Lisbon offers the traveler a wealth of monuments and places to see, so take your time!
Campo Pequeno Bullring
In Portugal, the bull is not killed. On the contary, it is a display of horsemanship style and pageantry and courage. Cavaleiros dressed in costumes ride Lusitano horses into the ring to display their bullfighting skills. The prancing of the horses incites the bulls to charge. The more expensive seats are in the shade, or partial shade. The bullfighting season runs from Easter to October.
The Chiado District
Known as Lisbon's elite shopping area, it is on the west side of the Baixa district. You will find beautiful facades on some of the stores, usually in marble. In addition to fine jewelry and fashion stores, there are cafes and several points of interest such as the theatre of Sao Carlos, Sao Roque Church and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The easiest way to get to Chiado is to take the Santa Justa Lift from Rossio Square. In 1988, there was a fire that damaged a large part of the district but reconstruction is almost finished.
Belem District
Rich in history, this is Lisbon's original port and the name means Bethlehem in Portuguese. From here, the explorers set sail to discover the seas and open up trade with other countries. You will find the famous Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, the Museum of Popular Art, the Maritime Museum and the Coach Museum. This district is endowed with many marinas and open lawns along the Tagus River. A favorite past time of the Lisboetas is to take a Sunday stroll through the promenades and esplanades and perhaps stop off for lunch.
The Bairro Alto District
Also known as the Upper City, many of the old buildings have been preserved which makes it a popular tourist area. The narrow streets are paved with cobblestones and weave about in a maze-like fashion. During the day, the kids play in the street and the adults do their shopping and socializing. You can wander around and look at the ancient buildings and appreciate the quaintness of the neighbourhood. At night, the streets come alive with crowds who patronize the best fado cafes in Lisbon. There are also discos, bars, and cheap or expensive restaurants. This is the best area for nightlife.
Monument of the Discoveries
To honour the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, this monument was unveiled in 1960. Like the prow of a ship (caravel), the memorial stands on the bank of the Tagus River, looking ready to set sail. It is dedicated to all the 15th and 16th century Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama. The faces and names of all the heros are sculpted in this stone structure. In addition, there are figures of monks, navigators and mapmakers. In the Middle Ages, when the rest of Europe believed there was darkness at the end of the ocean, Portugal carried on with exploring the seas. The people of this country are proud of their ancestors and this memorial is a tribute to their explorer's conquests.
Lisbon Cathedral
Ordered by Portugals's first king Dom Afonso Henriques, the cathedral was built in the 12th century on the site of the city's mosque. In the following centuries, several additions had been made representing different architectural styles such as Gothic and Romanesque. Then it suffered major damage during the earthquake of 1755. What you see today is the result of restoration work completed in 1930. Discovery of a section of a Roman road and part of the mosque wall were revealed during recent excavations.
The Jerónimos Monastery
This stunning monastary is considered Lisbon’s most important landmark and referred as the "jewel" of the Manueline style. Henry the Navigator had built a small monastery on this site in the 15th century. Construction of a new monastary began in 1502 and was completed before the end of the century. This two-storey building is odorned with a maritime theme as well as columns and canopied ceilings etched with pictures of animals and plantlife. According to Portuguese history, seafarers came to pray in the chapel before heading out to sea.
National Palace of Ajuda
Constructed as a residence for King Dom Luís I, it was started in 1802 halted in 1807 when the he and his family fled to Brazil. Intermittent construction took place afterwards while it still served as residence to the royal family. The palace was closed in 1910 when the Portuguese republic was proclaimed and opened as museum in 1938. You will find a beautiful art collection including paintings, furniture, glassware, and sculptures.
St. George's Castle
Sitting on the highest of Lisbon's seven hills, this site has been occupied by Romans, Visigoths and Moors. Inside the walls and the castle's ramparts, you will find the remains of a 13th-century palace that was the residence of Portuguese kings until the late 15th century. In 1910 the building was declared a National Monument and restoration work began. The castle offers tourists a variety of multimedia presentations and a panoramic view from the towers. If you visit in the summer, there are a number of festivals held at the castle.
