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1) Begin at Praça do Comércio, the river gateway
Start where the Tagus light fills the arcades. The square sits on the site of Ribeira Palace, which the 1755 earthquake destroyed, and the Pombaline rebuild gave it today’s clean geometry. I arrive early for long shadows, then step to Cais das Colunas for reflections.
Open the StoryHunt audiowalk here to hear the earthquake chapter while you look around.
Did you know? A royal assassination, the 1908 Lisbon Regicide, happened in this square.
2) Climb Arco da Rua Augusta for a quick city map
When the sky is clear, I take the elevator inside the arch, then the last stairs to the terrace. The view lines up Baixa, the castle, and the river, which makes planning the rest of the day easy.
Pro tips:
- Go morning or late afternoon for softer light
- Bring a layer, the terrace can be breezy
- Scan the sculptures before you descend
Did you know? The viewpoint only opened to the public in 2013.
3) Ride the Elevador de Santa Justa and walk the upper platform
I love the wood-lined cabins and the smooth glide to the Carmo terrace. Queues can build, so I often access the upper walkway from Largo do Carmo, enjoy the view, then decide if the deck fee is worth it that day.
Follow the StoryHunt audiowalk segment that links Baixa to Carmo without detours.
Did you know? The lift opened in 1902, and each cabin takes about 29 people.
4) Step under the open arches of Convento do Carmo
The roofless nave Convento do Carmo is Lisbon’s most eloquent earthquake memory. I stand in the nave first, then loop the small archaeological museum for quiet labels and carved stones. On hot days I time this right after Santa Justa, since the terrace breeze carries through the ruins.
Did you know? The museum keeps seasonal hours, Monday to Saturday, with last entry about twenty minutes before closing.
5) Pause at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
This two-level garden is my favorite reset. Grab a kiosk coffee, lean on the balustrade, and use the tile panorama to identify the skyline.
Best-time pointers:
- Sunrise for empty frames
- Sunset for golden tones over the castle
- Overcast days for even light and fewer shadows
The StoryHunt audiowalk cue from the Glória funicular drops you right beside the garden.
Did you know? The azulejo map that labels the panorama dates to 1952.
6) Ride Tram 28 through the old quarters
Once you have your bearings, hop Tram 28 for a rattling slice of everyday Lisbon. It runs between Martim Moniz and Campo de Ourique, threading Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. I board early from the terminal to find a seat, then hop off for coffee when crowds swell.
- Validate your ticket before sitting
- Watch pockets in tight curves
- Yield your seat to seniors
Did you know? Many cars are classic Remodelado trams, restored for the tight historic streets.
7) Taste the original Pastéis de Belém
I time Belém for mid-morning, order two warm custard tarts, and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar to taste. The bakery has used a closely guarded recipe since 1837, and the line moves faster than it looks. Carry your box to the riverside, then plan a monastery or tower visit depending on light and queues.
Did you know? Only pastries from this shop are called “Pastéis de Belém,” while the citywide version is “pastéis de nata.”
8) Explore Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece
The cloister carvings are some of Portugal’s finest, and I never rush them. Buy timed tickets when possible, then pair with the church outside service hours for calm photos. If energy dips, reset with a stroll through the gardens.
- UNESCO World Heritage since 1983
- Commissioned in the early 1500s
- Manueline details blend maritime symbols and royal emblems
Did you know? Portugal’s 1985 European Community accession ceremony was held in the cloister.
9) Walk to Belém Tower on the river
Follow the promenade west for a fortress that once guarded the harbor entrance. The spiral stairs are narrow, so I check the line before committing. Sunset casts the tower in warm light and keeps the riverfront lively. For a quick loop, combine tower photos with a ferry glance across to Trafaria.
Did you know? Belém Tower shares its UNESCO World Heritage inscription with Jerónimos Monastery.
10) Graze your way through Time Out Market
Back in the center, I end at Mercado da Ribeira’s food hall for a roaming dinner. Pick a seafood counter, add a petisco or two, and share plates at the communal tables. I like to arrive before peak dinner so I can still hear my friends.
- Opened in 2014 inside the 1882 market building
- Do a sweet finish with a tart or gelado
- Cross the street to Cais do Sodré for riverside sunsets
Close the day by replaying a favorite StoryHunt stop on your walk home.
Did you know? The building was designed by Francisco Ressano Garcia, the engineer who also planned Avenida da Liberdade.
A smart path that saves your legs
- Morning: begin at Praça do Comércio, climb the Arco, ride Santa Justa to Carmo
- Midday: São Pedro de Alcântara for views, snack in Bairro Alto
- Afternoon: Tram 28 or Belém combo for monastery, tower, and tarts
- Evening: Time Out Market, riverside stroll, or a fado show in Alfama another night.
Weave the first five stops with StoryHunt’s Lisbon audiowalk to turn transitions into stories, then add the Belém and food chapters as your energy allows. Also consider the attractions: Igreja de Sao Roque, Praca da Figueira, and Praca do Rossio.
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