The Best of Lisbon
Top 10 Lisbon Attractions
1 | Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The monumental stonework of the cloisters of this monastery glorifies the period when West met East, and the man who brought those worlds together — Vasco da Gama — lies in the interior of the church.
2 | Torre de Belém
Lisbon’s most famous landmark looks like a small castle out of a fairy tale. It’s a romantic architectural gem from the Age of Discovery that’s classified as a World Heritage monument.
3 | Castelo de São Jorge
Lisbon’s castle stands on top of the city’s highest hill, and offers the most breathtaking view of the city and river. Partially ruined, partially restored, it’s a romantic vision that’s survived for a thousand years.
4 | Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Because he collected “only the best,” Calouste Gulbenkian’s is recognized as one of the world’s best private art collections. Everything you see is a masterpiece, from old masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, to Lalique jewelry, to Egyptian and Greco-Roman art.
5 | Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
The story of the first contacts between the Old and the New worlds, and the cultural mix of the East and the West, is told through the art in Portugal’s national gallery.
6 | Parque das Nações
Architecture by Calatrava and Alvaro Siza Vieira next to other eye-catching buildings by lesser-known architects, with the Tagus and one of the world’s longest bridges as the backdrop.
7 | Museu Coleção Berardo
All of the modern art movements are represented in this acclaimed collection which includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Dali, and Paula Rego, among other great artists.
8 | Museu do Design e da Moda
Even if you think you have no special interest in the subject, Lisbon’s fantastic design and fashion collection is a fascinating trip through pop culture history. Together with appliances and fashions from yesteryear is the most contemporary creativity by the world’s top designers.
9 | Convento da Madre de Deus
A magnificent convent from the 1500s is now also a museum that’s unique in the world in showcasing tile art. Found mostly in Mediterranean cultures, tilework is Portugal’s national art, and this museum is one of the country’s most singular attractions.
10 | Sintra
The first center of romantic architecture in Europe is found right outside Lisbon. Sintra is a magically green town dotted with fantasy palaces, and with an exquisite, exotic feel that’s been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The 5 Most Memorable Experiences
Lookout Points
As if Lisbon’s picturesque streets weren’t seductive enough, they often lead to the top of hills that force contemplation through terraces serving as lookout points, presenting the beauty of Lisbon and its setting from a bird’s-eye perspective. It is here that you’ll conclude that Lisbon is indeed one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Vintage Rides
The antique trams that cross Lisbon’s narrow streets are truly trips back in time, but other vintage rides are the iconic funiculars that climb the steep hills, offering a charming “only in Lisbon” experience.
Golden Discoveries
The first global empire, created by Portugal, and the wealth derived from the gold in Brazil and from the spice trade with the East, gave Lisbon extraordinary baroque art. Discover it behind misleadingly nondescript façades, such as the churches of St. Roch and St. Catherine, and in the Coaches Museum.
Fado
When well sung from the heart and soul, listening to Fado music (listed as World Heritage by UNESCO) can be a goosebumps-inducing experience, even if you don’t understand the words. Avoid the more touristy places, and enjoy a relaxed, low-lit evening of food, wine and lots of soul.
Bairro Alto & Cais do Sodré
Lisbon comes out to party at the end of the day, on the streets of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré. It starts by dining late and bar-hopping through the night, mixing different tribes of locals and tourists of all ages and lifestyles, who get together for conversation and drinking on the streets, creating an improvised street party every Friday and Saturday night.
Fonte: Lisbon Lux
