Lisbon Hotels and City Guide

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Lisbon has become a favorite destination for many world travelers. Located on the Atlantic coast with the Tagus River nearby and its old world charm, it’s no wonder so many flock to this fantastic city. You might be surprised to find out how much there is to see here. There are over 90 palaces, 56 fountains and more than a hundred Catholic Churches. To top it off, this beautiful city, complete with its 18th century architecture, is located on seven hills. This is good because you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the city at its peaks but not so good if you wear stilettos for the entire day. Put on your good walking shoes, take along your camera and be amazed at the sites and sounds of Lisbon.

Begin your adventures in Lisbon by following the winding streets to unique points of interest. The city continues to improve and restore itself, but it’s filled with so many unique sites you won’t mind missing the ones under repair. Besides, it creates the perfect excuse to come back again. If you don’t feel like walking, getting around Lisbon is actually quite easy. There’s a great subway and train system but the favorite for both tourists and locals is the Electrico. Although it doesn’t make the city any money, this antique trolley system won’t be shutting down any time soon. For a great experience, ride on number 28, which goes around the entire city. Need a lift? The Elevador de Santa Justa is a unique street elevator that was built in the early 1900s. It runs from downtown Santa Justa up to Largo do Carmo, saving you a steep climb and sore muscles the next morning.

Lisbon has many wonderful museums, one of which is the fantastic Museu de Arte Antiga. It houses the official national collection of Portuguese painters, as well as works by Dürer and Bosch. The museum itself is quite stunning, as it’s a 17th century palace. For an impressive look at some of the finest art collections in Lisbon, explore the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. It houses an amazing array of Egyptian and Oriental art as an impressive collection of 20th century Portuguese art. There’s also a great selection of performing arts, which include dancing, classical music and open-air summer jazz concerts.

There is a huge selection of great walkways and parks here. If you only have time to visit one, make your way to Avenida da Liberdade, which will lead you to Parque Eduardo VII, the city’s main park. The Boulevard has seven lanes that continue for about a mile and is one of the more popular areas in the city. Another great public place is the Rossio, the main downtown square.

One of the more unique sites Lisbon has to offer is the Tower of Belém. Designed by Diogo and Arruda Francisco around 1520, the structure stands as an oversized chess piece, built to protect the harbor and used as a prison from the sixteenth to nineteenth century. Today, it stands as a World Heritage Site and provides an amazing view of the city. In honor of Vasco da Gama, who discovered a sea route to India, the Jeronimos Monastery was built beginning in the fifteenth century. Although it’s reason enough to come and see the architecture, the monastery is also the final resting place for important Portuguese figures, including Vasco da Gama. St. George's Castle, Castelo de Sao Jorge, is a prime example of the influence the Moors had on the Lisbon culture. The site upon where the castle stands is the earliest settlement in the area. Although the Romans and Moors lived inside the protected wall of the castle, 1147 marked the turning point for Portuguese when Alfonso Enriques and his army overtook the castle and evicted the Moors from Portugal. Today, the grounds and castle have been restored and showcase some of the best architecture Lisbon has to offer.

Feel like shopping? Make your way to the Bairro Alto and the Chiado shopping areas. If you can’t quite justify spending time shopping while there’s so much to see here, have no fear. Lisbon always has a place for you to explore its history, like the Igreja de São Roque, which is in the same area. But don’t let this 16th century church fool you. Inside, you’ll find that the chapels are filled with gold and marble. Don’t be tempted to do a little shopping in here.

Beautiful architecture, great museums and history oozing out of every corner helps make Lisbon a unique destination to get away from the norm and enter a world of old world charm.