Things to Do in Portugal

The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the 1.5 miles over the Tagus River, and it is commonly known as the Golden Gate's twin sister due to its likeness to San Francisco's iconic bridge. Its infrastructure holds a world record as it stands on basalt rock 262 feet below the riverbed. It also has the longest central span in Europe, spanning over 3,300 feet. Below the bridge is a beautiful dock and marina known as the Doca de Santo Amaro, which features several bars and restaurants and is the best location from which to view the bridge.

Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-252-947-920

The Monastery of Alcobaca is a National Monument and one of the most well-known and greatest examples of spatial philosophy and Cistercian architecture. It was established in 1153, and was the last nunnery to be founded during St. Bernard's lifetime. The first entirely Gothic structure in Portugal, this religious complex offers visitors an in-depth look into the Cistercian religious order. Among the most notable sites within this compound is the monastery church itself, consecrated in 1252; the King Dinis Cloister, an area for meditation and reading; and the Reliquary Chapel, featuring 89 sculptures on six levels. The Tombs of King Pedro and Ines de Castro are also located within the monastery.

2460-018 Alcobaca, Portugal, Phone: 351-262-505-128

Avenida de Liberdade was built in 1879 and was designed to mirror the boulevards of Paris. It stretches for nearly a mile north of Restauradores and is almost 300 feet wide, featuring pedestrian pathways surrounded by beautifully decorated gardens. Known for being the premier shopping boulevard in Lisbon, it features designer boutiques, architecturally stunning mansions, theatres, hotels, and quaint cafes. It is the central nervous system for the city, connecting Lisbon's central district with Praca Marques de Pombal. Visitors to this shopping mecca will find every high-end shop imaginable, including Armani Exchange, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Cartier, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Prada.

Avenida de Liberdade, 1250-096 Lisbon, Portugal

The Belem Palace was constructed in 1559 and has been the home of Portugal's presidents since 1910. It's nestled high on a hill surrounded by majestic gardens. Visitors are welcome in the palace on Saturdays, when they can peruse the various rooms that still retain the regal splendor of years past. The front of the palace features a stunning square that showcases a marvelous garden space with a 65-foot-tall statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque, the governor of Portuguese India, at its center. The palace also houses the Presidency Museum, which can be visited every day, educating visitors on the history of Portuguese presidents and the republic.

Calcada de Ajuda, 1349-022 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-213-614-600

The Museu Colecao Berardo is a modern and contemporary art complex that features the permanent collection of Berardo artworks as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions. These traveling showcases display the works of artists from various cultural backgrounds who, through their differing styles of art, have shaped art history throughout the last century. The museum compound is a family-friendly environment, featuring activities such as family-visit workshops that foster learning in a unique way. This allows visitors to get well acquainted with artistic greats such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Francis Bacon, and Helena Almeida.

Praca do Imperio, 1449-003 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 213-612-878

Zoomarine Algarve is a unique aquatic park in Guia, where there is no shortage of attractions. Visitors will enjoy dolphin, sea lion, and seal presentations as well as demonstrations featuring birds of prey. There is an astounding aquarium of sharks, a 4D cinema, and amusement rides. A park highlight is the Zoomarine Beach, a saltwater wave beach surrounded by sand and exciting water slides. They even offer Discover the Aquarium guided tours. Expert guides take groups on a detailed journey through the aquarium, disclosing interesting facts about its inhabitants, such as which sea creatures glow in the dark and which change genders over their lifetimes.

EN 125- Km 65, Guia 8201-864 Albufeira, Portugal, Phone: 351-289-560-300

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum features an impressive collection of modern art that allows visitors to explore Portuguese art from the last few decades of the 19th century to the present day. The permanent collections are set up in geographical and chronological order to establish two separate circuits on the tour. The first course focuses on classical and oriental art displaying Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Armenian, and Greco-Roman works, and the second explores European art. The museum also exhibits the Founder's Collection, a private collection accumulated by Calouste Gulbenkian displaying more than 5,000 years of history, one of the most influential compilations of international art in the world.

Avenida de Berna, 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-217-823-000

Conimbriga is a National Monument and ancient city, the biggest preserved Roman settlement in Portugal. The excavation of this site has been conducted in layers, many of which date back to the Iron Age. To date, archeologists have uncovered city walls that are mostly intact, the foundations of several houses, and the remains of public buildings, mosaic floors, and baths that expose the system of stone heating ducts. Archeologists state that although they've uncovered much, only about 10% of the city has been unearthed. This site also features a museum of objects found during the digs, a gift shop, and a café.

Conimbriga, Condeixa-a-Velha 3150-220 Condeixa-a-Nova, Portugal, Phone: 351-239-941-177

The Cultural Centre of Belem (CCB), is a giant complex that presents touring ballets, art exhibitions, and operas; it's also where the Berardo Museum has its home. Visitors will find that the center showcases an extensive schedule of events throughout the year. The Cultural Centre also offers 90-minute guided tours of the grounds, giving guests a detailed history and a behind-the-scenes look at the complex. There are four dining options at Cultural Centre of Belem: Commenda, ideal for pre-show dinners; the Este Oeste, a fine dining eatery; Bar Terraco, a relaxed informal restaurant; and the café Sandwich, ideal for light meals and snacks.

Praca do Imperio, 1449-003 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-213-612-627

Igreja de Sao Roque is a 16th-century Renaissance Jesuit church designed by Sao Vicente architect Filippo Terzi in 1574. The simple exterior contradicts the magnificence within, featuring a prominent center with a painted wood ceiling and lined with chapels packed with baroque art. Igreja de Sao Roque is most well known for the intricate Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which is the last one on the left. Within the church, visitors will find several paintings that illustrate scenes from the Jesuit saints' lives and a magnificent assortment of baroque silver. It also includes priceless sacred artifacts, including a thorn from the Crown of Thorns.

Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisbon, Portugal, Phone: 351-213-460-361