Lisbon is a city where history speaks through stone structures, and some of the most magnificent sights are overshadowed by popular attractions. One such engineering marvel is the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, a monumental aqueduct that for centuries supplied water to the city. Erected in the 18th century, this impressive structure stretches over 18 kilometers, with the most spectacular part passing over the Alcântara Valley. Fourteen arches, the highest of which rises 65 meters, create an unforgettable panorama. Interestingly, the aqueduct survived a catastrophic earthquake in 1755 that destroyed most of the city - a fact that locals considered a true miracle. Today, you can walk along its top, enjoying breathtaking views of the city. Admission is relatively inexpensive, making it ideal for frugal travelers.

Nearby, in the Necessidades neighborhood, is the Chafariz das Necessidades, a historic fountain dating back to the 18th century that was a key part of the aqueduct's water distribution system. Decorated with the royal coat of arms and delicate architectural details, this Baroque gem was once a gathering place for locals coming to fetch water. Legend has it that the water from this fountain had healing properties, especially for women with fertility problems. Today, although the water no longer flows from it, the fountain impresses with its artistry and history, and is completely free to visit.

Moving to another area of the city, explore Lisbon Carmelite Monastery (Convento do Carmo), the ruins of a Gothic church that are a poignant testament to the 1755 earthquake. Unlike other destroyed buildings that have been rebuilt, the monastery ruins were intentionally left as a memento of the disaster. Walking among the roofless stone arches, under the open sky, one can feel the spirit of history and the power of nature. Particularly fascinating is the view at sunset, when the last rays penetrate the Gothic windows, creating a magical atmosphere. The monastery also houses a small archaeological museum with a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages, including mysterious Peruvian mummies. There is a fee to enter the museum, but the price is affordable, and discounts are available for students.

One of Lisbon's most unusual modes of transportation is the Funicular Lavra, the oldest funikular in the city, operating continuously since 1884. This yellow cable streetcar travels up the steep hill between Avenida da Liberdade and Largo da Anunciada, sparing tourists the strenuous approach. The trip takes only a few minutes, but takes you back in time to belle époque Lisbon. It is worth knowing that the funikular was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, the same engineer who created the famous Santa Justa elevator. Although there is a fee for the ride, you can use a city transportation card, making it an economical choice for frugal travelers.

Each of these historical treasures offers a unique glimpse into Lisbon's history, from engineering achievements to the tragic events that shaped the city's character. What's more, all of these places can be visited for relatively little cost or completely free, making them ideal points on the map for travelers on a budget.

Lisbon, while known for its cobblestone streets and colorful townhouses, also hides green oases that offer respite from the city's hustle and bustle and heat. One such place is Jardim do Torel, an intimate garden located on a hill in the heart of the city. This hidden gem offers not only shade and tranquility, but also one of the most beautiful views of Lisbon. The garden was established in the 19th century as part of the estate of the wealthy Torel family and still retains its aristocratic character. The centerpiece is a fountain with a sculpture depicting Venus, surrounded by carefully trimmed hedges and colorful flower beds. In summer, the garden gains an additional asset - a temporary swimming pool, which becomes a favorite place for residents to cool off. Interestingly, unlike other viewpoints, Jardim do Torel rarely appears in tourist guides, so it retains its intimate atmosphere. Admission to the garden is free, making it an ideal spot for a picnic overlooking the city for frugal travelers.

Another green treasure of Lisbon is Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor, a botanical park that is a true oasis of biodiversity. Established in the 18th century, this sprawling garden combines elements of a formal Portuguese garden with a romantic English landscape park. More than 10 hectares are home to more than 1,000 plant species, including rare specimens from former Portuguese colonies. The park is famous for its camellia collection, some of the trees are over 200 years old! The history of the park is as fascinating as its flora - it was created by a wealthy botanist and art collector whose palace is located within the garden. Today it houses the Costume Museum, presenting the history of fashion since the 18th century. A particularly charming feature of the park is the system of ponds and streams, where turtles and colorful ducks can be seen. Admission to the park is charged, but the price is low, especially compared to other tourist attractions.

