When visiting Lisbon be prepared to do a lot of walking up and down the 7 hills the city was built on. If the walking is really too straining for you then you can opt to use one of the lifts and train-like lifts to take you up, however the best way to see the charm of the old streets is certainly by taking the time to walk around. Lisbon has many panoramic points offering spectacular views over the city and the Tagus River. 

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The best views are from the Alfama area, in particular from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a pergola covered terrace with fantastic azulejos covering the external wall of the Santa Luzia church; further up are the miradouros of Senhora do Monte and da Graça. The miradouro of Santa Catarina in the Bica quarter, down from Bairro Alto, offers breathtaking views over the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Other panoramic points are the San Jorge Castle and the top of the Cristo Rei, a 90 foot statue of Jesus with the arms stretched out that was erected during the late 1940s’ to thank God for sparing Lisbon from World War II.

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Take time to visit Praça do Commercio facing the “Mar de Palha”, the large bay formed by the Tagus River’s estuary before it pours out into the Atlantic Ocean. This square is surrounded by portico lined buildings housing public offices, the tourist office and many cafés and restaurants. The Romanesque Cathedral (La Se’) built in 1150 by Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, is worth a visit; inside are the font believed to have baptized Saint Anthony and an interesting baroque wooden and cork nativity.
The Elevador de Santa Justa, originally built in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier, from the school of Gustave Eiffel who is often credited for the work, is a great metal structure going from Baixa to Bairro Alto.
The Botanical Garden created on a slope in the 18th century featuring plants from all over the world is a great place for a walk and is also an alternative route to get to Praça da Alegria from avenida da Libertade.

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In the quarter of Belem, visit the Discoveries Monument (Monumento dos Descobrimentos), which was erected in 1960 on the Tagus River Bank for the 5th centenary of Henry the Navigator’s death. This sculpture represents the main figures of the geographic discoveries and has a lift inside the monument to take visitors to the top to enjoy great views. The Belem Tower, built on the Tagus’ estuary on the point from where Vasco de Gama left for India had a defensive function and today is considered one of the best examples of Manueline architecture with its latticework and open balconies. Still in Belem is another important landmark, the Jeronimus Monastery located on Praça do Imperio. A beautiful example of Manueline architecture, the two-story monastery is decorated with stone shelves, sea monsters and other maritime symbols.
In the evening go to Bairro Alto, the focus of Lisbon’s nightlife with trendy bars and clubs.
Outside Lisbon, Cascais is a lovely place for great food, water sports and relaxing in the sun.