Lisbon, Portugal Hotels and City Guide

Lisbon - Attractions

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Visitors to Lisbon often remark on the instant attractiveness of Portugal's first city. Built on the terraced sides of low, steep hills overlooking the harbour, the combination of wide, tree-lined avenues, large public gardens and handsome squares demonstrates a thoughtful desire to provide a relaxed and informal setting with an easygoing pace for business and pleasure. The narrow, crooked charm of the Alfama quarter survived the terrible earthquakes of the 18th century, so visitors can now step back in time and experience the cobbled lanes and flea markets of this traditional fishing community.

Elsewhere, trams judder up incredible gradients and shoeshiners, local crafts, magnificent churches and the beautiful old cafes in the Baixa blend comfortably with inspired modern development. The outstanding Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Portugal's showpiece museum, boasts one of the finest collections of ancient world and European artefacts. It is also home to a significant collection of paintings, including works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Ghirlandaio's unmissable Portrait of a Young Woman.

Lisbon's Main Attractions

Below we've selected the top attractions in Lisbon, including historic buildings and monuments, museums and gardens.

Historic Buildings and Monuments
Museums
Gardens and Outdoors

Lisbon's Historic Buildings and Monuments

Praça do Comércio
Commercial Square
A grand plaza facing the river, surrounded by colonnaded yellow buildings with an imposing equestrian statue of King José I in its centre (hence also known as Black Horse Square) erected in 1775, is the entrance to Downtown Lisbon from where buses and trams run.

Torre de Belém (Tower of Belém)
Avenidada India, Belém, Lisbon 1300
Open: Oct-Apr Tues-Sun from 10.00-17.00; May-Sep 10.00-18.30. Closed Mondays.
Admission: €3. A short ride from central Lisbon by train, bus or tram.

This attractive 16th century Moorish tower, built at the river estuary to protect the entrance of the harbour, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was erected on the spot from where many of the discoverers bravely set sail for unknown lands in search of new trade routes.

Climb to the top for panoramic views of Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril, the sister bridge of the Golden Gate in San Francisco designed by the same architect in 1966, which connects Lisbon to the Setubal peninsula across the Tagus. Formerly known as the Salazar Bridge, it was renamed after the Carnation revolution in 1974 which ended Portugal’s dictatorship.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoverers’ Monument)

Take a short walk from the Belém Tower through an underpass to the modern Discoverers’ Monument, built in 1960, in the shape of the prow of a ship which leans out over the Tagus. Henry the Navigator, whose vision inspired Portugal’s great Age of Discovery, is the lead figure of 33 famous Portuguese, including Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and other navigators, discoverers, cartographers, writers, painters, cosmographers and the mathematician Pedro Nunes holding an armillary sphere.

Take the elevator to the top for one of the best views of Lisbon and the Windrose on the square immediately below. This beautiful marble mosaic map of the world depicts the ships and dates of landings of the discoverers. It was a gift from the South African Government to the Portuguese Government on the anniversary of the death five centuries previously of Henry the Navigator whose genius made possible the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

Jeronimos Monastery
Praça do Império, Lisbon 1400-206
Tram 15 to Belém
Open: May-Sep Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00; Oct-Apr 10.00-17.00. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Adults €6, concessions €2.40-€3; children under 14 free.

From the Discoverers’ Monument, walk under the roads and railway lines via the pedestrian underpass and through the manicured gardens of Parqueda Praça do Império with its shady paths, ponds with horse head fountains, to Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an early 16th century masterpiece of Manueline architecture (an ornate blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture) which miraculously survived the earthquake of 1755.

Building began in 1496 and continued for most of the 16th century. It was devoted to the protection of the great explorers and housed monks of the Order of Saint Jerome who prayed for the safety of the seafarers. Enter through the western gate to see the stone sarcophagi of the famed explorer Vasco da Gama and Portugal’s greatest poet, Louis de Camões, while outside in one of the arcades is the less ornate tomb of the great modern poet, Fernando Pessoa. The Cloisters are tranquil and beautiful.

The Naval Museum is also housed in the monastery complex.

Belém Palace
(Not open to the public)

This pink palace atop a hill with views across the Tagus, was constructed and expanded from the 16th to 19th centuries. Surrounded by three gardens, including the Ajuda Botanical Garden, it was originally a private residence, then a royal palace and is today the official residence of the President of Portugal.

Christ Statue
Open: 09.00-18.00. Elevator admission: €4
Take the ferry to Cacilhas from Cais do Sodré, then bus 101.

The 100m tall Christ statue, similar to Rio de Janeiro’s, stands with open arms on the left side of the river in Almada seemingly blessing the city. It was built after World War II in gratitude for Portugal having been spared the destruction of war.

Take the elevator to the top superb views of Lisbon and its two bridges, Ponte 25 de Abril and the Vascoda Gama Bridge.

Castelo de São Jorge (St George’s Castle)
Alfama
Open: Mar-Oct 09.00-21.00; Nov-Feb 09.00-18.00
Admission: €5. Walk up from Alfama, or take bus 37.

