How to Enjoy Lisbon for Free

The Alfama District of Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital and largest city in Portugal, sits at the point where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city has one of the most diverse histories of any city in Europe. Originally a Roman city, it was overrun by Germanic tribes, the Moors of North Africa, Spanish Crusaders and Napoleon's French troops. All of these groups left a mark on the city. Lisbon has a mild climate, ideal for walking around and enjoying the sights--many of which are free.

Instructions

1. Explore the Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and one of the most picturesque, the Alfama (pictured above) is named after the Arabic word for "fountains." The compact district is made up of narrow, twisting streets and small town squares as well as a generous number of restaurants. You'll also find remnants of the Romans and Moors who once lived in this area.

2. Visit the National Palace of Sintra. Sintra, located along the Atlantic coast a short distance from Lisbon, is home to the best preserved Medieval castle in Portugal. The National Palace of Sintra, built in the 13th century, combines a variety of architectural styles. Highlights include the elaborate Moorish-style mosaics and the coat-of-arms room, with its wooden, domed ceiling and 72 coats-of-arms. Admission to the palace is free on Sundays.

3. View the Lisbon Cathedral. The oldest church in Lisbon was built in 1147 by Portugal's first king, Dom Alfonso Henriques. The Cathedral, located in the Alfama, is a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Neo-classical and Rococo styles.

4. Relive history at Belem Tower. Belem Tower, located on an island on the western edge of the Tagus River, was built in the late 16th century to honor the New World explorations of Vasco de Gama. The tower, designed in the Portuguese Late Gothic style, was also the starting point of many subsequent voyages of discovery. Belem Tower is free on Sundays and holidays before 2:00 p.m.

5. "Rent" a free bike.