Under a stark blue sky, the Convento do Carmo is a reminder of devastation left by the 1775 earthquake that hit Lisbon. Explore this majestic site, where you can wander around the Gothic ruins juxtaposed by contemporary sculptures and a small yet amazing museum on Lisbon’s history.

Located between the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts of the Portuguese capital, the Convento do Carmo stands atop guarding Lisbon along with the Castelo de Sao Jorge. It’s ideal for history and architecture buffs.

Founded in 1389 for the Carmelite Order and built by Nuno Alvares Pereira, the Convento do Carmo was ruined by the 1755 magnitude 9 earthquake, which at the time also destroyed much of Lisbon. The roof of the convent collapsed on the congregation as it was attending Mass on that All saints’ Day killing tens of thousands.

Following this event, a big fire destroyed most of the church stuffing. Somehow a large number of art pieces survived the earthquake and were distributed among the different churches of the city. There was an attempt to reconstruct it in new-gothic style but works were interrupted during the 19th century and ultimately, a decision to not rebuilt it was made.

The roof was left unrestored, and today, the skeletal shape of the arches remain, still attracting visitors from all around the world. Most of the architecture of the Convento do Carmo dates back to the 1300s but during the 16th and 18th centuries Manueline details and windows were added.

Tip: To get a great shot of the Convento do Carmo from the back, head to the Santa Just lift viewing platform.

Know before you go

• All the information and panels in the archaeological are available both in Portuguese and English.
• Wi-Fi is available at the Convento do Carmo.
• Guided tours are available, feel free to ask at the ticket office when the next guided tour will take place.

The archaeological museum

After visiting the ruins of the Convento do Carmo and taking dozens of photos head to the archaeological museum featuring a small collection (1,000 items) that was donated by archaeologists in the 19th century.

The Carmo Archaeological Museum, which was founded in 1864, was the first museum of art and archeology in the country. Displaying artifacts from the pre-historic era through the Middle Ages, in addition to a collection of medieval religious and heraldic items.

Here you can expect to find:

• Pre-historic Bell-beaker artifacts dating over 5,000 years
• Roman “Sarcophagus of the Muses”
• The Gothic tomb of King Ferdinand I
• The Baroque tomb of Queen Maria Anna of Austria
• An Egyptian mummy and two South American mummies (a young boy and a young girl from Peru).

Getting to the Convento do Carmo

The Convento do Carmo is only a short walk away from the Baixa-Chiado metro station reachable on the green or blue lines. It’s also near the Santa Justa Elevator.

Read blog: Lisbon in photos: Postal-perfect spots

Admission fee & opening hours

To get inside the Convento do Carmo costs 5 euros (as of 2023). If you have the Lisbon Card you will get a discount. Thankfully we didn’t see huge lines outside, but we went there early in the morning so perhaps this was the reason. The archaeological museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm from October to May, and until 7pm from June to September. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

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Panoramic views, tile-covered facades, and pastéis de nata.

Lisbon, the legendary Portuguese city, has become a very popular place, drawing visitors from all over the world with its beautiful architecture, historic sites, food, and it’s sunny days. The ancient city is famous for the many Miradouros, where locals enjoy sprawling views over Lisbon.

Most of the Miradouros have a little café where you can sit down, enjoy an Aperol Spritz, and soak in the cool vibe of Lisbon – a must do for anyone visiting the city. Below are just some of the sites you must visit when in Lisbon, but don’t forget to slow down and lets the hours meander by in one of its Miradouros.

Se Cathedral

Built in 1147, Se Cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lisbon. The different architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque – of Se Cathedral are because it survived several natural disasters, including the notorious 1775 earthquake, which forced the city to restore many times over. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, Se Cathedral looks like a medieval fortress given its thick wall and two bell towers.

Inside the cathedral there is the fountain where Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized, along with a 14th century gothic chapel and 14th-century sarcophagi. You can also visit the cloister where remains of its Roman, Arab, and Medieval past can be found, and also a balcony featuring nice views of Lisbon and river. To get to Se Cathedral you can ride the iconic tram 28 which will leave you a few steps from the Cathedral.

Alfama

Alfama is the quintessential quaint neighborhood in Lisbon. Located at the foot of the Castelo de São Jorge, dotted with panoramic viewpoints (miradouros), charming and cobbled streets and colorful facades; giving the neighborhood it’s relaxed vibe. Alfama is also the birthplace of Fado, the most famous genre of Portuguese music which tugs at your heartstrings with its melancholic melodies. In Alfama, make sure to take the opportunity to grab a good cup of coffee, or a nice adult beverage, while enjoying wonderful views over Lisbon. Don’t forget to grab something delicious to eat as well.

