Things to do in Lisbon

Things to do in Lisbon, come and visit the capital of Portugal. Lisbon is the most populous city in the country. Lisbon is considered a global city due to its importance in financial, commercial, media, artistic, educational and tourist aspects.

What are the Points of Interest and Reference in Lisbon?

Jerónimos Monastery

A very interesting monument to visit. The Jerónimos Monastery, National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) since 1983. Near the place where the Infante D. Henrique, in the middle of the century. XV, ordered to build a church under the invocation of St. Mary of Bethlehem, King D. Manuel I built a great monastery. In order to perpetuate the memory of the Infante, for his great devotion to Our Lady and his belief in St. Jerome, D. Manuel I decided to found in 1496 the Monastery of St. Maria de Belém, near the city of Lisbon, near the Tagus River. Donated to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome, it is now commonly known as the Jerónimos Monastery. Pantheon of the Aviz-Beja Dynasty, the Church hosts in the XIX graves of heroes and poets: Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões. A remarkable work of architecture is an integral part of Portuguese culture and identity.

Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço)

One of the most emblematic places of Lisbon, a must visit, is Praça do Comércio. Better known by Lisbon as Terreiro do Paço, since it was the Paço da Ribeira area until the 1755 earthquake, it is one of the largest squares in Europe. Being the living room of the city, it allows access to various points of interest, which you can not miss. The exhibitions and events at Pátio da Galé; the photographic opportunities of Cais das Colunas; and the city’s interactive discovery at the ground-breaking Lisbon Story Center are just some of the reasons to be dazzled by the monumental beauty of this square. It is also a must to visit and climb the Arch of Augusta Street, where you will be amazed by the symmetry of the streets, the Portuguese sidewalk and the extraordinary view of the Tagus. The square that has already received some of the most illustrious visitors of the city awaits you. Take the opportunity to rest at the feet of Don José I and the imposing Gentle Horse by Machado de Castro: an equestrian statue that illustrates the royal power as well as the nobility of the Lusitanian race., put Praça do Comércio in your list of things to do in Lisbon.

Nations’ park

Get to know the most contemporary Lisbon in this area totally rehabilitated for the great world exhibition on the Oceans in 1998. Marked by modern and luminous architecture; to the numerous gardens that connect with the river; and responsible for instigating happiness and satisfaction to those who visit; the Parque das Nações area is the ideal place to spend a family day. With plenty of places to visit such as:

• OCEANÁRIO: It is one of the largest aquariums in the world, but it is not only the size that makes it one of the greatest attractions of Lisbon.
• PONTE VASCO DA GAMA: The largest bridge in Europe seems to have no end, and can be seen up close in the Tejo Park.
• TORRE VASCO DA GAMA: The observation tower of Expo 98 is now a luxury hotel, with a restaurant right on top of the Tagus, open to all.
• ESTAÇÃO DO ORIENTE: One of the masterpieces of the architect Santiago Calatrava, who welcomes the neighborhood.
• PAVILHÃO DE PORTUGAL: One of the emblematic works of the architect awarded with a Pritzker, Álvaro Siza Vieira.
• ALTICE ARENA: What appears to be a spaceship is a pavilion used for the biggest concerts in the city, from the biggest stars of international music.
• CASINO LISBOA: The evenings and nights in this casino are not only passed to try the luck to the game. They are also made of spectacles, of meals in the restaurants, and of conviviality in the bars.
• ARTE PÚBLICA: Curious works by international artists are scattered along the riverside front.
• ESPLANADAS: Of the many terraces facing the Tagus, the best are near the Oceanarium.
• CENTRO VASCO DA GAMA: The Vasco da Gama shopping center has shops that are located in any other commercial center of the city, but also has a terrace overlooking many of the emblematic buildings of the Parque das Nações.

What Historic Places Not to Miss

Viewpoint of Grace

Get to know one of the best views of Lisbon. Situated in one of the famous hills of the city. The ideal place to put together two things that you have to do in Lisbon: take the tram 28 to Graça and sit on the graça viewpoint to enjoy the view. Situated on the hill next to the castle hill, the view over Lisbon is breathtaking and charming. The city stretches out at its feet, the daily life of the historic districts unfolds, the river Tagus flows to the bottom and the sound is lost in this space as quiet as sought by those who like to walk in Lisbon.

