Perched on the coast of Portugal and steeped in a rich and diverse maritime history, it's no wonder that many of Lisbon's attractions are of the aquatic variety. Visitors will have a grand time exploring the many sights this exciting city has to offer. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, which is marketed as the second best aquarium in the world and boasting a 1.3-million gallon (5-million litre) and a wonderful array of marine life, or for a slightly more historical look at the sea, the Maritime Museum is one of Europe's best and a must for history buffs.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tower of Belem, stroll through the streets of the charming Alfama, Lisbon's old quarter, visit the São Jorge Castle and take a stroll through the Jeronimos Monastery, a World Heritage Site and the resting place of Vasco de Gama. Visitors wanting to see the sights in Lisbon should look into purchasing a Lisboa Card, which grants the bearer free admission or 50 percent off of admission fees to most attractions as well as free access to public transport. The card costs €19, is valid for 24 hours and is available from tourist offices throughout the city.
Sintra
Located right in the centre of the western Portuguese coast, Sintra is just a short drive from Lisbon. Sintra is steeped in history and offers some of the most exquisite natural and architectural sites in the country. Kilometre after kilometre, verdant hills and pastureland wend their way northwest from Lisbon, out of the Tagus estuary and up towards Sintra. The resort town enjoys a picturesque location, nestled in the rolling hills and peaks of the Sintra mountain range.Here, at the northern-most extent of the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, history, archaeology, architecture and natural beauty combine to create a compelling and enduring centrepiece that has enjoyed centuries of popularity. Lisbon and Sintra are connected by a reliable and inexpensive train service and this direct train means that the town is easily accessible for all visitors.
Castelo de São Jorge
The walls of Castelo de São Jorge sit atop a hill guarding the Tagus, dating from the Moorish occupation in the 10th century. But the site has been a fortress for centuries, possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of Lisbon and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus and the Alfama medieval district below.Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts while a multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive the history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax.
Alfama
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de São Jorge. It retains much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days when it was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow cobblestone alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and sailors.Lisbon's renowned flea market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara at the edge of the Alfama, every Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that the Alfama was once home to aristocrats.At night, the Alfama takes a more mysterious turn with street lanterns throwing shadows on the medieval walls. It is advisable to avoid the area after dark in favour of the Bairro Alto café and nightclub district.
Lisbon Cathedral
Sé de Lisboa, also known as the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Since the beginning of its construction in the year 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral, as it is commonly known, has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes. Nowadays, it is a mix of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic architecture.Although this cathedral in Largo da Sé is not outwardly appealing, it was the first church in Lisbon. It was built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient church features treasures like the font where St Anthony of Padua was baptised in 1195 and numerous notable relics, images and icons.The cathedral is easily reached using the famous number 28 tram.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in 1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation sponsors a host of cultural and performing arts projects, featuring a rotating exhibition of works by Portuguese and foreign artists.The Gulbenkian collection itself covers Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic ceramics and textiles, Syrian treasures, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints and lacquerware, and European medieval illuminated manuscripts. The collection is vast and astounding. Among the paintings are two Rembrandts, a Rubens and a Renoir.
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto district is, like the Alfama, an historic enclave dating back to 1513. It is reached via the Santa Justa Elevator, a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel tower in Paris, from the lower city. The colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and fishmongers while the windows and balconies are festooned with laundry and bird cages.At night, the area comes alive with some of the finest fado cafés in the city along streets lit by Victorian lanterns. Fado is the famous brand of music and dance brought to Portugal by African slaves in the 19th century, characterised by songs of sadness and despair. There is no better place in Portugal to experience this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto of Lisbon.
Monument to the Discoveries
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank along Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belém. Designed to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Belém, where the Tagus meets the sea, is the point from which the maritime explorers of yore set forth in their sailing ships to discover the world.The monument was unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1460. He was the monarch who was largely responsible for Portugal's role in world exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. The massive monument takes the form of a caravel with Prince Henry at the prow, backed by images of renowned mariners, royal patrons and others who participated in the golden Age of Discovery.
Tower of Belém
Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem in the municipality of Lisbon. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle of the River Tagus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery, because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries.The famous Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks because of the decoration on its exterior. The outer walls are adorned with beautiful openwork balconies and a stone-carved rope, along with Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. Visitors to the site should make sure to get a guided tour to learn the rich history of the beautiful structure.
Fatima
In 1917, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova da Iria, 79 miles (127km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to have seen the apparition on five different occasions, and the spot has now become one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world, known as Fatima.Between May and October, the 13th day of every month is pilgrimage day, when hundreds of the faithful gather in a square twice the size of St Peter's in Rome before the Chapel of the Apparitions. The original oak tree is gone, but has been replaced by a simple white column inside a basilica, which is flanked by statues of the saints.