There are lots trendy shops which you can purchase typical stuff from Portugal – all those tiled souvenirs and boutique clothing. To get to Alfama, take the famous tram 28 which will leave you at the top of Alfama or put on comfy sneakers and be prepared to get a good sweat. I suggest that after visiting the top sights you just get lost in its charming streets and enjoy the charm that this neighborhood radiates.

Read blog: Alfama, Lisbon Portugal: Best things to see and do

Castelo de São Jorge

Perched high above the city, as it is located on the highest hill in Lisbon, the Castelo de São Jorge is an icon seen from many parts of Lisbon. In the 5th century, a small fortress was constructed by the Visigoths which was then expanded by the Moors in the mid-eleventh century. The appearance of the castle as it looks today started during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal.

Inside the Castelo’s walls you can visit a museum, towers, and a moat. We paid 13 euros (in April 2023) to enter this attraction which makes the Castelo de São Jorge the most expensive attraction in Lisbon. However, it’s well worth it as there is plenty to see and panoramic views over Lisbon. One thing you wont expect is the legions of peacocks basking in the castle’s shade on hot days.

As expected, the Castelo de São Jorge attracts a lot of tourists so the lines can get long. We visited it during the late afternoon and thankfully there weren’t too many people.

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Miradouro das Portas do Sol

This viewpoint was one of my favorites. We actually stayed in a hotel located ½ block away so we visited it quite a few times to take in the panoramic view featuring colorful roofs and the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent and the dome of the National Pantheon in the background. You will probably recognize this view which is featured in several postcards so this is a location that you must photograph. This viewpoint is located in the Alfama neighborhood and very close to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Miradouro da Graça

In my opinion the Miradouro da Graça has one of the best views of the Castelo de São Jorge. You’ll see many locals meet to enjoy a drink in the shade of the pine trees, while enjoying panoramic views of the Tagus river, the orange rooftops of the city and the Castelo de São Jorge on the left.

Take advantage of stopping by this viewpoint during your visit to Alfama and the Castelo, it’s a great pitstop to rest while you are navigating the notorious Lisbon hills. If you decide to avoid the steep walk, take tram 28 and get off at the “Graça” stop. The Miradouro da Graça is close to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (where some locals usually put on an adhoc musical performance), which shouldn’t be missed either.

Elevador de Santa Justa

This is a perfect example of post-Eiffel iron architecture, where the metal bends to the whims of the designer. The Elevador de Santa Justa, one of the most unique structures in the city, is one of Lisbon’s transportation systems to navigate its hills.

The elevator is also the fastest way to take you from the Baixa district to the Lago do Carmo. Standing at 147 feet (45 meters) tall, the Elevador de Santa Justa takes you to an observation deck with has panoramic views of the whole city and a perfect angle of the imposing specter of Castelo de São Jorge. If you don’t want to pay the fee to take the Elevador de Santa Justa you can still reach the panoramic terrace located behind the Convento do Carmo.

Arco da Rua Augusta

Located in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio, the Arco da Rua Augusta is a historical monument which symbolizes the city’s rebirth after the 1755 tragedy that the natural disasters leveled at Lisbon.

It can be found at the end of Rua Augusta which is the city’s main pedestrian street but it faces Comércio Square. Only 35 people can visit the top at a time but we didn’t see any lines so it’s not (yet) a popular attraction. You can visit the top of this iconic buildings (the entrance is a bit hidden and easily missed) to get 360° panoramic views views of the Baixa district and the Tagus river.

Ascensor da Bica

The nineteenth century Ascensor da Bica is the most photographed funicular in Lisbon. Get ready to find lots of people holding the cameras eagerly waiting for the tram to ride between Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz which lead up to the Bairro Alto and Bica neighborhoods.

While the ascent is only a few meters, it’s located on one of the steepest hills in Lisbon, so I suggest you ride the picturesque funiculars. This is definitely an beautiful trip with colorful houses dotting the streets and the Tagus river in the background. The Ascensor da Bica has been considered a national monument since 2022 – and don’t forget to photograph it from different angles.

Convento do Carmo

The ruins of the Convento do Carmo are also a key attraction to visit. In 1775, an earthquake destroyed most of the city and made the roof of the convent collapse on the congregation attending mass on that fatal day. Even though the convent was never rebuilt, the Gothic arches still stand.

