With only a 24 hour stopover on our way home, any agenda was going to be tight.
Lisbon is a huge city and you could easily spend several days here and not see it all, but one thing I have learned from our Azores Adventure is that seeing it all isn't what it's all about. It's about picking out one or two things that you really want to do and then spending some time just relaxing and enjoying a place.
Castelo de São Jorge was first on our short list. The castle itself doesn't have a lot to shout about, although if you like your history it has a long and colourful one - it's oldest known fortification dating back to the second century.
What it does give you, in abundance, are magnificent views. Sitting on the highest hill in the city, its impressive terrace looks out over the River Tagus, and from the castle walls there are cityscapes in all directions.
Second on the agenda was the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora, another icon in Lisbon's landscape and a symbol of the different reigning dynasties in Portugal.
It's main feature is it's blue baroque tiles in its richly decorated cloisters - the largest collection 'in situ'. It also has a 17th century church, medieval cistern and it's sacristy is covered with inlaid marble. But once again, the views from the roof are a significant attraction.
From the roof of the monastary, a clear view of the National Pantheon drew us to the final monument on our list.
Built in 1682 as the Church of Saint Engratia, it became known as the National Pantheon in 1916, but it's dome was only completed in 1966 making it the monument that took the longest to complete in the whole of Portugal.
Built on an octagonal floor plan, it's beautiful interior is said to be inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, and it is the final resting place for many important portuguese cultural figures.
The main reason to visit though, are once again the views, both inside and outside. If you are willing to climb the 180 steps to the top of the basilica, you will be rewarded by a view over Alfama and the river from the terrace, and inside, a walkway enables you to walk the circumference of the dome , giving a unique birds-eye view of the vast space below to its tombs and baroque altar, emphasising the building's beauty and magnificent structure.
And after all that history and culture, it is important to sit back and just enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.
Exploring Lisbon involves a lot of walking, usually up and down the steep cobbled streets. So what better way to rest your feet and recharge your batteries than enjoying a coffee, or three, in one of its many street cafes, watching the famous trams rattle past and making a mental note of an itinerary for your next visit.
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