Belem Palace
Construction began in 1787 as the royal palace for Queen D. Maria I and Prince D. João. The staircase and great hall feature neo-classic architecture with beautiful tile and wood carvings. The work of over 28 artists went into the decoration of this palace.
Belem Tower
One of Lisbon's famous landmarks, it was built in the early 16th century as a tribute to the patron saint of the city, São Vicente. It was planned both as a river lookout and as an armed fortress for the defense of Portuguese shipping. This was to assist the São Sebastião fortress across the river. The tower served as a prison from the late 16th century through the 19th century. It is an excellent example of the Manueline architecture with latticework, naval themes and open balconies. The main features of the tower are the outside architecture and the incredible view.
Casa dos Bicos
Commissioned by Brás de Albuquerque, this house was built around 1523 near the new palace of Dom Manuel. The name comes from the building's facade of spikes (bico means point) arranged in a grid pattern. During the earthquake of 1755, the top two floors crumbled. It wasn't until 1983 that restoration began. Many Roman and Moor items were discovered during an archeology dig. Today, exhibitions are held on the ground floor.
Santa Justa Lift
A street elevator built in 1902 that takes you from the neighbourhood of Baixa up the steep hill to Carmo Square in Chiado. It is not your typical elevator with small cars, but a large room caged inside a Gothic-style tower. If you don't choose to disembark at the summit, you can stay on the observation deck to enjoy a breathtaking view of downtown Lisbon.
São Vicente de Fora Church
Built as convent In the 12th century, the church was constructed between 1582 and 1627. At that time, the church was outside the walls of Lisbon so the name of "St. Vincent Outside the Walls" was given. You will find the tombs of the Braganças family who ruled from 1640 to 1910. The most important feature of this church is the tilework. It is believed that there are over 1 million tiles! The Church of S. Vicente has been a national monument since 1910.
Estrela’s Basilica
According to historical legend, Queen Maria I made a vow that she would build a basilica if she gave birth to a son. Construction began in 1776 after D. Pedro was born and was completed in 1789. This building is also known as Basílica do Coração de Jesus (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). The numerous statues, the marble interior and beautiful paintings makes this one of Lisbon´s outstanding 18th century buildings.
Church of St Anthony
Situated on the spot where St Anthony of Padua was born, it was completed in 1787 after 20 years of construction. The church was built to replace an earlier structure destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. In mid-June, during the St Anthony's Day celebrations, mass marriage ceremonies for those who are too poor to afford their own weddings are held. This type of ceremony is known as `St Anthony's weddings'. A restoration project was finished in 1995 for the celebration of the 850 years of the birth of the Saint. A door next to the entrance opens into the small Museu Antoniano.
National Pantheon
Originally named Igreja de Santa Engrácia, the original orders for building took place in 1570. In 1664 a new chapel was built and construction was finally completed in 1966. Due to the long construction period, it has become a famous saying of the Portuguese when something takes a long time; obras de Santa Engrácia (translated as St Engracia works). This site became the National Pantheon in 1916 and contains the tombs of several former presidents and other well-known people. There is a breathtaking view of the river and the city from the terrace.
National Theater of S. Carlos
Inaugurated in 1793, this building was influenced by Italian architecture. The floor plan is similar to the Theatre of S. Carlos in Naples and the building facade copied from the Theatre alla Scala of Milan. The theater hall contains five tiers of booths which are adorned with intricate wood carvings. Built in only six months, it replaced the Opera of the Tejo which was totally destroyed in the earthquake of 1755.
Oceanarium
Constructed for Expo 98, this is the second largest aquarium in the world. There are 5 tanks which represent various habitats. The largest tank represents the open sea and the 4 smaller tanks duplicate the habitat of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Antarctic Oceans. Not only do you find marine life, there are native birds, trees and flowers. The Oceanarium was the showplace of Expo 98 and continues to be the most popular attraction in Lisbon. This is one attraction all visitors must see!
