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City of Seven Hills

Lisbon architecture

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other modern European capitals like London, Paris, and even Rome by four centuries. It is built across seven steep hills, providing countless 'miradouros' or viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the Tagus River and the city's red-tiled roofs.

  • 5Landmarks
  • 1501Oldest · Jerónimos Monastery
  • 45 mTallest · Santa Justa Lift
  • 5Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoHumberto Delgado (LIS)

    Humberto Delgado is one of the few major European airports located directly within the city core, offering passengers a spectacular low-altitude view of the city center during landing. Its proximity to the downtown area means travelers can reach the historic Alfama district by metro in less than 20 minutes.

  • CurrencyEuro (€)
  • LanguagePortuguese

    Portuguese is the native language, and visitors will notice that the European version sounds more rhythmic and closed than Brazilian Portuguese. English is widely spoken by the younger generation and throughout the bustling tourism sector.

  • Getting aroundFuniculars & Trams

    The yellow Remodelado trams are world-famous for navigating the incredibly narrow and steep streets of the Alfama. Three historic funiculars and the Santa Justa Lift provide vertical transit between the city's different levels. The Lisbon Metro features beautifully tiled stations that showcase the work of contemporary Portuguese artists.

5 landmarks in Lisbon

  1. MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
    Photo: Stefan Bethke, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

    Av. Brasília, Belém, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal

    This low-slung, undulating building is covered in fifteen thousand three-dimensional white ceramic tiles that capture the changing light of the Tagus River. The structure's organic shape is designed to mimic the movement of the water it overlooks on the Lisbon waterfront. Its walkable roof acts as a sprawling public plaza, allowing visitors to stroll directly over the galleries to reach the riverbank. This design successfully creates a physical bridge between the historic city center and the revitalized industrial riverfront. Inside, the museum hosts cutting-edge exhibitions that explore the intersection of contemporary art, technical innovation, and architectural theory.

    Built
    2016
    Architect
    Amanda Levete
    Style
    Contemporary / Parametric
    Height
    12 m (39 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Art Museum
  2. Belém Tower
    Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Belém Tower

    Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

    The Belém Tower stands as a majestic fortified gateway to the city and a global symbol of the Age of Discovery. Built from local Lioz limestone, the tower is a prime example of the ornate Manueline style unique to Portugal. Its exterior is decorated with intricate carvings of nautical symbols, including thick stone ropes and armillary spheres. The structure served as both a defensive fortress and a ceremonial point of departure for Portuguese explorers heading to the New World. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to preserve its significance in the history of global maritime exploration.

    Built
    1519
    Architect
    Francisco de Arruda
    Style
    Manueline (Portuguese Gothic)
    Height
    30 m (98 ft)
    Stories
    5
    Today
    Landmark
  3. Jerónimos Monastery
    Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Jerónimos Monastery

    Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

    This grand limestone monastery represents the pinnacle of Manueline architecture and Portuguese cultural heritage. It was originally funded by the immense wealth generated from the spice trade during the 15th and 16th centuries. The cloisters are world-renowned for their exceptionally detailed carvings of sea monsters, coral formations, and coiled ropes. It serves as the final resting place for several historical figures, including the famous explorer Vasco da Gama. The building’s vast scale and intricate stonework reflect the peak of Portugal’s maritime power and religious devotion during the Renaissance.

    Built
    1501
    Architect
    Diogo de Boitaca
    Style
    Manueline / Late Gothic
    Height
    32 m (105 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Museum / Historical Site
  4. Portugal Pavilion
    Photo: Paulo Juntas, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

    Portugal Pavilion

    Alameda dos Oceanos, Parque das Nações, 1990-221 Lisboa, Portugal

    The Portugal Pavilion is a masterpiece of modern engineering that features a massive, gravity-defying concrete canopy. This thin 'sail' of concrete sags elegantly between two heavy porticos, resembling a sheet of paper suspended in the air. It was originally built for the Expo '98 world fair to showcase the flexibility and aesthetic potential of modern building materials. The open space beneath the canopy creates a shaded ceremonial plaza that offers stunning views of the nearby docklands. Today, the building serves as a venue for high-profile government events and stands as a landmark of late 20th-century minimalism.

    Built
    1998
    Architect
    Álvaro Siza Vieira
    Style
    Modernism / Minimalism
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Event Space / Government
  5. Santa Justa Lift
    Photo: Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Santa Justa Lift

    Rua do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal

    This neo-Gothic iron elevator provides a vital and stylish connection between the lower Baixa district and the higher Carmo Square. The structure is often compared to the Eiffel Tower due to its intricate industrial ironwork and elegant filigree patterns. Each level of the lift is decorated with different Gothic motifs, showcasing the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. Inside, the original wood-paneled cabins offer a nostalgic ride for both daily commuters and curious tourists. From the top observation deck, visitors can enjoy one of the most comprehensive views of Lisbon's red-tiled rooftops and the ruins of the Carmo Convent.

    Built
    1902
    Architect
    Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard
    Style
    Neo-Gothic / Industrial Iron
    Height
    45 m (148 ft)
    Stories
    7
    Today
    Elevator / Observation Deck

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