Lisbon Things To Do

Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods are atmospheric at any time of day. Hilly streets are fun to explore on foot. The hillside Alfama quarter is a delightful ensemble of whitewashed medieval cobbled streets with charming traditional markets, shops, bars and restaurants. The riverside neighbourhood of Belém is also attractive. The Santa Justa Elevador, designed by an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, is an enjoyable way to climb to Bairro Alto, the highest neighbourhood. For contemporary architecture head for the Parque das Nações, built on reclaimed land for Expo 98. The Parque Eduardo VII and the Botanical Gardens are just two of Lisbon’s beautiful parks. Make at least one journey on a famous Lisbon tram!

 

The 16^th century Tower of Belém, overlooking the harbour, commemorates Portugal’s military and naval achievements. Jeronimos Monastery is testament to the city’s former wealth. Don’t miss the amazingly opulent chapels and beautiful mosaics of the Sao Roque Church. St George’s Castle has rampart walks and terrific city views from the tower. St Vincent Outside the Walls is an exceptional Renaissance church housing the tombs of the House of Bragança. The Romanesque Sé Cathedral is a must. Children will enjoy the Oceanarium, a superb aquarium on the 1998 Expo site. The Luminous Fountain in Belém puts on a beautiful light show each evening.

 

Lisbon is packed with excellent restaurants serving seafood and fish-based dishes. Try the spicy caldeirada fish stew and salt cod bacalhau. Lively restaurants and bars can be found around the harbour area. No visit to Portugal is complete without a glass of Port or Madeira wine. Lisbon nightlife is a wonderfully enjoyable mix reflecting the strong multicultural nature of the city. The Bairro neighbourhood provides something for all tastes, with plenty of attractive, small-scale clubs and live music venues, including traditional fado.

 

The Centre of Modern Art has a fine collection of contemporary Portuguese art. The Gulbenkian Museum is a varied collection that includes works by Rubens, Renoir, Rembrandt and Monet. A beautiful 18^th century building houses the Fundaçao Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva with its art, antiques and silverware. Other worthwhile Lisbon museums include the National Military Museum and the National Coach Museum.

 

The Lisbon coast boasts some of Portugal’s most dramatic beaches and idiosyncratic resorts. Estoril and Cascais are splendidly elegant, old-fashioned resorts packed with fine old houses and hotels. Popular Lisbon excursions also include the romantic palaces of Sintra, the pretty villages of Azeitao, the monastery at Mafra, and the catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima.