Lisbon Old Town

Discover views over the old town from hilltop Graça, Moorish history in Alfama, bustling downtown Baixa, bohemian Chiado and nightlife in Bairro Alto. 

The historic heart of Lisbon is the Old Town. The area is made up of a series of districts that each have their own unique atmosphere and attractions. Tram 28 runs through the Old Town and stops frequently. Get off and explore the area on foot or station-hop from site to site.

Start in the Graça district of the Old Town to get your bearings. This hilltop neighborhood has stunning views from outdoor cafés.

Discover the Moorish history of the city at Castle de São Jorge, which dominates the hillside overlooking Alfama. Moorish rulers built the castle in the 6th century. Enjoy a multimedia show about Lisbon’s turbulent history in a restored room of the palace.

Move on to discover downtown Baixa with its large squares full of neoclassical buildings and cafés. This district was rebuilt after the Lisbon earthquake and was one of Europe’s first instances of urban planning, with pedestrian avenues, decorative arches and theaters.

Catch the tram to Chiado, a district full of 16th-century buildings. Browse designer boutiques and old bookstores. Sit in cafés where the artists and literary personalities of Lisbon once met and worked.

Explore the streets of Barrio Alto, with its mix of 16th and 19th-century homes. This district was once a working class neighborhood, but is now home to some of the most popular bars in the city.

In the evenings, catch some authentic Portuguese music in Alfama’s Fado bars, enjoy tapas and wine in Barrio Alto or sip cocktails on rooftops with views in Chiado. Tram 28 runs from early in the morning until late in the evening. Purchase a 24-hour ticket for unlimited rides for a day.

You can also discover the Old Town by joining a walking tour for a fee. Knowledgeable guides will give you insight into the Old Town’s mix of Roman and Moorish cultural influences, the history of Jewish persecution and the effect of the 1755 earthquake on the city. Organize tours through your hotel or tourist information centers within the Old Town.

Explore the best attractions in Lisbon Old Town
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This medieval cathedral is the oldest church in the city and combines a wide range of architectural styles, including gothic, Roman and neoclassical.
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This magnificent 16th-century building was once a monastery but is today the seat of the Portuguese government.
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Discover more about the geology of Portugal and the animals that once roamed here in this hands-on museum.
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The oldest botanical garden in Portugal offers great views of the historic Tower of Belem and a peaceful place to rest away from the bustling city streets. 
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Visit this museum to admire many ancient treasures including art and artifacts from Greece, Rome and the Far East.
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Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift. 
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People-watch in this historic square while you enjoy a coffee and pastry in the café where the city’s literati once gathered.
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This medieval fortress offers insight into Lisbon’s long history as well as stunning views of the city and river below.
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See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.
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Like romantic elevated areas in other European cities, hilly Lisbon has a raised area offering mesmerizing views of the city, the river and the surroundings.
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From royal tombs to azulejo tile panels depicting La Fontaine’s famous fables, this magnificent monastery is full of interesting details. 
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A popular meeting point and landmark, this vast square is most easily recognized by the towering obelisk monument that commemorates Portuguese independence from Spain.
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See rare examples of an ornamental art form that has become synonymous with Portugal in this museum dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles. 
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This imposing neoclassical theater is Lisbon’s premier performing arts venue. Learn all about the fascinating, if unfortunate, history of the site.
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To come to this city and not let this elevator outfitted in yellow show you around would be an opportunity missed. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenes.
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The skeletal ruins of this 14th-century church are a testament to the damage and devastation suffer by the city during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
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Ruins from an earthquake are often torn down, but this city has turned them into an attraction. Tour this site to sense the grandeur of a Gothic masterpiece. 
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Lisbon is the birthplace for a style of music that’s dramatic and heartfelt. Learn why it was banned and understand its current popularity worldwide. 
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Get an introduction to the city of Lisbon and its history through visual displays and audio description providing an interactive look into its past.
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Ride an elevator to the top of this imposing triumphal arch, which was built to celebrate the rebirth and rebuilding of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake. 
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Gaze out across the red roofs of Lisbon and beyond to the Tagus River from this hilltop viewpoint, the highest in the city.