Chiado Palace

Not to be missed a wonderful dinner in the great Chiado Palace. Once upon a time there was an exquisite Palace, erected in the middle of 1781, where aristocracy and good vivants danced, gathered in fancy banquets and appreciated new works of art. A distinct Palace, whether for its elegant architecture or its history and its experiences, by hosting irreverent personalities associated with the origin of expressions such as “forrobodó” or, also famous, “the great and the French”.

Church of São Vicente de Fora

The Church and the Convent of São Vicente de Fora are a must stop when visiting Lisbon. Climb up the imposing staircase and discover the church, lined with stonework and decorated with marble, where the chapels of the Santíssimo and Nossa Senhora do Pilar stand out for their antiquity and excellent works of adornment. The main chapel also has a baroque altar ordered by D. João V and the organ of St. Vincent, one of the best in Lisbon. The Portaria Room, at the entrance of the convent, is also a recommended visit.

Sacred and Religious Sites

Church of São Roque

The Church of São Roque is a place not to miss on a visit to Lisbon. The original façade of this church from the end of the 19th century. XVI collapsed during the earthquake. The interior impresses with decorative richness, especially in the chapel of St. John the Baptist, masterpiece of the Italian baroque, which was built in Rome in 1742, dismounted and then transported to Lisbon where it was rebuilt in 1750. In the 3rd chapel from the right, the tiles are from the XVI. The sacristy is decorated with scenes from the life of St. Francis.

Church of São Domingos (Santa Justa and Rufina)

Get to know one of Lisbon’s most emblematic churches, which combines its extreme beauty with an ominous past. Between Rossio and Praça da Figueira, you will find the Church of St. Domingos, one of the most beautiful churches in the city.

Architectural Buildings

Gare do Oriente Station

The various pavilions of the 1998 Lisbon International Exhibition (Expo’98), mirror of contemporary architecture, now have different and varied contents and attractions.

Money Museum

Come see money! The Money Museum presents the theme of money, its history and evolution, in Portugal and in the world. The Money Museum, inaugurated in April 2016, is located in the Baixa de Lisboa, in the old church of S. Julião, and presents the theme of money, its history and its evolution, in Portugal and in the World.There are many things to see and do in this Museum: you can donate a testimony, mint and print coins and virtual notes with your face, see under the microscope the notes are made, and change, interact and let yourself be inspired by stories from all over the world.

Lisbon Cathedral (Church of Santa Maria Maior)

The Sé de Lisboa is one of the most iconic images of Lisbon and the most important church in the city. Discover the times and styles that adorn the various chapels and the cloister. It is impossible not to cross with the Sé during your stay in Lisbon: whether you climb the Castle, cross the river or contemplate the city from the various viewpoints facing East, Sé’s profile marks the oldest part of the city. Discover one of the most iconic images of Lisbon.

Monuments and Statues

Belém Tower

If you visit Portugal you can not miss a visit to Torre de Belém, a landmark monument of Lisbon and a basilar stone of Portuguese identity and symbol of a country facing the sea and the discovery of the world. Discoveries, Lisbon in the 15th and 16th centuries became the main center of commerce on a world scale. To protect the city, King João II conceived a pioneering project of maritime defense of Lisbon, which was completed in 1514, with the construction of the Torre de Belém, by the architect Francisco de Arruda.

Standard of the Discoveries

One of the most recent monuments of Lisbon is one where the history of Portugal. Come make your own discoveries in the Monument to the Discoveries. A monumental sculpture next to the river Tagus that celebrates the golden age of national history. This huge stone caravel was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Expo. Try to identify the main navigators, such as Bartolomeu Dias – who transformed the Cape of Storms into Cape of Good Hope; Vasco da Gama – who discovered the sea route to India; Pedro Álvares Cabral – who discovered Brazil; and Ferdinand Magellan – the first European to cross the South Pacific and circumnavigate the Earth. Visit the Cultural Center of the Discoveries; climb to the top to get a unique view of the Empire Square; and be inspired by how, in the fifteenth century, the little caravels left this point in Bethlehem to face the seas of the world.

Triumphal Arch of Augusta Street

Get to know the history of this triumphal arch in the exhibition hall in the Clock and feel yourself also a conqueror of Lisbon. Climb up one of the icons of Lisbon to have a unique view of the city. But nowadays, you can already visit the top of this unique monument and have a truly unique and impressive view of Lisbon’s Baixa and the Tagus River. It symbolizes the strength of Lisbon reborn after the fury of the land, the fire and the sea that consumed it in the earthquake of 1755. It is impossible not to be inspired by such values, in a 360º view from where you can see the best that Lisbon has for you to offer.

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