Setúbal
A popular touring destination around 31 miles (49.6km) south of Lisbon is Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities. It is renowned for producing the most delicious muscadel wine in the world. Setúbal is also the capital of Portugal's sardine industry and has been a fish-salting centre since the 1st century. White mounds of sea salt drying in the sun are a familiar part of the local landscape.Tourism, based on the beautiful existing natural conditions plus excellent hotels, resorts and infrastructures, is one of the city's best resources. This is due to its interconnecting location with Sado River on one side and Atlantic Ocean on another, sharing a coastline with both. It is also connected to the nearby shores of the Nature Park of Arrábida. The park offers unspoilt nature and beautiful beaches. If one is lucky, you may even spot the dolphin colony, which inhabits the Sado River.There are also some outstanding beaches near the city and as well as a countryside dotted with orange groves, orchards and vineyards.
Cristo Rei
Christ the King, known as Cristo Rei, is a Catholic statue and monument dedicated to th Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. It overlooks the city of Lisbon in the central part of Portugal The shrine was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, after th Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon visited that monument.Like the iconic Christ the Redeemer i Rio, the Cristo Rei spreads its massive arms as if to embrace all of Lisbon. Situated on th bank of the Tejo River opposite the city, the statue is over 328 feet (100m) tall and provide amazing panoramic views of the city from the top.
Lisbon Oceanarium
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece of the stone and glass building is the 1.3 million gallon (5 million litre) holding tank.The Oceanarium consists of four distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds, amphibians and reptiles associated with those waters. Otters splash and dive in the warmer Pacific waters, while penguins shuffle around in their tuxedos in the Antarctic section.This attraction is one that the Portuguese nation is proud of and is an absolute must-see for the whole family.
Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
The Navy Museum (Museu de Marinha) of Lisbon is dedicated to all aspects of the history of navigation in Portugal. The museum is administrated by the Portuguese Navy and is located in the touristic district of Belem. It occupies a part of the neo-Manueline Western wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, together with the National Museum of Archaeology, as well as a modern annex built to the North of the monastery.With such maritime icons as Vasco de Gama and Bartolomeu Dias, it's no wonder that Portugal's Maritime Museum is one of the best in Europe. It evokes a sense of what it was like when the conquering Portuguese dominated the high seas. Visitors can marvel at the hundreds of models of 15th- to 19thcentury sailing ships, merchant marine vessels, fishing boats and pleasure boats as well as a full range of Portuguese naval uniforms, including one worn at a Mozambique military outpost in 1896.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for children in Lisbon. This aquarium is home to cute little seals with ears, which all kids will love to see. As well as its wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also preserved water birds, fish and mammals from King Carlos' oceanographic expeditions on display.The building includes two different sections, the Museum and the Aquarium, complementing each other and allowing you to gauge a better understanding of the aquatic world. Outside, there's a small garden with a lake full of carp, which children enjoy feeding.Children under 6 go free and between 6 and 17 benefit from reduced prices.
Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
The 330-seat planetarium, adjacent to the Maritime Museum, offers an entertaining and educational insight into the mysteries of the universe. Visitors can tour the exhibitions before marvelling at the astronomical shows projected onto the 25-meter diameter dome. Older kids are enthralled by a visit to the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium and they are encouraged to explore its astronomical wonders.The planetarium hosts astronomical shows daily, offering an entertaining and educational experience for young minds. Ask the hotel concierge to check the times of the Portuguese, English and French shows before you visit.
Évora
For many years, Évora was one of Portugal's best-kept secrets: a gorgeous medieval town, full of fascinating historical sights, Évora miraculously managed to stay off the mainstream tourism circuit. For better or worse, this has begun to change, as more and more eager visitors are making it an essential part of their Portuguese holiday itineraries, as the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Boasting a remarkably well-preserved Old Town centre, partially bordered by medieval walls, as well as the outstanding Roman Temple (built in the 1st century AD), the site is really something special to behold. For visitors, the town is small, compact, easy-to-navigate and best explored on foot. Visitors will feel immersed in history as they pass by the Aqueduct of Silver Water, the Cathedral of Évora, the Palace of Vasco da Gama and the Renaissance Fountain at Largo das Portas de Moura, built in 1556.A short distance from the perennially-popular beach resort area of the Algarve, tourists to Portugal are strongly advised to make a stop in Évora to sample some of the unassuming city's rich cultural attractions.
Fado Bars
As wonderful as Lisbon's historical area of Alfama is by day, its culture can be even better experienced at night in one of the legendary fado bars of the area. Fado, meaning 'fate' or 'destiny', is a traditional genre of music dating back to the early 19th century, characterised by mournful songs about ill-starred sailors.Essential to the music is sausade, the emotion of nostalgia, and the sensation of loss and its permanent, life-changing consequences. Fado music is traditionally performed by two or more musicians, usually men, using Portuguese guitars and violas to augment the hauntingly sad vocals.An immensely popular pastime amongst Portuguese locals, the atmosphere inside any one of the Alfama area's fado bars can be truly magical and tourists to Lisbon are strongly encouraged to join in and become part of the unique, and strangely therapeutic, atmosphere.
Jerónimos Monastery
One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jerónimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors to Lisbon. A stellar example of Manueline, also known as Portuguese late-Gothic architecture, the Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning its place in the registry on the basis of its architectural splendour that 'exemplifies Portuguese art at its very best'.The construction of the Monastery begun in 1501, at the behest of King Manuel I. To this day, it remains a potent symbol of the historical might of Portugal, having been built during the height of Portugal's exploits of discoverey.
