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.

Source: Lisbon Lux