Lisbon City Guide
Belam Tower, Lisbon
The city has become legendary as a result of its seven hills and the mosaic footpaths which take you to viewpoints which display the beauty of the city. You may also find yourself wondering through some of the historical streets and buildings that are dotted around the city. Lisbon also has an urban culture which can be found in its abundance of restaurants, bars and shopping districts.
Historical Attractions
The Belem Tower is a sight which many tourists flock to on their Portuguese holiday; there is a Moroccan feel running through the World Heritage Site, a great example is the Moorish style watch towers. The Venetian style loggias and statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming mean that this monument is one of the most photographed within all of Portugal.
The Jeronimos Monastery is also a must-see attraction; this impressive building showcases Portugal’s power and wealth through its vast size and intricate design. There are many great Portuguese icons such as the poet Fernando Pessoa and Alexandre Herculano who are buried here. These tombs exist amongst columns where their carvings depict a monstrous sea life; the multitude of artwork means that there is plenty for you to stroll around and explore.
Lisbon Museums
The Gubenkian Museum is one of Europe’s hidden treasures as it houses a variety of arts from a great range of cultures, time periods and countries. The magnificent collection contains such great pieces as a gold Egyptian mummy mask, a series of bronze cats and Hellenic coins. There are also rare pieces like Chinese porcelain, Japanese prints and Persian tapestries.
The tile museum is another excellent place to visit as it traces the production and history of tiles throughout the eras. The collection is housed within Madre de Deus Convent; the interior of this building is completely breathtaking due to its regal decor and intricate design work. You are also able to view the majestic paintings which depict religious scenes and the lives of saints.
Shopping Districts
The Avenida da Liberdade is home to well-known designer brands. The shops span between Prada and Louis Vuitton and it is the perfect place to buy a treat for yourself or a souvenir for someone special. The Principe Real district and Bairro Alto have more traditional Portuguese shops; you can find local designers as well as local boutiques to delve into. The Riberia Market is a great place to explore on Tuesday and Saturday mornings; you can find local produce as well Portuguese trinkets at bargain prices.
Beaches
Lisbon has been blessed with a multitude of sandy beaches close by – whilst the waters are quite cool the expanses of sands and beautiful backdrops mean that the Lisbon coast is perfect for a beach holiday. The nearby Cascais has several beaches which attract both tourists and locals; Carcavelos and Estoril are popular with younger visitors as there are a plenitude of sports and activities to enjoy. Guincho is another beautiful beach; the great waves mean that many surfers flock to the waters each year. You may also want to try out Costa da Caparica, Meco, Troia and Adraga; all are perfect for your relaxing retreat away.
5 Day Weather Forecast for Lisbon
