Three Must See Sights in Lisbon

If you and your friends or classmates are looking for a perfect European destination to explore great sights and a warm, wonderful culture – and don’t want to stray too far - consider Lisbon. Cheap flights and budget accommodation in hostels for groups mean the city is ideal for a short break.

Located on the coast of central Portugal, Lisbon is a city that too often gets overlooked. Considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon has a diverse multicultural history, which is fascinating to learn more about. Even though a large chunk of the city was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, there are places where the architecture from that period (and earlier) can still be seen. On a visit to Lisbon, book in to one of the excellent central hostels for groups and make sure you see the Belem Tower, the Jeronimo's Monastery, and the Sao Jorge Castle. Belem Tower

Your accommodation in one of the central hostels for groups will give you easy access to the Belem Tower. Also known as the Tower of St Vincent, it nestles into the bank of the Tagus River. Built in the early 1500s, by King Manuel I, as a means of protecting the entrance to the city, Belem Tower was designed in what became known as Manuelian style. When Spanish forces took it over in 1580, its dungeons were used as a prison. Even in later years the dungeon was still occasionally used as a prison and as a means of protection, until Maria II was convinced to restore it. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. You can tour the four-storey tower and take note of its beautiful archways and intricate balconies with stunning views over the river.

Jeronimo's Monastery

Along with the nearby Belem Tower, the Jeronimo's Monastery was inscribed as a UENSCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as an exceptional example of Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style. The monastery is able to handle more people than the nearby tower, which only allows limited numbers of visitors. The monastery was built on the site of a former church, which was home to a military-religious Order of Christ. Construction of the monastery began in the early 1500s and took around 100 years to complete; the rich style of the architecture features maritime themes. Once finished, the king chose the Hieronymite monks to live in the monastery, as one of their roles was to pray for him and adventuring sailors. It was also here that Vasco da Gama spent the night praying before he set sail for India. You can visit the grave of the famous explorer, as well as the location where the Treaty of Lisbon was signed.

Sao Jorge Castle

Also within easy access from the central location of some of the excellent hostels for groups, you'll be able to visit Sao Jorge Castle. According to history, there have been fortifications on the hill in Lisbon as far back as 48 BC, and during the 10th century Berber forces built an even bigger fortress here. When the Christian forces took it over, it became home to the leaders of Portugal. Over the centuries much construction was added to the castle, but it eventually fell out of favour. It was then severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755. Now protected, the site consists of the castle, the ruins of the former royal palace, and part of a neighbourhood for the elite of the time - all of which you can visit and wander around.

Ben Spencer works for Hostelling International. Offering more than 4000 hostels worldwide, their website dedicated to groups features 250 hostels specifically suitable for school trips, corporate team building trips and families. For the best hostels for groups, join our community and say hi to the world. HI is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations and a non-profit membership organisation with over 100 years of experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.