Portugal capital city, Lisbon, is one of Europe's most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. Set over a series of hills near the mouth of the River Tagus, it's a place inextricably linked with the sea. Lisbon is a colorful and vibrant destination. Renowned for its warm and sunny disposition, the city is blessed with a wealth of historic monuments, world-class museums, riverbank promenade, verdant parks and gardens.
PLACES TO VISIT
1. JERONIMOS MONASTERY
The resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama is a church built in the 1500s as part of a magnificent monastery. Listed as a World Heritage Site for its cloisters as among the most beautiful in the world.
2. BELEM TOWER
Built in the early 1500s, this ornate watchtower has been declared a World Heritage monument. This icon is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
3. ST. GEORGE'S CASTLE
From the millennium-old battlements of this castle you have a spectacular view of the city. A small archaeological museum can be found inside. Down the hill a couple of terraces with a view over Alfama, medieval village-like neighborhood can be found.
4. CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN MUSEUM
On display is some of the worlds finest private art treasure collections from the East and the West. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique.
5. PARQUE DAS NACOES
Showcasing the striking contemporary architecture with Europe’s longest bridge in the background.It includes a state-of-the-art aquarium, a casino, and a wonderful waterfront promenade.
6. BERARDO MUSEUM
One of Europe’s greatest modern art collection which includes work by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Dali and others was put together by a Portuguese millionaire.
7. MADRE DE DEUS CONVENT
This lavish former convent is now a museum presenting an ancient art form of decorative ceramic tiles.
8. THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE CHAPEL
With the gold found in colonial Brazil the São Roque Church was built. Inside you will find the Chapel of St. John Baptist with painting made out of mosaics. At the Santa Catarina Church nearby you can see more baroque magnificence. Don’t miss the golden carriages of the Coaches Museum.
9. ANCIENT ART MUSEUM
Fascinating Oriental and European art related to the Age of Discovery illustrating Portugal's links with Asia and Africa makes up this collection at Portugal's "National Gallery”.
10. LISBON OCEANARIUM
The Oceanarium is the world's largest salt water Aquarium. Over 450 different species of animals which include sharks rays, penguins and even two delightful sea otters can be seen.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
- Lisbon Zoo
- Costa de Caparica
- Largo do Carmo
- Castelo de Sao Jorge
- National Pantheon of Santa Engracia
- Se de Lisboa
- Igreja de Sao Roque
- Estacao do Oriente
- Estrela Basilica
- Carmo Convent
- Parque das Nacoes
- Padrao dos Descobrimentos
- Praca Marques do Pombal
- Museu Colecao Berardo
- Jeronimos Monastery
- Santa Antonio de Lisboa
- Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
- Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
- Museu do Oriente
- Arco da Rua Augusta
- Elevador de Santa Justa (An antique elevator with city views)
The best time to visit Lisbon is either from March to May or September to October, because the weather is still warm.
Public transport in Lisbon is reliable by the use of Carris (buses, trams, funiculars and lifts) and the Metro.
