Best historic in Lisbon
8 places curated from 10 travel vlogs — the more a spot gets mentioned, the higher it ranks
Belém Tower
A pre-earthquake tower that once protected Lisbon's harbor. It was the last sight departing explorers saw and now symbolizes Portugal's voyages of discovery.
Castelo de São Jorge
A hilltop castle first built by the Moors and later a royal palace. It is surrounded by a peaceful park with the city's best viewpoint.
Jerónimos Monastery
King Manuel's monastery, funded by spice taxes, holds Lisbon's most impressive church in the ornate Manueline style. It also contains Vasco da Gama's tomb and lacy cloisters Rick calls his favorite in Europe.
Moorish Castle
Thousand-year-old Moorish ramparts reached by a gentle hike through an enchanted forest. The castle was restored in modern times and is a castle lover's dream.
Church of São Domingos
One of the few buildings to survive the 1755 earthquake. Its scarred pillars still recall the disaster.
Carmo Convent
A 14th-century convent, once Lisbon's largest church, left roofless by the 1755 earthquake, with grand surviving arches. A small archaeological museum in the sacristy displays historic finds and shows an interactive video on the convent's history.
Convento da Graça
One of Lisbon's oldest convents, set on one of the city's highest hills. It is free to enter and takes about 30 minutes to explore.
Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
Monastery known for stunning tilework and rooftop and tower views that rival any miradouro. Tickets cost about $5.50, and it is best visited late in the day before the 6 PM closing.