Lisbon Travel: Eyewitness Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country. Its population comprises about 2,5 millions (with suburbs). This most western European capital lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast at mouth of Tagus River. The history of the city counts nearly 2000 years and for almost 1000 years it’s the capital of Portugal. The first Portuguese king Alfonso Henriques in 1147 freed Lisbon from Arab invasion and made it a capital. In 1256 Royal Court moved here. Soon Lisbon has become one of the most powerful and flourishing European cities. It reached the highest peak of its bloom in XV-XVII centuries. Then it was the major European transit point and commercial city.

The historical center of Lisbon lies on seven hills. The city is full of steep slopes and rises. It’s the only city where elevator can take you from one street to another.

Now Lisbon is experiencing its “second birth”, again becoming one of the “golden cities” of the Southern Europe. The renovation of Lisbon began in 1990s. Among new projects we could name Vasco da Gama Bridge, connecting the airport with the centre of the city and the Eastern Railway station. The station is built according to the project of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It stands on the eastern Tagus bank and connects Lisbon with the rest of Europe.

Lisbon is the authentic jewel in the crown of the Portuguese cities. The city charms with its churches, castles, medieval streets and museums. Among main Lisbon attractions there are Belem Tower, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Alfama, St George's Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and Terreiro do Paco.

Belem Tower looks more like a miniature castle. It is situated close to the bank of the River Tagus. It was established in 1515 as both a monument to Portuguese maritime discoveries and to protect the mouth of the river. The construction of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos started by King Dom Manuel I in 1502. It was aimed to emphasize Portuguese importance as a world power at the time and more to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India.

Alfama is the old part of Lisbon, still beautifully picturesque with narrow, winding streets and old, overhanging buildings.

Majestic St George's Castle was a home to the kings and queens of Portugal until the 16th century. From the mighty ramparts of this formerl fortress opens a spectacular view of Lisbon.

Lisbon Cathedral was originally founded by Portugal's first king Dom Afonso Henriques in 1150 to commemorate the defeat of the Moors and presents a beautiful mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

Terreiro do Paco used to be the royal palace until it was demolished by the disastrous earthquake of 1755. It is now Lisbon's largest open space, with government buildings built around the perimeter.

Lisbon coast stretches from Tejo mouth to the beaches of Alentejo, from the modern metropolis to the picturesque fishing villages.

About the Author:

Constance Blair - For booking a hotel, please go to Lisbon hotels page.

Things To Do and See in Lisbon

St. George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge), Lisbon
Located in the historic Alfama district, this brooding Moorish castle

dominates the city from its vantage point atop Lisbon's highest hill.
Attraction type: Castle; Historic site; Canyon

Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian), Lisbon
The Gulbenkian complex features a museum that houses a magnificent

private collection of Persian art, Egyptian sculptures, and paintings by the

Old Masters, as well as two concert halls for music and ballet performances.
Attraction type: Art museum; Ballet; Concert; Symphony; Museum

Bairro Alto, Lisbon
By day, this section of Lisbon is relatively quiet with children playing in the

streets and people shopping; by night, it changes into a crowd of revelers

crammed into the neighborhood's narrow streets to go clubbing and bar

hopping until the wee hours.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa), Lisbon
Serving as the centerpiece of the World EXPO in Portugal, this aquarium is

located in a dramatic harbor site, which offers innovate live displays,

environmental soundscapes and interactive media in order to teach

people about the oceans of the world.
Attraction type: Aquarium

Alfama, Lisbon
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and

charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors

of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Igreja de Sao Roque, Lisbon
Attraction type: Religious site; History museum; Concert; Architectural building

National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), Lisbon
A must-see for people interested in the history and design of ceramic tiles,

this specialty museum houses a splendid collection of decorative tiles

dating from the 15th century to the present.
Attraction type: Specialty museum; Art museum

Se Cathedral, Lisbon
Cathedral Se, a large fortress begun in 1150 A.D. by Afonso Henriques,

is the burial place for Lisbon's patron saint, St. Anthony.
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building

Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa), Lisbon
This elevator is located inside a gothic tower, which provides quick and

easy transport between Lisbon's Baixa and Bairro Alto districts.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest; Tram

Padrao dos Descobrimentos, Lisbon
Erected in the honor of Portugal's Prince Henry the Navigator in 1960, this is

a dramatic work of art in stone that commemorates Portugal's many

famous explorers and adventurers.
Attraction type: Monument

Port Wine House (Solar do Vinho do Porto), Lisbon
The Port Wine House is located in an 18th-century palace that takes up

an entire city block, and is filled with several hundred varieties of Port

available by the glass or bottle.
Attraction type: Bar/club; Ballet; Landmark/point of interest

Museu do Chiado, Lisbon
Attraction type: Art museum; Neighborhood

Baixa (Lower Town), Lisbon
Located between the Rossio and the Praca do Comercio, this section

is a shopper's paradise with several pedestrian streets.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Planetario Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon
Attraction type: Observatory/planetarium

Portas Largas, Lisbon
Attraction type: Bar/club

Igreja da Sao Vicente de Fora, Lisbon
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

Parreirinha d'Alfama, Lisbon
Traditional restaurant/club where you can dine to the romantic sounds of fado.
Attraction type: Bar/club

Feira da Ladra, Lisbon
A trip to Lisbon is not complete without a visit to one of its famous open-air

markets, including one of the most popular called Feira da Ladra or

"Thieves Market," which offers a little bit of everything.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Fundacao Amalia Rodriguez Casa Museu, Lisbon
Attraction type: Historic home; History museum

Pracio del Comercio, Lisbon
One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown

Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a

great place for a leisurely stroll.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza

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