The city is surrounded with Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums which altogether make for the colourful cityscape. The city is one of the world’s greatest historical cities. The must visit places in Lisbon are Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower are both built in 1500s world heritage site.
The St. Geroge’s Castle gives a bird eye view of the city and houses a small archaeological museum. The other museum in the city are Calouste Gulbenkian Museum that houses treasures from the east, Berardo Museum – houses the greatest modern art collections including works of Picasso and Dali. The Ancient Art Museum has fascinating Oriental and European art makes up the collection of Portugal’s “National Gallery”. The Tile Museum is unique in the world that showcases ceramic tiles in a lavish old convent. The Golden Baroque Trio – is the world’s largest collection of royal carriages. Other must visit places are the Design & Fashion Museum and the Oceanarium.
Rightly known as the city of explorers, as it was once home to the greatest explorers like Vasco Da Gama, Magellan, today the city humbly stands waiting to be explored.
The capital city of Portugal is none other than that of Lisbon. It is an ancient city which can be dated back to prehistoric times. Situated along the banks of the Tagus River, this city boasts a charm that is unlike any other in the country.
From the days of the Romans to the occupation of the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors, through the Age of Discovery and past the end of an 800 year monarchy, Lisbon has continued to flourish since its first inhabitants settles here thousands of years ago.
At the heart of this ancient city is the historic town center which is known as Baixa. Existing as a very important part of Lisbon, in the years following the great 1755 earthquake, Baixa was the first to be completely rebuilt; and with some of the most advanced materials available at the time. It is here that you will find the Praça do Comércio which is home to some of the oldest cafes in all of Portugal. You will find a number of shops, cafes and restaurants around the square.
Nearby, you will find the Marquês de Pombal which encircles the Eduardo VII Park. For some of the most luxurious shops, restraints and hotels in Lisbon, turn off from this ancient roundabout on to Avenida da Liberdade where you will find the most upscale businesses in the nations; the Rodeo Drive of Portugal.
After visiting the ritzy section of town, it’s time to head over to Chiado. Here in the Chiado district of Lisbon, you will find cobblestone streets that are lined with shops, bakeries and coffee houses. If you want to experience Lisbon like the locals do, then this is the place to be. Many of the nation’s greatest intellectuals have met in Chiado over the centuries for a coffee or two.
The art district of Lisbon is known as Bairro and while it may look like an old-fashioned neighborhood in the day time, at night time it becomes the hottest place in town. Every night, Bairro lights up with the sounds of countless locals who are looking for a fun evening. The bars are open and crowded, but hopping from one bar to the next is not all that difficult. You will also find that the hottest clubs in Portugal are found in the art district.
The oldest district in Lisbon is Alfama. It has been able to retain much of its charm throughout the centuries. This ancient Moorish neighborhood features whitewashed homes and many fine taverns. You will also be able to find the Museu do Azulejo and Museu do Fado in Alfama. At the edge of the district is where you will find the São Jorge Castle. And if you come to Lisbon for the Santos Populares festival that occurs every year, then this is the place where all of the magic happens at.
As you cross the 25 de Abril Bridge, you will come to the district of Belém. Here you will be able to explore so much of the history of Portugal. You will find many well known landmarks in the waterfront district that includes the Monument to the Discoveries, Jerónimos Monastery as well as the Belém Tower. There is also a cultural center and a number of museums in the district.
On the other bank of the Tagus River, you will find the modern commercial district of Parque das Nações. Here is where all of the major international events occur throughout the year. There is plenty of shopping and places to eat and drink in this area of Lisbon. For those who would like to take a chance at a game of cards there is also a Casino in this the most modern district of Lisbon.
Photo by freyavev