Tram 28
Although this is a regular route, Tram 28 has become a tourist attraction. The tram, which is vintage, runs uphill from the centre of the city to St. George Castle. There are several worthwhile stops along the way where you can get off the tram and explore until the next one comes along. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the neighbourhood of Alfama and the Rio Tejo from Miradouro Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Further up the hill, you can make a stop at Miradouro da Graça, which offers you another great view of St George Castle and surrounding area.
Planetario Calouste Gulbenkian
Operating as an annex to the Maritime Museum, the planetarium has astronomical shows almost every day of the week. Images of the universe and solar system are projected on to the large overhead dome. The auditorium seats 330 people and there are special shows for children on topics such as the universe or how stars began. This is a must-see for children over 6 years old.
Parque das Nações Cable Car
At the former Expo 98 site, now called Parque das Nações, the cable car runs along the edge of the River Tagus to connect the Vasco da Gama Tower to the Oceanarium. It is an enjoyable and scenic ride along the river where you can see the Vasco da Gama Bridge and the surrounding area. You can reach the cable car by subway or train.
Parque Eduardo VII (King Edward 7th Park)
Located at the top of Avenida da Liberdade (Freedom Avenue), it offers a great view of the city. Here you will find the Carlos Lopes Pavilion and Club VII with recreational facilities such as, tennis courts, swimming pool, and gym. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens and visit the Estufa Fria (greenhouses) where tropical plants from all over the world are set amid waterfalls and rockery. Many of the larger hotels have been established at the edge of the park.
Torre Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama Tower)
Built for Expo 98, this is Lisbon's tallest building (145 metres or 458 feet) and was built for the European Union Pavilion. The structure resembles the sail of a ship as a tribute to Vasco da Gama who sailed from Lisbon to go around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. Two glass-sided elevators take you up to a panoramic restaurant at the 324-foot mark and further up is a terrace at 382-feet. You can experience a spectacular view of the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, plus the rest of Parque das Nações. A cable car connects the tower to the Oceanarium at the south end of the park. For people who do not like heights, there is a cafe at the base of the tower.
Jardim Zoológico (Zoological Garden)
Set on 70 acres, the zoo is one of the best in Europe as a result of a recent upgrade. There are over 2,000 animals belonging to approximately 400 species. You will find the natural habitat of all five continents where the native animals are comfortable in their environment. Some species of birds and smaller monkeys wander around the zoo and follow the visitors. There are several animals shows held around the zoo, with the dolphin show being the most popular. When you get tired of walking around the zoo, you can take a train or enjoy a cable car ride.
The Baixa District
Starting at the Tagus River at the Praca do Comercio, this newer section of Lisbon was built after the earthquake of 1755. Many of the old shops have been replaced by office buildings. There are a few statues and monuments in Praca do Comercio, such as the statue of King Jose I or the triumphal arch. Approximately seven blocks away is the main square of the city, the Rossio where you will find the National Theatre, the main train station and the national tourism office. At the north end of Baixa is the Eduardo VII Park.
Adamastor (Sea Monster)
Perched on Miradouro de Santa Catarina belvedere, is a statue of the mythological creature the Adamastor. Carved in marble by Portuguese sculptor Julio Vaz Junior, the unveiling took place in 1927. The myth of the Adamaster is a representation of Portugal's triumph over nature and their reward by becoming rulers of the oceans.
Parque das Nações (Nations Park)
This new name was given to the former Expo98 site after the venue ended. Many of the foreign pavillions were removed and replaced with housing, parkland and tourist attractions. The Torre Vasco da Gama remains with a cable car connected to the Oceanário and the Atlantico Pavilion is host to big name entertainers and sports events.
Alfama
In the 18th century, this was home to the city's rich residents. After the earthquake in 1755, the people fled to their country homes. As a result, the residents from other areas who lost their homes during the quake fled to Alfama. Many of the stately homes are still standing which adds to the charm and antiquity of the neighbourhood. You will enjoy strolling down the narrow streets and admire the simplicity of the people. Laundry hangs to dry from the balconies and you can smell the aroma of food cooking. At the very top of this district, is the famous St George Castle.
