Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Lisbon)

In one of the wings of the former monastery we can find the Museu da Marinha, an excellent place to learn a little about the naval history of Portugal, and the Museu de Arqueologia. The monastery church, the Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém, is a magnificent church with a nave flanked by two aisles separated by elegant pillars that support a beautiful and unique ogival dome. The luminosity, with the sunlight filtered by the stained glass windows, is extraordinary, creating an almost unreal atmosphere. The tombs of Vasco da Gama and the epic poet Luís de Camões can be found in the church. The visitor feels simply overwhelmed by the beauty and grandiosity associated with the history, the faith, and also the knowledge and determination that moved Portuguese culture.
Photo: Zingaro

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Continuing along the riverside, you will arrive at the neighbourhood with the largest number of heritage sites connected with the voyages of discovery: Belém. It was from the beach in Belém that Vasco da Gama set sail to discover the sea route to India and the grandiosity of the former empire can be sensed throughout the area, including one of the symbols of the city, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the construction of which was begun in 1501 by King Manuel I and was concluded just a century later. Overlooking the magnificent Praça do Império, the monument possesses architectural features from the late Gothic and the Renaissance and is one of the most beautiful and magnificent monuments in the capital. These architectural features are combined with royal, religious, naturalist and nautical decorative elements to create a building that is considered the jewel of the distinctively Portuguese Manueline style. Its architectural excellence is more than evident and it has been recognised as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Photo: noniq

Casa dos Bicos

If we walk down to Santa Apolónia and continue though this riverside neighbourhood, we will find the highly original Casa dos Bicos (16th century). The "bicos" in its name are the diamond-shaped stones that cover its façade. In addition to the aesthetic singularity of the building, with its Italian influences combined with elements of the Manueline style, it is also of considerable historical importance, having belonged to Afonso de Albuquerque, viceroy of India, and being the site of some interesting Roman archaeological finds.
Photo: pylbug

Feira da Ladra

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, we will come across one of the most popular and busy markets in the city, the Feira da Ladra, or flea market. Everything you can possibly imagine is on sale here and you will find the most useless and irresistible objects, as well as true antiques. It is a true walk through culture.
Photo: microlito

São Vicente de Fora

Close to the castle, in Graça, is the church and monastery of São Vicente de Fora, one of the most imposing and notable religious monuments in the city. It was built immediately after the city was recaptured from the Moors because of a vow made by King Afonso Henriques to São Vicente during the siege of the city in 1143.
Foto: scalleja

The Age of Discovery

Although it was at the castle that everything began, historical sites can be found throughout the city. With a thousand years of history, Lisbon is full of monuments of great importance, that reflect some of the key moments in the Portugal’s history. Capital of the Empire, the peak of Lisbon’s wealth was during the Age of Discovery, which guaranteed its heritage of a rare beauty.

Special atmospheres

On the Costa do Castelo, you will find other viewpoints with special atmospheres, particularly the unique Chapitô. Here a circus school, bar, café, terrace and restaurant, combine to create an exceptional, diversified, beautiful and spacious location.
Photo: micampe

Castelo S. Jorge

Now we will arrive at the Castelo de São Jorge, where the History of the city began. This is one of the most visited monuments in the city, not only for its historical and cultural importance, but also for its magnificent views over Lisbon. We find pairs of sweethearts, children and young people, the elderly in conversation, families and tourists, in a friendly atmosphere that has been passed down from century to century.
Photos: Andy54321 e La Dulcinea

Viewpoints

Continuing up the hill, without any fear of tiring since the discoveries keep us attentive and desirous to see more, we will find the viewpoints of Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol.
Photo: Vic Lic

Cathedral

As soon as the streets start to rise, we come across the most popular of Portuguese saints, Santo António (St Anthony), in a small restored statue on the church dedicated to the saint and in the Museu Antoniano. This popular saint is the inspiration for panegyrics on love. Next we find the Sé Catedral (13th century), a true monument, whose imposing presence and austerity ensure that we stop and enter it to discover its surprises.
Foto: kjay.rm

The tram

The tram is one of the most famous and typical forms of transport in Lisbon. To travel by tram is to enter an imaginary but also traditional present. You can ride up to Alfama by tram, although a walk up the hill is also highly enjoyable. All the way from the Baixa to the top of the hill, you will find typical streets, alleys and extraordinary views.
Photo: e2