The oldest parts of this fortress with a dry moat date back to the 6th century. Romans, Visigoths and Moors used the castle until King Afonso Henriques and the Crusaders captured it in 1147. Due to the Anglo-Portuguese pact of 1371, it was dedicated to the patron saint of England, St George, and became a royal palace. Most of the castle was destroyed during the earthquake of 1755, but walls and 18 towers survived. Climb the towers and ramparts for spectacular views of the city or simply relax in the gardens filled with peacocks, ducks and geese. Visit the Tower of Ulysses and enjoy the sights of Lisbon below through a Camera Obscura.

While eating in the restaurant, remember that the stone building is the remains of the Alcáçovas Palace where medieval kings lived. Behind the restaurant in three underground chambers is an exciting multimedia exhibition on Lisbon’s history, called Olissiponia (the Roman name for Lisbon). A simulation of the earthquake and the tidal wave that engulfed the harbour are part of the show, and historical periods from the Inquisition to Salazar’s regime are described.

Once a stronghold, St George’s Castle is now a tranquil place occupied by Lisbon residents where local men play backgammon and cards under the trees.

Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva
Praça das Amoreiras 58, Lisbon 1250
Open: Mon-Sat 11.00-19.00, Sun 10.00-18.00
Admission: Adults €2.50; students €1.25; children under 14 free.

Formerly a silk factory, this renovated 18th century building displays the works of Maria Helena Vieira da Silva (1908-1992), Portugal’s most famous 20th century artist, and those of the Hungarian artist Arpad Szenes with whom she lived in Paris for much of her life.

Campo Pequeno (Bullring)
Praça de Touros do Compo Pequeno, Uptown

This Moorish style bullring was built in 1892 and can accommodate 9,000 spectators. Bullfights take place every Thursday during the season from May to September. During the rest of the year concerts and shows are staged here. Four main towers are topped with cupolas. Within the complex are restaurants, cinemas, a shopping mall and supermarket. Fortunately bulls are not killed in Portuguese bullfights.

Santa Justa Elevator
Rua de Santa Justa, Baixa
Open: daily 07.00-21.00

Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, the Portuguese-born French architect (an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel) designed the iron Santa Justa Elevator, 45m high, which was completed in 1902. Originally steam-powered, it was electrified in 1907. One of Lisbon’s most loved landmarks and tourist attractions, it connects the lower and upper towns. A café on the top floor, reached by a spiral staircase, offers spectacular views of the city.

São Roque Church & Museu de Arte Sacra
Largo Trindade Coelho, Bairro Alto
Open: Church – Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00, Sat-Sun 09.30-17.00; Museum – Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00 (closed Mondays).
Admission: Museum €1.50

This 16th century Jesuit church hides its Baroque beauty behind a plain façade. Originally assembled in Rome, using alabaster and lapis lazuli, it was dismantled and transported to Lisbon where it was reassembled. Lapis lazuli gives a blue hue to this radiant building with eight side chapels. Don’t miss the Chapel of John the Baptist with its beautiful mosaic alter-piece. It houses paintings and holy relics.

The attached museum contains clerical vestments, 16th century paintings, jewel-encrusted objects and two bronze and silver torch holders weighing a staggering 420kg, possibly the most ornate in Europe.

Carmo Church
Largo do Carmo, Chiado 1200
Open: daily May-15 Sep 10.00-19.00; 16 Sep-Apr 10.00-17.30

Carmo Convent and its church date back to the 14th but were mostly destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. However, the gothic ruins of the church are most impressive. Best views are from the Baixa or St George’s Castle. In 1864 architects turned the nave and apse of the ruined church into the small Archaeological Carmo Museum with exhibits dating back to pre-history.

Águas Livres Aqueduct
Praça das Amoreiras, 10, Uptown
Open: Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00. Closed Sundays.

Statistics are required here – 109 stone arches, the tallest of which is 65m above ground with a span of 29m and 58km long with 30 fountains. This remarkable feat of engineering spans the long Alcântara valley ending at the Amoreiras reservoir. It incredulously survived the 1755 earthquake nine years after it was completed in 1746, and remained in use until 1967. It can be seen close-up from Campolide railway station. Daily traffic passes underneath it.

Part of the Water Museum, the Mãed'Água reservoir, the largest of the reservoirs, had a capacity of 5,500 m³ of water.

Lisbon's Museums

Museu Naçional do Azulejo (National Museum of Tiles)
Ruada Madre de Deus 4, Lisbon 1900-312, Tel:(21)810-03-40
Open: Tues 14.00-18.00; Wed-Sun 10.00-1800. Closed Mondays.
Take bus 104 or 105 from Praça do Comércio.

Situated in the unpretentious Convento Madre de Deus in the east of Lisbon, this tile museum should not be missed. It displays a stunningly beautiful collection of original 15th century azulejos (decorated ceramic tiles) as well as traditional Moorish mosaics and walls. The largest work of art, 22.5m long, is a blue and white cityscape made in 1738 depicting Lisbon before the great earthquake. A pleasant restaurant allows one to relax.

