon today and feast your eyes on one of Europe's most decorated cities.