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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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Positioned on Praça do Comércio and acting as a grand opening onto the Baixa's central Rua Augusta, this ornate and imposing archway is also known as the Rua Augusta Arch.
As the name hints, the...
Built around 1500 on the site of an ancient synagogue, and also known as Our Lady of the Conception, this was once the second largest place of worship in Manueline Lisbon. Nowadays this historic church, with an ornate façade reminiscent in style...
Reputed to be the oldest building in Lisbon, the cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) certainly has the appearance of being built to last. Compared to the frivolous Manueline architecture of the Jeronimos...
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...
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.
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
Lisbon’s Igreja de São Domingos church, in the Baixa district, has played a key role in many of the city’s tumultuous historical events. It has seen earthquakes, fires, pogroms as well as royal...
The earliest Jesuit church in Portugal and one of the first in the world, the Igreja de São Roque was built in the 16th century specifically for preaching. When built it was positioned beyond the walls of the city to cut it off from Lisbon and...
Imposing 17th century monastery overlooking Lisbon. Built in the Mannerist style the monastery's Pantheon contains the tombs of the House of Braganza.
