In complete contrast to Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, the area known as Parque das Nações has wide pedestrianized avenues along the river and futuristic buildings with plenty of space to relax. Make sure you visit the impressive Oceanário.
Chiado is a Lisbon neighbourhood known for its antique cafés, bookshops and elegant boutiques. Bairro Alto is the centre of Lisbon’s nightlife. These are the most vibrant areas for shopping, shows, culture and history as well as food and drink in Lisbon.
Avenida da Liberdade promoted the expansion of Lisbon northwards in the late nineteenth century. Today, a number of attractions can be found around this area: Eduardo VII Park offers an impressive view of Lisbon and Gulbenkian is one of Portugal’s best museums of fine arts.
Located on the highest of Lisbon’s seven hills, Castelo de São Jorge is the city’s medieval castle, and its most visited tourist site, offering the best views of Lisbon and the River Tejo.
A pedestrianized street known for its seafood restaurants, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão has a unique atmosphere in the heart of Lisbon.
Belém is a riverside district, home to Lisbon’s finest monuments and museums, some of which, such as the Unesco-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the peculiar Torre de Belém, are testimony of Portugal’s maritime history.
Alfama is Lisbon’s Moorish district: a medina-like neighbourhood of narrow and maze-like streets at the foot of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge. Graça, on a hill north of Alfama, offers great views over Lisbon and the castle.
The oldest, and least touristy, of all three funiculars still operating in Lisbon climbs up Calçada do Lavra in two minutes. At the top, the viewpoint of the tiny park Jardim do Torel is just a short walk away.
The Saint Dominic’s Church, dating from 1241, survived the great earthquake of 1755 and a fire in 1959 that completely destroyed it. Don’t miss a visit to its unique interior, so different from the idea one makes of it from the outside.
In between the adjacent Rossio and Martim Moniz, Praça da Figueira is home to Confeitaria Nacional, the oldest patisserie in Lisbon, founded in 1829. This historic square also has a number of hotels, stores and cafés.
Visit the iconic Rossio and admire its fountains and architecture. Be amazed by the grand neoclassical Teatro Nacional D. Maria II on the north side of the square.
Founded in 1846, Teatro Dona Maria II is located in a grand neoclassical building on the north side of the Rossio. The National Theatre was created for the purpose of developing and promoting the performing arts in Portugal.
With beautiful eighteenth century symmetrical buildings and arcades facing the River Tejo, the Terreiro do Paço is one of the most important squares in Lisbon.
The large open space, mostly pedestrian, is a must-see destination for visitors to Lisbon.
Discover a hidden and fascinating archaeological museum beneath the streets of the Baixa. Take a guided tour that goes through the cramped tunnels and distinct layers that uncover several periods of Lisbon’s occupation. Admission is free.