Old Lisbon
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Tram 28 and Alfama | An old yellow tram climbing the lanes of Lisbon's oldest quarter. | Busy at midday, so ride it in the morning |
| São Jorge Castle | A castle on the highest hill with views over the city and the river. | Above Alfama |
| Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta | A wide square on the river, and a pedestrian street with a triumphal arch. | City centre |
| The Santa Justa Lift | An old iron lift with a view over the city centre. | Baixa |
Belém
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Belém Tower | A 16th-century stone tower on the river, on the World Heritage list. | Reopened in May 2026, €15 timed entry, closed Mondays |
| The Jerónimos Monastery | A monastery of stunning stone carving from the Age of Discovery. | Belém |
| The Monument to the Discoveries | A huge monument on the river to Portugal's navigators. | Belém |
Families and shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Lisbon Oceanarium | One of Europe's largest aquariums, with a huge ocean tank at its centre. | Parque das Nações |
| Parque das Nações and its cable car | A modern riverfront with a cable car over the water. | East of the city |
| Centro Colombo | One of Portugal's largest shopping centres. | North-west of the city |
Sintra and the coast
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Pena Palace | A colourful palace on a forested hilltop, on the World Heritage list. | Sintra, about 40 minutes by train; timed entry |
| Quinta da Regaleira | A palace and gardens with tunnels and a spiral well. | Sintra |
| Cabo da Roca | The westernmost point of mainland Europe, on cliffs above the ocean. | About 30 minutes from Sintra |
| Cascais | A seaside town with beaches and a promenade. | About 40 minutes by train |
Tips before you go
- Lisbon is all hills and steep lanes, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Book Pena Palace and Belém Tower ahead: entry is timed.
- You need a Schengen visa to visit Portugal.
Hotels in Lisbon
More places nearby
Visa
- Portugal visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis: requirements, fees and steps
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Lisbon?
Tram 28 and Alfama, São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, the Lisbon Oceanarium, Pena Palace in Sintra and Cabo da Roca.
Is Belém Tower open?
Yes, it reopened in May 2026 after restoration, with timed entry, and is closed on Mondays.
How far is Sintra from Lisbon?
About 40 minutes by train.
Planning your trip to Portugal? Read Travel to Portugal from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.