Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and is located at the mouth of the Tagus River. It is the oldest city in Western Europe, and one of the oldest cities in the world. It has a rich history and offers visitors everything from historic castles, cathedrals and monasteries, to museums, to the largest indoor aquarium in all of Europe.
The city is not overwhelming in size, and you can cover the main sights in just a few days. History buffs will enjoy the many cultural attractions that this city has to offer. But there are also other attractions, including a thriving art scene, trendy shops and boutiques, and a growing food scene that is turning out new young chefs who are collecting Michelin stars. To get to know Lisbon you have to really explore the different neighborhoods, such as the historic Alfama topped off with the São Jorge Castle, the sophisticated Chiado with its theaters and designer stores, or the vibrant restaurants and nightlife of the Bairro Alto.
Here is a list of some of the things to see during your stay in Lisbon:
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – 15th C. Manueline monastery built to commemorate Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India. For more information, click here.
- Torre de Belém – iconic symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. For more information, click here.
- Discoveries Monument – across from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, this stone monument overlooking the Tagus River commemorates figures from the Age of Discovery.
- Pastéis de Belém – iconic bakery that originated the ubiquitous custard-filled pastry following the recipe from the Jerónimos Monastery located next door. For more information, click here.
- Time Out Market – gourmet food hall housed in the Mercado da Ribeira in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood, with over 40 stalls representing many of the city’s top chefs and restaurants, bars and shops. For more information, click here.
- Castelo São Jorge – Moorish castle perched on a hilltop in the historic Alfama district. For more information, click here.
- Tram 28 – discover Lisbon’s charming and historic neighborhoods of the Bairro Alto, Baixa, Chiado, Alfama and Graça riding this charming wooden tram.
- Praça do Comércio – grand square on the banks of the Tagus River that historically served as the gateway to the city
- Miradors – enjoy the panoramic views of the scenic City of Seven Hills, as Lisbon is known, from one of it’s many miradors (viewpoints), including Miradouro Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Senhora, and Miradouro Da Graca
- Pink Street – this vibrant pink-colored street with its often-photographed hanging umbrellas, is a popular city hotspot that is lined with bars, clubs, restaurants and trendy shops
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo – National Tile Museum housed within the church and cloisters of the Convento da Madre de Deus, just outside the city center. For more information, click here.
- Gulbenkian Museum – impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art. For more information, click here.
- National Museum of Ancient Art – national gallery that houses the largest collection of Portuguese 15th C. and 16th C. paintings in the country. For more information, click here.
- National Coach Museum – one of the world’s most important collections of historic coaches and carriages, including one dating back to the 17th C. For more information, click here.
- Lisbon Oceanarium – second largest aquarium in Europe, located in the Parque das Nações. For more information, click here.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved.
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.