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Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is hands down one of the best cities in Europe to take a short break, or even a spend a week or two. There is so much to see and do, and the great thing is it is all easy to get to as Lisbon has great transport and is relatively small.
Blessed with a warm, sunny climate Lisbon offers visitors a host of attractions both indoors and outdoors. Many of my favourite activities won't cost you a penny; getting lost in the Alfama, or passear-ing (strolling) along the riverside in Belem are highly recommended. It is also a city of contrasts with things to see both ancient and modern. On the old side there is the castle overlooking the city, churches and monasteries that are both austere and splendid and ostentatious palaces in the outer districts. For those seeking more contemporary attractions there are any number of cultural venues around Lisbon - the Berardo Collection, Gulbenkian Museum or even just some of the city's striking architecture will all oblige.
Lisbon is also a city that families will love with a number of open spaces and parks. There are a number of attractions that will appeal to kids in particular such as the zoo, aquarium and several museums.
In this section you will find all the best things to do in Lisbon and around. And if all this wasn't enough, Lisbon is perhaps the only city in Europe where you will find world-class sandy beaches less than half and hour's train ride away.
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The Tower in outstanding example of 16th c. Manueline architecture. Standing on the waterside at Belem it was built as both a celebration of the age of the Discoveries and to defend the mouth of the river
Founded in 1884 the zoo now contains around 2,000 animals with more than 300 species are represented. Includes the conservation and breeding of endangered species, as well as scientific research, and educational and recreational activities
Set in a commanding position overlooking Portugal's capital, the Castelo de São Jorge dates back to Moorish times. The existing citadel is mainly medieval and contains the ruins of the royal palace and gardens
Museum housing the extensive collection of carriages belonging to the Portuguese royal family and nobility. Located in the old Horse Riding Arena of the Belém Palace, this is one of Lisbon's most visited museums.
Mediaeval convent that was ruined in the great earthquake of 1755. Set overlooking the city the ruins provide a poignant reminder of the destruction wrought on Lisbon. The convent is also home to an archaeological museum with exhibits including a Peruvian mummy.
The Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa lift) is a 47 metres (145ft) Lisbon's only remaining vertical elevator and connects Rua do Ouro in the Baixa to Largo do Carmo near Bairro Alto. It was built, along with several other cable powered urban...
52 metre high monument on the waterside in Belem. The monument was built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. It features 33 prominent people of that era
The Jardim Guerra Junqueiro as it is officially known is one of Lisbon's largest and best parks. Still known to most as the Jardim da Estrela the park covers 4.6 hectares (11.4 acres) in Lisbon's city centre. The park is surrounded by history;...
The Basílica da Estrela in Lisbon is a huge baroque/neoclassical church with a most impressive dome. It was built by order of Queen Maria I of Portugal to celebrate the birth of her first (and only) son, José, Prince of Brazil. It is perhaps no...
Standing at over 110 metres tall on the opposite bank of the Tejo to Lisbon is Cristo Rei. Built between 1949-59 the statue was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
