Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. It lies on the north bank of the Tagus Estuary, on the European Atlantic coast. It is the westernmost city in continental Europe.

The best way to visit Lisbon, especially the city center, is by foot or using public transport. Lisbon has an excellent subway system and, of course, you can always use the original trams.

Here’s a list of some places that are worth visiting during your stay in Lisbon. Please visit the website from the Turismo de Lisboa, to find out more.

Historic Center

“Bairro Alto is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city. The Bairro Alto boasts boutiques and bars and is a place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere. Here you can find traditional restaurants nestle alongside cosy bookshops, tea rooms, and design shops.

Chiado is an area of iconic cafés, including “A Brasileira”, and theatres. The Carmo area, next to Chiado, has some of the most fascinating historical sites in the city, such as the Convent and Church of Carmo. Carmo is connected to the Baixa by the Elevador de Santa Justa, another of Lisbon’s icons. The Elevador, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, is open to the public and boasts impressive views over the Baixa Pombalina and the rest of Lisbon.

Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina leading north from Terreiro do Paço  to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro IV). You can also visit the Rua Augusta Arch and enjoy the beautiful view that it offers.”

Belém

“If you are in Belém, there are some monuments that you must see. One of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the construction of which was started in 1501 by King Manuel I and finished a century later. This monument is an outstanding example of late Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of finest examples of the Portuguese Manueline style, and it has been recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Also in Belém is Torre de Belém, another Manueline monument that has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed in the 16th century by Francisco Arruda, the Torre de Belém is a square tower with a polygonal bastion facing the river Tagus.

Much more recent is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. The monument, dating from 1960, commemorates the five hundredth anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator and pays tribute to the instigator of the Voyages of Discovery and to the most important Portuguese sailors.

Also in Belém, you can find the CCB – Centro Cultural de Belém, an example of modern architecture where you can find the Museu Colecção Berardo.”