The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal and Why You Should Visit Now
Lisbon is the remarkable capital city of Portugal, and is one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe. Some of Lisbon’s best features can be found in the spectacular hilltop vistas of Alfama, St. George's Castle and the blue-and-white tile-covered facades, the pleasant year-round weather and of course, friendly locals. Lisbon is best known for its colonial history, ornate architecture and tradition of Fado music.
Why does Lisbon appeal to an array of visitors? Lisbon draws a diverse selection of visitors, as it serves as a cultural trip, a nightlife extravaganza, a family holiday, a relaxed city-break, a base for a beach holiday, or all of the above! Your holiday to Lisbon could be extended to include all of the enjoyable day trips in the surrounding region—from day trips to Sintra, Cascais, Obidos and Setubal.
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
The Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1520 in a Manueline style, characterized by larger arches and twisted frames, by Portuguese architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda—and in 1983 the Belém Tower was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tower has five floors which lead to a roof terrace, from bottom to top: The Governor’s Hall, The King’s Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and the Roof Terrace. Each story is connected by a small and narrow spiral staircase, while the ground floor of this architectural jewel has 16 windows with cannons.
Despite landfills and silting around the structure, this 98-foot tower has retained its original two-part design—made of pedra lioz, a local limestone commonly used in Portugal. The complex features a bastion shaped as a hexagon and comprised of a terrace and a lower level as well as the rectangular tower itself, which is five stories high. The combination of the tower (a medieval military structure) with the bastion (a Renaissance type) reflects a transitional phase in Portuguese architecture of the period.
Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
The Lisbon Oceanarium is not just an aquarium, but considering it’s size, a world in and of itself. The Oceanarium is the second largest aquarium in Europe, after L’Oceanográfic in Valencia, and houses more than 15,000 creatures from over 450 different species. The Oceanarium has two floors, and everything rotates around a huge central aquarium. We recommend following the arrows so that you can visit the marine species from various oceans in the world.
The top floor features water-dwelling animals that live closest to the water's surface, while on the lower floor, you’ll find deep-sea creatures. Four permanent exhibits represent different habitats that hold the likes of various types of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Here, you will find the likes of sharks, penguins, rays, sea otters and everything in between—along with a peek into life under the sea.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery)
The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, aka the Jerónimos Monastery, as it was destined for the Order of São Jerónimo, is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture. In 1907 Jerónimos Monastery was classified as a National Monument, and in 1983 was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located near the Tagus River in the parish of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery became a necropolis of the Portuguese royal Dynasty of Aviz.
This site was historically associated with Portugal's pioneering seafarers and explorers. Here, Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral held vigils, before their epic oceanic voyages to India and around Africa. Later, the incredible riches amassed from the spice trade and gold funded the construction of the mighty Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. This transformed it from a simple chapel and hermitage (the Hermitage of Restelo) into one of Portugal’s most impressive religious sites.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Calouste Gulbenkian was an Armenian businessman, art collector and philanthropist who chose Lisbon as the place to spend his final years and to display his collection. Meet the man behind the collector, his taste, and the period in which he lived, through the stories of how he bought the most emblematic pieces in the collection.
The tour begins with the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, continuing through the Middle East and Far East, then crossing Europe, from the decorative arts of the 18th century to the artists who most fascinated him: Rembrandt, Turner and his friend, René Lalique.
Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
Museu Nacional do Azulejo is one of the most important of the national museums by the singularity of its collection. Azulejo aka tile, is an artistic expression that differentiates Portuguese culture, and its collections allow you to immerse yourself in a journey through the history of tile, from 15th century to present days.
Source: Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Housed in the monastic building of the Madre de Deus Convent, founded by Queen D. Leonor in 1509, its interior has turned into one of the city’s most magnificent, following renovation from the Great Earthquake. The highlight of this museum is a blue and white composition of 1300 tiles, 75ft in length, of Lisbon’s cityscape made in 1738—reputedly the country’s longest tile piece!
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Viewpoint of the Lady of the Mount)
The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte aka the “Viewpoint of the Lady of the Mount,” is at the top of Lisbon’s tallest hill. The name derives from a glass-encased image of the Virgin that stands in front of a charming white chapel dedicated to St. Gens, a bishop martyred in Roman times. The panoramic view stretches from the castle to the northern districts of the city, as illustrated on a tile panel marking the main landmarks.
Viewpoint of the Lady of the Mount has become a favorite sunset destination, and is especially beautiful in autumn—when the sun melts into the horizon over the Tagus river. In addition to the calming backdrop—the site features an 18th-century chapel that replaced the original, which dated back to 1147, was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. This chapel is said to grace all pregnant women who visit this sacred space, with protection during childbirth.