The location where the main altar was now houses a small archaeological museum with an eclectic collection of pieces from all periods of Portuguese history. Expect to find tombs, ceramics and mosaics, an Egyptian mummy and two South American mummies form Peru.

The Convento do Carmo was undergoing some renovations while we visited so we couldn’t take the photo we wanted. However it’s still very photogenic and there is a very good shot from the Elevador de Santa Justa that captures the back of the convent.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Standing on the banks of the river Tagus in Lisbon, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who discovered Cape Verde, and the islands of the Azores and Madeira.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is 170 feet tall and is close to the Tower of Belem and the Jerónimos Monastery. The monument symbolizes a caravel headed by Henry the Navigator who is followed by 32 leading figures from the Era of the Discoveries including Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares and Fernando Magellan. There are exhibitions rooms and an observation deck at the top with views of the city. You can either climb the stairs or take the elevator.

While this place will get packed, along with Belém Tower, it’s an absolute must see while you are in town.

Belém Tower

The Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification which was originally built do defend Lisbon, it was then turned into a Lisbon and then a customs center for individuals arriving in the city. It is classified as a World Heritage Site (Portugal has many!) since 1983 and is a great example of the Manueline style of architecture that was very common in the early sixteenth-century in Portugal.

The Belém Tower has 5 floors – the Governor’s Hall, the Kings’ Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and a roof terrace offering views of the Tagus river. You can also see the pits where prisoners were thrown into. Since this is an iconic building expect long lines and tourist buses parked next to each other. After your visit, you can walk to the pastry shop that first sold the legendary pastéis de nata, Lisbon’s most famous baked treat.

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Pastéis de nata

Portugal is well-known for its pastéis de nata – an egg custard tart pastry, that you will probably see at most of the bakery shops. It seems that these pastries were created before the 18th century by Catholic monks. During these time, the monasteries used large quantities of egg-whites for starching clothes so they had plenty of yolk leftovers to make pastries, and this is how the pastéis de nata were born. Since we were in Belem, we visited the Pastéis de Belém, a very popular bakery for selling these pastries.

The line was crazy long, but since it’s a huge place we were seated in 10-15 minutes so the wait ended up not being so painful. The pastéis de nata are delicious but to be honest I found them quite filling – I ate one and that was enough for me. If you want to take a cool photo, there is a wall of azulejos outside the Pastéis de Belém, that you can use as a background to photograph the pastéis de nata.

After eating your fill, it’s time to brave the lines and visit Jerónimos Monastery.

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery, also called Hieronymites Monastery, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome in the Belem neighborhood of Lisbon. Built in 1500, the Jerónimos Monastery is a great example of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In addition to visiting the cloister and the gardens, you can also visit the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.

We tried going twice but didn’t succeed as the lines were extremely long, and were very slow in advancing. There are two lines – one for presold tickets, and one for purchasing on the spot. To be honest, both lines went around the block. The second time we purchased the tickets in advance, but it seems everyone had done the same.

After spending 45 minutes in line with the sun beaming on top of our heads we gave up. My advice is that you get there very early in the morning, and by early in the morning I mean before it opens its doors, and be prepared to wait. This is a very popular attraction and there are plenty of buses full of tourists. An alternative is to take a tour – I’m sure you will be able to get inside much faster.

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Labyrinthian streets, terracotta roofs and panoramic viewpoints – Alfama is one of the best neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon.

Alfama is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Lisbon, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that is packed with tourists snapping photos all around and walking its labyrinthian streets. This iconic neighborhood is ideal for your stay as it is essentially in the middle distance of almost every attraction in the city. Colorful houses with terracotta roofs, traditional coffee shops, panoramic viewpoints and charming boutique stores, make this neighborhood a must visit while in Lisbon.

In fact, many of “the” postcard or social media images you first see of Lisbon are taken directly from Alfama. If you are staying in Lisbon for a few days, maze-like Alfama is best explored on a walking tour – there is nothing better than “getting lost” in this neighborhood streets and finding hidden gems in every corner.

Alfama is located on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus river. If you are staying in another neighborhood, you can either walk up or take the historic no. 28 tram which winds through Alfama on its way up. Thanks to its sturdy foundations, it was nearly the only neighborhood in Lisbon which wasn’t greatly affected by the 1755 earthquake.

Things to do in Alfama

Explore the Se Cathedral: Featuring different architectural styles, this cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in the capital. The Se Cathedral has survived several natural disasters through time and therefore has undergone multiple restorations. Due to its location, it is the most popular spot to take a picture, as the tram gently glides past the cathedral’s entrance.