It stands as a testament to Portugal's important role in the development of modern history.The Jerónimos Monastery is a beautiful building, resplendent in a gleaming ivory hue with sharp spires, intricate sculptural details and maritime motifs. The cloisters are particularly magnificent, with each column individually carved with coiled rope, sea monsters, coral and other designs that bespeak an era of nautical adventure.Inside the Monastery, visitors can view the stone tomb of Vasco da Gama (which actually does hold his mortal remains), as well as the tombs of other notable figures from Portugal's history. An overwhelmingly beautiful sight, budget at least three hours to take it all in. Whatever you do, don't forget your camera.
Tram 28
Although holiday itineraries should never be too inflexible or prescriptive, it should be obligatory for all tourists visiting Lisbon to take a ride on the famous Tram 28. These yellow trams, with their polished wooden floors and vintage quality, might be loud and bumpy, having been in operation since 1901, but they also wend through the most historic and most interesting areas of the Portuguese capital city.A ride on Tram 28 will take you through the neighbourhoods of Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto, where the largest concentration of great sights in Lisbon can be found. Offering a hop-on, hop-off service, you can jump off the tram when something particularly beautiful catches your eye and then resume your characterful journey at your own leisure. A wonderful way to orientate yourself in Lisbon, and the ideal way to get to know the historic city centre, tourists are strongly encouraged to make a ride on Tram 28 one of the very first things they do after arriving in Portugal.Tram tickets are sold in kiosks all over Lisbon. A 24-hour pass allows visitors to explore the city with maximum flexibility
Climate
Lisbon weather is warm with sunny spring and summer days (June to August), when average temperatures frequently reach 82ºF (28ºC). Winter in Lisbon (December to February) is wet and windy, with average temperatures dropping to 46ºF (8ºC) lows. The best time to visit Lisbon is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October), because the weather is warm, hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer peak season.
Kids Attractions Overview
Lisbon has many things for kids on holiday to see and do, including museums, planetariums, 8zoos and aquariums. There are also great shopping centres and amusement parks for families 8to enjoy while on holiday in Lisbon. Another plus is that the weather in Portugal is warm 8most of the year, and the local culture is family-oriented so the people are welcoming towards 8kids.
Culture
Lisbon Marathon
Venue: Various
Start: 2018-10-14
End: 2018-10-14
Notes: 14 October 2018
Website: www.runrocknroll.com/lisbon/en/
The Lisbon Marathon continues to grow its reputation as one of the world's best marathons. Attracting more and more runners each year, both the marathon and the half-marathon have joined Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. Crowds gather to cheer runners as they depart from the town of Cascais and run along an impressive Atlantic coast, through the gorgeous gardens of Oeiras, then back along the banks of the Tagus River. The circuit is celebrated for its scenic route through the heart of Lisbon, with competitors afforded glimpses of Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém.
Carnaval
Venue: Parque Nações
Start: 2019-02-13
End: 2019-02-13
Notes: February
Website: www.runrocknroll.com/lisbon/en/
The Rio Carnival may be the most famous in the world but it all started here in Portugal's capital. Even though today the Brazilian infused mega-carnival on the other side receives most of the international attention, the Lisbon Carnival, a celebration of the end of winter, is still a major event on the city's calendar.The entrudo is the highlight of the festival, closing on the last day, and processions of floats make their way down the colourful streets while jugglers and masked celebrators join in the cacophony of music and cheering. The focal point of the festival is in Parque Nações but parties are celebrated all along the coast.
Great Orchestras of the World
Venue: Coliseu dos Recreios
Start: 2019-11-01
End: 2019-04-30
Notes: November to April annually
Website: www.runrocknroll.com/lisbon/en/
Through its Great Orchestras of the World Series, George Enescu's International Festival reaches the top of the international classical music events. The Series features the most prominent orchestras worldwide, notorious for holding the headline on major scenes of the world, including Lisbon's Coliseu dos Recreios.Lisbon becomes a place of grandeur when these enchanting orchestras visit the city. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation presents its Grandes Orquestras Mundiais series, which include the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra from St Petersburg, Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra.
Lisbon Book Fair
Venue: Edward VII Park
Start: 2018-05-25
End: 2018-06-13
Notes: 25 May - 13 June 2018
Website: www.feiradolivrodelisboa.pt
The Lisbon Book Fair is one of the oldest cultural festivals held in the capital of Portugal. It was inaugurated in the 1930s, and its traditional location is the Eduardo VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII), the largest park of Lisbon, which is located in the vicinity of the monumental Praça do Marquês de Pombal.Exhibitors aside, the public can delight in reading and buying old and rare volumes. They can also enjoy the advantages of the generous discounts of the prices occasioned by the fair. Most of the books, either old or new titles and authors, are in Portuguese.However, plenty of stalls showcase publications in English, which draws the interested of the English speaking people who don't only want to sample the charm of the event, but also to take some rarities back home from their stay in Lisbon.
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