- Q: What is Lisbon known for?
- A: Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and serves as the capital, with about 2.8 million people living in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
- Q: What makes Lisbon significant in Portugal?
- A: Lisbon is recognized for its important role in Portugal’s entertainment, finance, arts, and tourism industries.
- Q: How old is Lisbon?
- A: Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world.
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1. 25 de Abril Bridge
Drive or cruise beneath and admire this iconic sight on a scenic trip.
Affectionately known as the Golden Gate’s twin sister, the 25 de Abril Bridge strongly resembles the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It was built in 1966 and named after Salazar, but the name was changed soon after the revolution in 1974.
Visitors can best see the beauty of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus River, which it is suspended over from Doca de Santo Amaro. It is also recommended to get up close to the bridge, as there is a marina and dock underneath it. Numerous bars and restaurants can also be found underneath the 3,323-foot span of the bridge.
Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisboa, Portugal
2. Avenida da Liberdade
Stroll tree-lined boulevards and shop luxury brands on a romantic city walk.
A shopper’s haven, the Avenida da Liberdade brings the world’s most famous fashion brands to one magnificent boulevard. Haute couture such as Emporio Armani, Burberry, Escada, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Timberland offer visitors the latest designer goodies whether they’re in the mood for clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, or more.
Other than shopping, visitors will also find a range of prestigious hotels where they can stay, dine, or just unwind, including Heritage Av Liberdade and the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. Avenida da Liberdade is more than designer boutiques and five-star hotels; it is also home to theatres, cafes, and architectural wonders and mansions grace the boulevard.
Av. da Liberdade, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
3. Belem Palace
View the presidential residence and enjoy a quick stop rich in history.
Portugal’s presidents have resided at Belem Palace for over a hundred years. Resting on a gently sloped hill surrounded by stunning gardens, the palace was built in 1559. Many kings have made restorations and alterations along the way, including a major developments made by King João V in the 18th century.
Visitors can explore the beautiful carvings and the richly furnished halls of the palace. There are many works of art to appreciate as well, and they range from paintings to statues. The Presidency Museum is open to visitors every day of the week except Mondays, and visitors can see an expansive collection of items portraying the country’s history, politics, and landscapes.
Calçada da Ajuda, 1349-022 Lisboa, Portugal
4. Belem Tower
Climb the turreted fortress and admire exciting riverside views on a cultural outing.
Belem Tower, also known as the Tower of St. Vincent or the Torre de Belém, is a fortified tower in Santa Maria de Belém’s civil parish. The tower was built in the early 16th century and meant to be a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon as well as part of Portugal’s defense system as commissioned by King John II.
It has since then been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides visitors with a great example of the Portuguese Manueline style. Other aspects of the four story tower that visitors would appreciate are the lioz limestone the structure is built from and the bastion.
Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
5. Berardo Collection Museum
Explore modern masterpieces and enjoy an affordable art-filled afternoon.
There are many artists who have contributed to Portugal’s art and culture history, and the Berardo Collection Museum hosts works from many of them. Also called the Museo Colecção Berardo, the museum is filled with modern and contemporary art for visitors to explore and appreciate.
The amazing permanent collection as well as the array of visiting temporary exhibitions offers something that every visitor would be enthralled by, and the works portray the diverse backgrounds that the artists come from. There are activities for visitors of all ages, including tours of the exhibits, art workshops, and other entertaining and educational programs.
Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Phone: 2-13-61-28-78
6. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Discover global treasures and relax on a peaceful, retirement-friendly museum visit.
From Egyptian and Greco-Roman art to Eastern Islamic and Armenian art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is filled with some of the most amazing pieces worldwide. Exhibits cover various locations and periods, and people come from all over the world to see the stunning artifacts that are separated by the Founder’s Collection and the Modern Collection.
The wide-ranging collection includes pieces such as a beautiful armoire by André-Charles Boulle circa 1700 and an illuminated bible from Istanbul circa 1623 that illustrates events such as the creation of Adam and Eve. The collection varies so much that all types of visitors will find something that they enjoy, no matter their age or interest.
Founder’s Collection, Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Phone: +35-12-17-82-34-61 x 5046
7. Carmo Convent
Walk open-air ruins and learn unusual history on a quiet city escape.
At one point Carmo Convent was the largest church in Lisbon; one of the original aspects includes a stone engraved at the entrance of the museum with Gothic lettering that says that Pope Clement VII granted faithful Christians who visit the church 40 days of indulgence.
Now, visitors come across a version of the church that is devastatingly beautiful, as it has no roof and the arches caved to rubble in the 1755 earthquake. Visitors will enjoy exploring the archaeological museum housed in what used to be the main altar as it’s filled with mosaics, ceramics, shrunken heads, 13th century coins, and an eclectic collection of tombs.
Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal
8. Cultural Centre of Belem
See exhibitions and catch a show in this exciting modern arts hub.
The award-winning Cultural Centre of Belem is home to the Berardo Museum, considered one of Lisbon’s best attractions at no cost to visitors. The center was originally built for the European presidency that Portugal hosted during the 1992 term, but it is now a massive complex for conferences, exhibitions, and the performing arts.
Touring ballets, operas, symphonies, concerts, and art displays are held at the center all year long. Additionally, the Cultural Centre of Belem also hosts political and research congresses in its high-security meeting halls. Visitors can explore the museum, catch one of the many events, or browse the stores, restaurants, and bars on site.
Praca do Imperio, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming jacaranda trees.
Olissippo Lapa Palace – A luxurious hilltop retreat with stunning city views.
Explore the Alfama District – Wander through historic streets and enjoy Fado music.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and vibrant, great for beaches and festivals.
Pousada de Lisboa – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Relax at Cascais Beach – Take a short trip to enjoy sun, sand, and fresh seafood.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa – A chic stay in the lively Bairro Alto district.
Visit Belém Tower – Discover one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy a pastel de nata.
Winter (December-February) – Cool but mild, with festive holiday charm.
Palácio do Governador – A cozy and elegant winter retreat near the Tagus River.
Experience Christmas Markets and Lights – Enjoy holiday festivities in Praça do Comércio and surrounding areas.
Plan Your Trip
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