Inside the cathedral you can find the fountain where Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized along with a 14th century gothic chapel and 14th-century sarcophagi. Additionally there is a unique cloister which features remains of its Roman, Arab, and Medieval past. If you go inside, do not forget to visit its balcony featuring views of Lisbon.

Walk up to the Castelo de São Jorge: This is probably Alfama’s most popular attraction which has been dominating Lisbon’s skyline since the 11th century. It’s quite popular and full of tourists but given its size you won’t feel overwhelmed.

See if you can spot the peacocks roaming around the towers showing off their colorful feathers.

Inside the Castelo, take time to explore its museums, walls, towers, and moat. For me, the best part of this Moorish castle are the panoramic views over Lisbon and its various districts. As of April 2023, the cost to go in was 13 euros.

Get sweeping views at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol: This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic city views of the traditional Alfama houses with terracotta roofs, the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent, and the dome of the National Pantheon in the background.

There is also a statue of St. Vincent; renowned as Lisbon’s patron saint and who is holding a boat with two ravens, the symbols of the city. This is a great spot to stop for a drink where you can enjoy marvelous views and the neighborhood’s bustling atmoshphere. You can combine a visit to the very close to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia as they are virtually next to each other. I recommend you visit this viewpoint in the afternoon when the sun shines into the terracotta roofs of Alfama’s houses.

Read blog: Miradouro das Portas do Sol: The best view of Alfama

Explore the Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Miradouro de Santa Luzia is located a five-minute walk from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Because it’s small in size, this Miradouro gets packed with tourists at all times.

Head to this viewpoint to enjoy more sweeping view over the Tagus river, the terracotta roofs, and a the occasional local playing a Fado on their guitar. The views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia are not as expansive as from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol but it will give you a chance to capture views from different angles. It’s will also give you a great picture for social media as the picturesque viewpoint has some stunning tilework.

This Miradouro is located next to the church of Santa Luzia. There are two tile murals that can be found on the church’s southern wall: one of them shows Lisbon before its destruction by the 1755 earthquake, and the other illustrates the Crusaders storming the castle in 1147. Just past the viewpoint, some locals will prop up an impromptu ginjinha stand, the famous cherry liquor drunk in Portugal.

Stop by the Miradouro da Graça: The Miradouro da Graça has one of the best views of the Castelo de São Jorge. And it’s about a 7-minute walk from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Here is a great place to grab a drink while enjoying panoramic views during sunset, when it becomes more popular with locals and tourists alike. Locals will congregate here and some even put on performances.

Take the iconic tram 28: Photos of trams are featured in almost every postcard showing Lisbon and can be found in many places of the city. Tram 28 is full of tourists most of the time who decide to hop on this iconic tram. Tram 28 connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ouriqu goes on its route through Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.

Remember this tram gets packed so if you want to secure a seat it’s better to get on in the early stops! Given their ability to squeeze through Lisbon’s narrows streets, the trams have survived the competition from cars and buses as the preferred mode of transport. The average intervals between each vehicle is 9 to 12 minutes and the entire trip can take up to an hour.

Visit the Fado museum: Fado was born in Alfama. Fado is a music genre that can be traced back to the 1820s. Fado is characterized by longing, mournful and melancholic tunes and lyrics and there are various places where live fado can be heard at night. The Fado museum opened in 1998 and here you can explore collections donated by singers, lyricists, musicians, composers that will let you see and experience Fado. Also, don’t miss the chance to listen to this characteristic music while visiting Lisbon.

Explore the church and monastery of Sao Vincente de Fora: This Church, built in 1582, has the world’s most extensive collection of baroque tiles. It is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, who is the patron saint of Lisbon, and whose relics were brought from the Algarve to Lisbon in the 12th century. From the rooftop there is a nice view of Alfama, the Tagus river and the dome of the National Pantheon.

Tips for visiting Alfama

Wear comfy shoes: In Alfama and in Lisbon more generally, the streets are extremely steep,so I imagine that people living in Lisbon don’t need a gym and get their exercise by walking up and down the streets. There is a good reason why Lisbon is also called “The City of Seven Hills”.

Therefore, we recommend you bring comfortable shoes such as sneakers. No high heels or flip flops are recommended as the cobblestones streets might make you trip. Keep in mind any funiculars will normally be jammed packed, so take your time walking uphill.

Head to Alfama in the early morning: Since we stayed in a hotel in Alfama for a few days, we had the chance to experience this neighborhood early in the morning when the floods of tourists are still sleeping. This is a great time to wander its street and have the neighborhood for yourself only – at least for a few hours!

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.