Enjoy the Euro-Atlantic Coastline! Lisbon Top Ten Attractions

Belem Tower

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. About three million people live in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, making it the 9^th most populous urban area in the European Union. This amazing city is also the only capital along the Atlantic coast and the westernmost capital of Europe. Located on Tagus River and in western Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon is the centre of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and tourism of Portugal. This Atlantic coast city is visited by millions of tourists every year, being the seventh most visited city in Southern Europe. With such beautiful landscapes, architecture, cultural and entertainment activities, Lisbon deserves its rank and the high number of eager visitors who wish to catch a glimpse of the Portuguese life.

1. Belém

Lisbon’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest part of this ancient city is the neighbourhood of Belém. This waterfront has launched many explorers along the years and its architecture hails from the early 1500s. The city icon and a symbol of the Age of Discovery is the Belém Tower, surrounded by a square kilometre filled with museums and gorgeous buildings that are testament to the many periods the city has felt the influence of: Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Post Modern. This barrio has developed a rich nightlife, as cafes, bars and fancy restaurants have risen among the old constructions.

2. Queluz National Palace

The magnificent palace was built in the 18^thcentury and tells stories of the cultural heritage of Portugal .The construction is truly amazing, blending baroque, rocaille and neoclassic styles and the gardens surrounding it are serene places where silence and sunlight overtake you. A visit to the National Palace of Queluz is an unforgettable experience and the perfect place to learn about Portugal’s art history.

Queluz National Palace

3. Castelo de São Jorge

To catch a glimpse of entire Lisbon, visit the Castle of St. George and admire the city panorama, with a blend of ancient structures combined with the contemporary modernism. Go further and visit the castle itself, it is quite impressive. Dating back from the medieval era, it gives insight on the life of people who lived in those ancient times. The popular attraction is definitely something to see in the Portuguese capital.

4. Jeronimos Monastery

Like many of the magnificent structures that populate Lisbon, Jeronimos Monastery was built in the 1500s and its cloisters are among the most beautiful in the world. This splendid monastery is the second World Heritage Site in Lisbon and also the final resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama.

5. Lisbon Museums

Due to its age, the Portuguese capital is the home of numerous museums comprising wonderful pieces. One of the most popular private art collections in the world is Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, featuring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, and Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic and European art.

Jeronimos Monastery

A free museum that has on display the works of Picasso, Dali, Andy Warhol and many more is Berardo Collection Museum, one of Europe’s greatest modern art collections. Located at the Belém Cultural Centre, this museum is a highlight of Lisbon’s contemporary architectural vision. For those fascinated with the Age of Discovery and wanting to learn more about the role played by Portugal in that era, visit the Ancient Art Museum, a collection depicting its links with Asia and Africa through Oriental and European works of art.

6. The Golden Baroque Trio

For a taste of ancient opulence, visit the three golden landmarks of Lisbon. The world’s largest collection of royal carriages in the Coaches Museum, São Roque Church featuring the most expensive chapel in the world and Santa Catarina Church, an incredible religious venue equipped with the most magnificent golden interior.

7. Lisbon Outdoors

Portugal benefits of great weather, thanks to its position on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its mild climate makes it extremely welcome to lush parks, vast botanical gardens and of course, a populous zoo. Jardim Zoológico is a fun place to spend an afternoon, for adults and children alike, and so is the Lisbon Oceanarium.

Parque das Nações

The water park is home for impressive sea creatures and what a home it is! The building itself is an architectural masterpiece. Surrounding the Oceanário de Lisboa is Parque das Nações, a popular venue among locals and tourists, as it looks upon Europe’s longest bridge, 25 de Abril (2278m). To complete your natural tour of Lisbon, visit the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa and Parque Eduardo VII.

8. Portuguese cuisine

As long as you’re in Southern Europe, why not try the delicious Mediterranean food? Portuguese specialties include numerous seafood dishes, the famous caldo verde soup, the tasty rice pudding and the traditional caramel custard. In Lisbon, the most popular and respected restaurants are located in the Belém area, although fine dining runs everywhere in town. Take a stroll in central Lisbon and you’ll undoubtedly find great restaurants to satisfy any craving.

9. Fashion and shopping

First of all, visit the Design and Fashion Museum, to get a comprehensive idea on how this area moved through the past decade. Works of top international designers are on display in this free entrance museum and if you’re interested in fashion, you will find yourself fully enjoying the experience.

Ponte 25 de Abril

For an afternoon of shopping, visit Belém and Parque das Nações districts. Malls, boutiques, souvenir shops and plenty of stores can be found here, with products of all prices ranges.

10. Lisboa diversão – a fun night out

Lisbon is a true European capital and entertainment will definitely not disappoint. Pubs, bars, bistros, clubs and discos are swarming in the Portuguese capital and this city on the European Atlantic coast never sleeps. For a fun night out just take a stroll through the city and follow your ears, they will take you to the right place, as music of all kinds resounds all through the night.

Thought to be founded by Phoenicians in 1200 BC, Lisbon prides with a strong Roman history and influence. In the 12^th century, the Portuguese capital was captured by Christians and its Golden Age began in 1498 with Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. Lisbon boasts with a rich history, cultural background and its numerous monuments state just that. As a holiday destination, the westernmost capital of Europe is a treasure itself, as hidden gems populate the city. So visit Lisbon for great weather, catchy stories, magnificent architecture and delicious Mediterranean specialties.

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