ARCHITECTURE WONDERS IN LISBON TO GO SEE FOR FREE

Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon):

  • Detailed Overview: The National Pantheon is a stunning neoclassical building with a dome that stands out in the Alfama district. It was originally a church and is now a mausoleum for notable Portuguese figures.
  • Free Days/Hours: You can visit the church interior for free. There is an admission fee to access the upper level.
  • Address: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-471 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: National Pantheon.
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Santa Apolónia station.
  • Highlights: Neoclassical architecture, historic significance, and panoramic views from the upper level.

Belém Tower (Torre de Belém):

  • Detailed Overview: Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Exploration. While entry to the tower itself is not free, you can admire its exterior and the beautiful riverside surroundings at no cost.
  • Free Days/Hours: Exterior view is available anytime.
  • Address: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Belém Tower
  • How to Get There: Take tram 15E or 127 or 714 bus to Belém station.
  • Highlights: Stunning architecture, river views, and historical significance.

Cristo Rei Statue (Sanctuary of Christ the King):

  • Detailed Overview: Located across the Tagus River, the Cristo Rei statue resembles Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Visit the surrounding area for stunning panoramic views of Lisbon.
  • Free Days/Hours: Exterior view is available anytime, but there’s a fee to access the viewpoint inside the statue.
  • Address: Santuário de Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal.
  • Website: Cristo Rei Sanctuary
  • How to Get There: Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then walk or use public transportation to reach the statue.
  • Highlights: Iconic statue, riverside vistas, and serene atmosphere.

Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa):

  • Detailed Overview: The Santa Justa Lift, designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, is a beautiful iron-cast elevator. While the lift itself requires a ticket, you can access the upper platform via a spiral staircase for free.
  • Free Days/Hours: Exterior view is available anytime.
  • Address: Rua de Santa Justa, 1100-485 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Santa Justa Lift
  • How to Get There: Walk from Baixa-Chiado or Rossio metro stations.
  • Highlights: Architectural beauty, cityscape views, and historical significance.

São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge):

  • Detailed Overview: While the castle itself has an admission fee, the surrounding area offers beautiful views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Explore the Castle Hill (Colina do Castelo) and enjoy the ambiance.
  • Free Days/Hours: Children (under 12): free entrance.
  • Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: São Jorge Castle
  • How to Get There: Walk from Baixa-Chiado or Martim Moniz metro stations.
  • Highlights: Historic surroundings, scenic overlooks, and medieval charm.

Parque das Nações:

  • Detailed Overview: Parque das Nações, the former site of Expo ’98, is a modern and vibrant district. It features a scenic waterfront promenade, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the Oceanarium, which is worth a visit (admission fee for the Oceanarium).
  • Free Days/Hours: The promenade is accessible anytime.
  • Address: Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: N/A
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Oriente station.
  • Highlights: Modern architecture, scenic views, and cultural attractions

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa):

  • Detailed Overview: The Lisbon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral that combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural elements. The exterior can be admired for free.
  • Free Days/Hours: The exterior is open to the public.
  • Address: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Lisbon Cathedral.
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Santa Apolónia station, and then walk to the cathedral.
  • Highlights: Blend of architectural styles, historic significance.

Ajuda National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Ajuda):

  • Detailed Overview: The Ajuda Palace is a neoclassical royal palace that was intended to be the royal residence but was never completed. You can explore the exterior and the beautiful gardens for free.
  • Free Days/Hours: The gardens and the outside can be visited for free during certain hours.
  • Address: Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Ajuda National Palace.
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Restauradores station and then tram 18 to Ajuda.
  • Highlights: Neoclassical architecture, lush gardens.

Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge):

  • Detailed Overview: Often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge, this suspension bridge spans the Tagus River and connects Lisbon to Almada. It’s a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Lisbon.
  • Free Days/Hours: You can enjoy the view from the many viewpoints along the river for free.
  • Address: Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: N/A.
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Cais do Sodré station, and then walk along the waterfront.
  • Highlights: Iconic bridge with breathtaking views of Lisbon.

Lisbon’s Historic Trams (Tram 28):

  • Detailed Overview: Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, especially Tram 28, are not just a mode of transportation but also a moving architectural experience. Tram 28 passes through many historic neighborhoods, offering great views of Lisbon’s architecture.
  • Free Days/Hours: Tram rides require a ticket, but they provide an affordable way to admire the city’s architecture.
  • Address: Various routes in Lisbon.
  • Website: Carris – Lisbon’s Public Transportation.
  • How to Get There: Access Tram 28 at various points throughout the city.
  • Highlights: Scenic route through historic neighborhoods, beautiful architecture along the way.

Basilica da Estrela (Estrela Basilica):

  • Detailed Overview: Estrela Basilica is a grand 18th-century church that combines Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It is known for its impressive dome and beautiful interior.
  • Free Days/Hours: You can enter the church for free during certain hours.
  • Address: Basílica da Estrela, Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Estrela Basilica.
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Rato station.
  • Highlights: Exquisite architecture, ornate interior, and a peaceful garden outside.

Vasco da Gama Bridge (Ponte Vasco da Gama):

  • Detailed Overview: The Vasco da Gama Bridge is one of the most impressive modern architectural feats in Lisbon. It’s a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tagus River and is one of the longest bridges in Europe. The bridge serves as a key transportation link in the city.
  • Free Days/Hours: You can admire the bridge and its breathtaking design from various viewpoints along the river for free.
  • Address: Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: N/A.
  • How to Get There: The bridge is easily visible from different points along the river in Lisbon. You can take the Lisbon Metro to stations like Oriente or Alameda and then head to the riverfront.
  • Highlights: Modern engineering marvel, stunning views of the Tagus River, and the beautiful landscape.