Things to do in Benfica Portugal include visiting the Estádio da Luz, home to SL Benfica (also known as A Catedral by soccer fans). Here you can learn more about the club’s history and its legendary players like Eusebio.
There are also many scenic viewpoints in the area called ‘miradouros’ that provide wonderful views of Lisbon. Then there is the LX factory, a renovated industrial complex that serves as a shopping city.
1. Estadio da Luz
Football is an essential part of Portuguese culture, and the thunderous roars of fans during live matches can be heard across the city during football season. A visit to the Estadio da Luz, home of Sport Lisboa e Benfica (better known as Benfica), is an experience that should not be missed by any football fan.
The modern stadium, which opened in 2004, was built adjacent to the club’s old home and is renowned for its design. It was chosen to host the Euro 2004 final and two UEFA Champions League finals, and has been dubbed ‘the most beautiful stadium in Europe’ thanks to its polycarbonate roof that allows sunlight to penetrate the ground.
It is easy to reach the stadium by car or on foot from Lisbon’s centre, with a Metro Blue Line stop at Colegio Militar-Luz right across Avenida General Norton de Matos. The stadium is also a short walk from the cosmopolitan shopping complex Colombo, which offers restaurants, cafes, and bars.
2. Monastery of So Vicente
Located in the west of Lisbon, Benfica is best known for its football club S.L Benfica, whose stadium lights up the district after victories. It’s also home to many green areas, and is a pleasant, peaceful district to explore on foot or by public transportation.
The Monastery of So Vicente is a jaw dropping architectural treasure. This 17th century church has a gorgeous Baroque altarpiece and nice wall and ceiling decorations. It also serves as the burial site of Portugal’s kings from the House of Braganza, and their tombs are housed in the nearby Braganza Pantheon.
The monastery is free to enter but if you want to visit the cloisters and Braganza Pantheon, it will cost you. You can skip the entry fee by buying a Lisboa Card online before you visit. It provides admission to 39 museums, monuments and attractions, and free transportation around the city. It’s the perfect way to discover Lisbon.
3. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
A trip to Benfica isn’t complete without seeing a live match at the Estadio da Luz stadium. From the moment you’re greeted by the Benfica eagle above your head to the echoing chants of 65,000 fans in the crowd, attending a Benfica game is a unique experience. You can buy tickets for the games directly at the stadium, the official website, or various Benfica stores around Lisbon.
The Portas do Sol viewpoint (also known as Mirador de Santa Luzia) is a favorite spot for postcard worthy pictures of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama. This gorgeous viewpoint overlooks the terra-cotta rooftops and cobblestone streets, showcasing a sea of beauty that is a true taste of Portuguese life. This lookout is easily accessible by bus or tram (12 or 28 to Lg. Portas do Sol stop). You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes located on the terrace. This is a great place to spend a few hours in the afternoon, soaking up the beauty of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.
4. Belem
Located on the northern edge of Lisbon, Belem looks modern and sterile at first glance, but a closer look reveals that its largely residential area is bursting with old-world charm. Here, visitors can admire a variety of colonial buildings and explore the city’s oldest monuments. Most notably, the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), known as the Hieronymites Monastery, is one of Lisbon’s most-revered landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From here, you can also head to the Torre de Belem—a 16th-century military fortress that guards Lisbon’s Tagus River port. Be prepared to wait in a long line, but be sure to take the time to explore its dungeons and the impressive views from the top floor.
If you’re feeling hungry, a short walk west will bring you to Pasteis de Belem, the traditional home of the original pasteis de nata, Portugal’s favorite custard tart. Be sure to sprinkle them with cinnamon, a tradition that dates back to Vasco da Gama’s successful voyages.