Belém Cultural Centre (CCB)
Praça do Império, Tel: (21) 361-24-00

Boasting the city’s largest auditorium, this modern building next to Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1992 when Portugal hosted the presidency of the EU. It is now home to the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art featuring works by Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Magritte, Andy Warhol and others. International exhibitions of all forms of art, cultural events including theatre and opera, and congresses are held here.

Relax on the terrace café on the first floor in a garden overlooking the river and the Discoverers’ Monument.

Museu Naçional dos Coches (National Coach Museum)
Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, Lisbon 1300-044, Tel: (21) 361-08-50
Open: Tues-Sun 10.00-18.00. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Admission: Adults €3, students 14-25 €1.50, Free for children under 14.

This jewel of Lisbon showcases a spectacular collection of 17th – 19th century ornate, gilded coaches which speak of times past. It is the finest collection in the world and Lisbon’s most visited attraction. The coaches are displayed in the former 18th century riding academy which is connected to Belém Palace.

Museu Medeiros e Almeida
Rua Rosa Araujo 41, Uptown
Open: Mon-Fri 13.00-17.30, Sat 10.00-17.30. Closed Sundays.

Consisting of 25 rooms in the splendid former residence of Medeiros e Almeida, this delightful museum displays a priceless collection of 17th–20th century fine arts, including sculptures, rare porcelain from the Han and Qing dynasties, 19th century furniture by Francois Linke, silverware, marble and bronze wall fountains from the Palace of Versailles and more.

Gulbenkian Museum
Avenida de Berna, 45A Uptown
Metro - São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha Stations
Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.45. Closed Mondays.

When he died at the age of 86 in 1955, the Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, one of the world’s richest men of the 20th century, donated his magnificent art collection amassed over four decades to Portugal which he had adopted as his home. This is one of the finest private art collections in the world and should not be missed. It is truly a treasure trove and a Lisbon gem.

Set in serene gardens containing sculptures, a pond and open-air auditorium for summer performances, the museum houses priceless Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art, the latter section including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Renoir, Van Dyck, Van der Weyden, Ghirlandaio and more. Many works in the European Art section were acquired from the Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Other fine art in this museum includes Lalique jewellery, silver once used by Catherine the Great, a gold Egyptian mummy mask, Hellenic coins, Chinese porcelain, Japanese prints and 16th and 17th Persian tapestries.

Sharing the gardens is the Modern Art Centre housing contemporary Portuguese and foreign art.

Lisbon's Gardens

The city is rich in botanical gardens, oases in a bustling city. They include:

Jardim Botanicoda Ajuda (Ajuda Botancial Garden)
Calçadada Ajuda
Open: daily 09.00-20.00. Closed on Wednesdays. Admission: €1.50
Buses 14, 27, 29, 73, Tram 18

The 10-acre botanical garden of Ajuda, laid out from 1768, is one of the oldest in Europe, which cultivated different plant species from around the world collected by the discoverers.

Jardim Estufa Fria
Parque Eduardo VII (near Rotunda Marques de Pombal)
Open: daily 09.00-17.30. Admission: €1.07

Containing plants from all round the world, this is a delightful garden filled with statues and fountains.

Jardim do Parque Nações (Nations Park)
Av. D. João II - 1900-014
Open: daily 10.00-18.00

The site of the 98 Expo, this recreation site is home to the Oceanarium, the Knowledge Pavilion, Virtual Reality Pavilion, Macau Pavilion, Atlantic Pavilion where concerts are held, a water volcano, cable ferry, sculptures, a shopping centre and many bars and cafés. It has good views of the architecturally-stunning Vasco da Gama Bridge.

Parque Flosteraldo Monsanto (Monsanto Park)
Open: 20 Mar-15 Sept, Tues-Sat 09.30-18.00; Sun 14.00-18.00. Closed Mondays.

Fifteen minutes from the centre city, the thousand-acre Monsanto forest is the green lung of the city offering the peace needed to restore weary souls. It extends across hilly land west of the city and consists of a variety of trees, flowers, birds and animals. This recreation area includes restaurants, viewpoints, swimming pools, playgrounds, a horse-riding centre, keep-fit courses and walks designed to reduce stress.

Jardim Botanico Monteiro Mor
Largo Júlio de Castilho, Lumiar, 1600-483 (at the top of Avenida da Liberdade)
Open: Tues-Sun 10.00-18.00; Sundays free until 14.00. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Park only €1.50; free for children under 14; Park and National Costume Museum: adults €3, teachers, students and children under 14€1.50.

This beautiful 18th century botanical garden has a 100-year old tree, fountains, statues and a panoramic view of the city. It hosts the National Costume Museum and Theatre Museum.

Jardim Zoológico
Estrada de Benfica 58-160
Metro from Rossio
Open: daily 10.00-20.00. Admission: Adults €15; Children 3-8 €11, Under 2 free.

The 64-acre zoo has a variety of exotic animals like dolphins, sea-lions, hippos, tigers, lions and more in enclosures resembling as far as possible their natural habitats. Dolphin and macaw shows are popular. A 20-minute cable car ride over the zoo offers a unique view of the animals below. Go back in time to the age of the dinosaurs in Reptile Land. There is a small tram and rowboats.

Hotels in Lisbon, Portugal