Avenida da Liberdade

Above the Rossio, discover Avenida da Liberdade. A walk along what was, in the 19th century, the city’s “Public Walk”, where the élites met for their daily promenade. Today, the Avenida is full of expensive shops, for the most cosmopolitan and international shopping in the city.
Photo: Scalleja

Baixa

In the Baixa, the city’s traditional shopping district, you will find dozens of shops and a great area for walks. A personal welcome makes shopping even more enjoyable. Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina, leading between Terreiro do Paço (traditionally called Black Horse Square by the English), open to the river and the symbol of power, to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro V)

Elevador de Santa Justa

Carmo is connected to the Baixa by another key monument in the city, the irresistible Elevador de Santa Justa. From the top of the Elevador there is a very fine view over the Baixa Pombalina. Don’t lose the opportunity to ride the Elevador, the only vertical lift that provides a public service and was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, which explains its unique architectural style.
Photo: Jason Turner

The Convent of Carmo

The Carmo area, next to the Chiado, has some of the most fascinating historical sites in the city, such as the Convent and Church of Carmo, which have maintained their elegance and grandeur. Here you can visit the ruins, but also the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, which houses a collection of pre-historic, Roman, medieval, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque artefacts. Largo do Carmo is also emblematic of recent Portuguese history, the site of important events in the 1974 Revolution.
The Convent of the Order of the Carmo of Lisbon is raised in a privileged position, lofty to the Rossio, and near to the hill of the Castle of Saint Jorge. The church of the convent, which went already to principal Gothic church of Lisbon, was in ruins due to the Earthquake of 1755 and it is still one of the principal marks left by the earthquake visible in the city.
Photo: Fr Antunes

Chiado

After the Bairro Alto, walk down to the Chiado, where you will find an even more sophisticated atmosphere. Ameeting point for young people, artists and intellectuals, the Chiado is an area of emblematic cafés, such as “A Brasileira”, art schools, theatres and of living history. Besides its intrinsic beauty, it is the people that make the Chiado what it is, with their activity and positive atitude.

Bairro Alto

The Bairro Alto is one of the most characteristic and attractive neighbourhoods in the city. Typical and popular, the Bairro Alto has many modern features, with clothes boutiques and bars, many, many bars. A place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere - which is one of the best reasons to visit this neighbourhood. It is essential to explore it, to discover all its streets, lanes and alleys. Good restaurants alongside intimate bookshops, where things are always happening, tea rooms next to design shops and the boutiques of some of the most respected Portuguese fashion designers. It is an exciting neighbourhood, full of attractions, that combines daring and sophistication with tradition and antiquity. A walk around the Bairro Alto is an experience that cannot be repeated in any other part of the city.
Photo: retinafunck

Historical neighbourhoods

Situated mostly in the centre of Lisbon, the historical neighbourhoods are essential destinations for visitors to the Portuguese capital. They call to be explored, for their culture, their history, their architecture, their people or simply for a relaxed stroll. A structural part of the city’s identity, these neighbourhoods offer to those willing to explore them, a true personal map. There are so many possibilities. Don’t let them get away.
Photo: Thomas Claveirole

A paradise for walkers and photographers.

Lisbon iIt's one of the world's great historical cities, with characteristic and surprising sights, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that make it a paradise for walkers and photographers.
Photo: portuguese eyes

Lisbon is the city for fado , funiculars, feasting and frolicking

Lisbon's position on seven low hills beside a river once lured traders and settlers, and it's still a stunning site. Add to that its cultural diversity, laid-back feel and architectural time warp, and you have one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe - and also one of the most economical.
At Lisbon's heart are wide, tree-lined avenues graced by Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements and street cafes. Seen from the river - one of the city's many great viewpoints - Lisbon is an impressionist picture of low-rise ochre and pastel, punctuated by church towers and domes.
Lonely Planet
Photo: portuguese eyes

The color of Lisbon

Lisbon is known as the white city, thanks to its unique luminosity. The light, the atmosphere and the climate offer marvellous walks all over the city. It has a beauty that extends beyond the monuments, that can be experienced in the streets, that is embraced with all the senses.
Photo: Fr Antunes