For those seeking panoramic views, the real discovery will be the Miradouro da Penha de França - one of the least known viewpoints in the city. Located on a hill in the neighborhood of the same name, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lisbon's eastern neighborhoods and the Tagus River. The viewpoint is located next to the Nossa Senhora da Penha de França Church, which dates back to the 16th century. According to local legend, a shepherd found a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary at this spot, which gave rise to the cult and the construction of the church. The miradouro is equipped with telescopes through which details of distant monuments can be viewed, as well as information boards describing the visible elements of the panorama. Unlike popular viewpoints such as Santa Luzia or São Pedro de Alcântara, crowds of tourists are rarely seen here. There is a small cafe next to it, where you can enjoy an affordable cup of coffee or wine while admiring the views. Access to the viewpoint is completely free.

Each of these green oases offers unique experiences and perspectives on the city. Jardim do Torel delights with its intimate atmosphere and panoramic views of the center, Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor takes you into a world of exotic vegetation and history, and Miradouro da Penha de França lets you discover the lesser-known eastern part of the city. What's more, all of these places can be visited with minimal expense, making them ideal points on the map for travelers on a tight budget.

It is worth noting that each of these places has its own unique character and presents itself best at different times of the day. Jardim do Torel is magical at sunset, when the last rays illuminate the colorful facades of the houses. Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor is best visited in the morning, when the plants are fresh after the night dew, and Miradouro da Penha de França offers unforgettable views both during the day and after dark, when the city lights up with thousands of lights.

Lisbon is a city that teems with art - not only in the galleries and museums, but especially on the streets. One of the most fascinating artistic corners is Rua Verde - the 'Green Street' hidden in the maze of streets of the Chiado district. This inconspicuous street got its name thanks to a unique initiative of residents who decided to transform it into a vertical urban garden. Building facades and balconies are covered with lush vegetation, creating a green tunnel in the heart of the city. Interestingly, the project began as a grassroots environmental initiative to combat the city's heat island, and over time has become a tourist curiosity. Walking down the narrow street, one can admire not only plants, but also artistic installations and murals created by local artists. Residents often display chairs and tables in front of their homes, creating spontaneous meeting places. In spring and summer, the street blooms with colors and scents, becoming a natural perfumery. A tour of Rua Verde is completely free, and an added attraction are the surrounding cafes offering local delicacies at affordable prices.

For street art lovers, a real treasure will be the opportunity to see the works of Street-artist J. de Montaigne - a mysterious artist whose identity remains unknown, but who has been adorning the walls of Lisbon with intriguing murals for years. His works, scattered throughout various neighborhoods of the city, combine traditional Portuguese motifs with surreal visions and social commentary. Particularly noteworthy is a series of murals in the Marvila district, where the artist created a series depicting Portuguese history as seen through the eyes of ordinary people. A characteristic element of his style is the use of the trompe l'oeil technique, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality. Local guides often organize tours in the footsteps of his work, but you can also create your own route using maps available online. Fascinatingly, some murals change depending on the time of day - the artist uses special paints that react to sunlight. Viewing J. de Montaigne's works is, of course, free, making it an ideal attraction for frugal travelers.

Comparing the places described, each offers unique experiences for different types of travelers. For history and architecture lovers, the Aqueduto das Águas Livres and the Carmelite Monastery will be most valuable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's past. Those seeking respite and contact with nature will appreciate green oases such as Jardim do Torel and Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor. On the other hand, enthusiasts of art and unusual experiences will find inspiration on Rua Verde and in the works of J. de Montaigne.

In terms of accessibility, most of the places described are located in the city center or in close proximity to it, making it easy to visit. The exception is Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor, located in the northern part of the city, which requires a slightly longer drive. In terms of cost, the cheapest options are the viewpoints (Miradouro da Penha de França), the Rua Verde and the street-art works, which can be enjoyed completely free of charge. Moderate fees are associated with admission to the Carmelite Monastery, Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor and the Funicular Lavra ride.

The most unique experiences are offered by Aqueduto das Águas Livres, where you can walk on top of the monumental structure, and Rua Verde, which is a unique example of urban ecology and art. In contrast, the best views are provided by Miradouro da Penha de França and Jardim do Torel, although each shows the city from a different perspective.

It's a good idea to plan your visit to these sites taking into account the time of day and time of year. The viewpoints are best visited at sunset, Rua Verde and Parque Botânico do Monteiro-Mor are most beautiful in spring and summer, when the vegetation is at its most lush, and the works of J. de Montaigne are best admired both during the day and after dark to see all the details and changes in the murals.

Exploring these hidden treasures of Lisbon not only saves you money, but most importantly allows you to experience the authentic character of the city, away from the crowded tourist routes. It is in these lesser-known places that the true heart of the Portuguese capital beats.