TravelToLisbon

Must-See Lisbon Sights – Belem

On your Lisbon sightseeing list, Belem must not be missed. This monumental and historical area is full of famous Lisbon sights and the starting point for Portugal’s voyages of discovery. In ancient times, Lisbon was extremely prosperous built monuments like the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. These are now heritage monuments and a must-see during your Lisbon vacation.

The Belem Tower - Among The Most Important Lisbon Sights
The Belem Tower was built in 1515 to guard Lisbon harbor’s entrance. The famous voyages of discovery started here, and it stands today as a testimonial to those times. UNESCO has designated it as a world heritage monument. This monument is of Manueline architectural design and depicts stone sculptures of the Discoveries, St Vincent and a rhinoceros. You will see Moorish influences here, as the architect who designed this monument was involved in Portuguese structures in Morocco. The part of the Tower facing the river has intricately designed windows, loggias and an impressive statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, which the sailors considered a mascot, protecting them on their voyages.   

The Belem Palace
You will see this magnificent palace sitting amidst gardens. Built in 1559, this is where the President resides. When a horrible earthquake occurred in 1755, King Jose I was in the palace and is said to have felt it mildly. Many other buildings in the area also withstood the ravages of the earthquake. In Belem Palace you will still see the grand halls, carvings, tiles and art. This is open for public viewing on Saturdays.   This palace houses the Presidency Museum, which is open on all days except Mondays. Here is where you can learn the story of the Portuguese Republic and its Presidents, the background of the national symbols. A part of the museum shows gifts received from prominent world leaders. The picturesque gardens in front of the palace have a statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Viceroy of India, mounted on a 20-meter high pedestal. 

The Ajuda Palace is equally breathtaking in its beauty. The Coaches Museum is an example of the grandeur of days gone by.

Belem is one Lisbon attraction to discover which calls for an entire day of travel so your Lisbon vacation planning must take this into account. Remember not to plan your tour of Belem for a Monday since several places in the area will be shut.

Other Lisbon attractions nearby are the Design Museum and the Jeronimos Monastery, which is the resting place of the great Vasco da Gama. As you go around Lisbon sightseeing, you can refresh yourself at the many Lisbon restaurants and pleasant outdoor cafes.

Whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss the world-famous custard tarts made at the café Antiga Confeitaria de Belem since 1841. You will be tempted to eat quite a few, but don’t forget to pack some for later.

A Major Lisbon Attraction – Its Fascinating History

While planning a Lisbon vacation, you may be entranced by its intriguing history. One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is also called the city of the seven hills. It has the hills, the Tagus river, exciting beaches and a year round lovely climate. With plenty of Lisbon sightseeing, your Lisbon travel planning will be a pleasantly challenging exercise.

Here’s An Overview Of Lisbon’s History
Lisbon’s history goes back to a mind-boggling 300,000 years according to archeological ruins. The charming city we know today where people never seem to be in a hurry with its rich heritage was called Alisubbo in Phoenician times. Legend has it that Ulysses, the Greek mythological hero, founded it during his Odyssey. Alisubbo subsequently became Lisbon. It became Portugal’s capital in 1255.

The earliest history of Lisbon talks about Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians who fought for the territory, but around 205 BC the Romans began their rule here and Lisbon flourished in the next two centuries. The Romans called it Felicitas Julia. Around 714, the Moors landed on the peninsula, fighting with the Christians for almost 400 years. Ultimately the Christians won and over another century, drove the Moors away.

A Momentous Happening In Lisbon’s History
The 15th century marked a turning point in Lisbon’s history. Portugal enjoyed a glorious period with an abundance of wealth. The discovery of off shore colonies in the Atlantic islands, Africa, America and Asia made it highly prosperous. A landmark was Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. During this period, Lisbon was the most prosperous trading center in the world with flourishing maritime activities. This resulted in beautiful present day Lisbon attractions like the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém built in Manueline style. These are designated world heritage sites today and are important Lisbon sightseeing spots.

Then, in 1755, there was a horrible earthquake that destroyed almost the entire city. Marquês de Pombal is credited with rebuilding the city. This was when the Baixa Pombalina was constructed, a commercial area that is a must see while you are visiting Lisbon. Lisbon rapidly progressed during the 19th and 20th centuries and many new avenues were added.

The Lisbon you see today is a city of great diversity. It is among the world’s favorite holiday destinations. You can easily get cheap accommodation in Lisbon. There are many Lisbon budget hotels, which your travel agent can book you into. Lisbon is where you can enjoy an inexpensive holiday, and get to see evidence of a great era gone by, with rich culture and tradition. Enjoy a slice of history while availing also of its vigorous nightlife. The past and present blend and make a seamless whole in Lisbon.

Lisbon Travel – Explore The Elegance

Lisbon, the heart and capital of Portugal transports you back in time. The authentic ancient architecture, the calm life, the no-hurried pace… people here seem not to have changed over time. As you plan a Lisbon Vacation, it is good to know of the various Lisbon attractions that are a must see and which, if included in your trip, make your vacation a truly memorable one.

Lisbon Sightseeing – A Flashback of The Days Gone By
When you visit Lisbon it would be a good idea to begin from the center of the city which is called the Plaza do Comercio, then travel right along the peaceful river Tajo, and either travel along the port promenade or visit the city itself to have a glimpse of the outstanding architecture, the numerous churches and the wonderful monuments.

It would be a good idea to rent a Lisbon vacation rental and travel to the surrounding fishing towns and lovely sandy beaches. After some relaxation one can venture to the countryside and visit a place called Evora. This town boasts of an old monument of 2nd or 3d century which is the temple of goddess Diana, and is regarded as an architectural masterpiece. Whether religious person or not, do not either forget to visit the city Fatima for the calm, peace and spiritual aura that invades the area. If intellect and knowledge attract you, do not miss visiting the grand old university city of Coimbra. Visiting the university grounds is a trip in itself. Besides, you can see the fertile vineyards in Mino river valley and also visit the vine cellars and taste different types of wine. Truly Lisbon sights are a treat for the eyes with many architectural landmarks, so always be on the watch out for some spectacular work of art.

Lisbon Dining – Tasty Portuguese Cuisine
As a vacationer to this beautiful place make sure to visit some of the fine Lisbon restaurants and do not miss out on the special dishes of Lisbon. If you are a seafood lover, Lisbon has various local and internationally acclaimed dishes to offer. During the popular saints’ celebration, normally in summer, grilled sardine is the favorite dish and you can’t avoid its aroma in regions like Alfama, Bairo Alto etc. Even though Portugal is known for its variety of fresh fish, the dried salted codfish known as “balcahau” is the national dish. Portugal is also famous for its wide variety of wine. If you are a “sweet” person, definitely try the world famous pasties de belem custard tarts in Belem.

As you embark on your Lisbon vacation, be sure to carry sufficient amount of euros with you. This currency is acceptable anywhere in Europe.

Lisbon Sightseeing – Places You Should Not Miss

Lisbon has very convenient means of transport. A city of seven hills and a river running through, it is quite easy to navigate as trams, rail, and cabs are available at affordable costs. It is good to know some of the places to visit before planning your Lisbon Vacation.

Castelo do sao George:
This ancient castle has been a fortress since the fifth century AD, and is situated on a hill near the Tagus river. A good place to relax and walk around on the hilly slopes, the Castelo do sao George is a treat to tourists. There is a multimedia show screened during the daytime which gives a glimpse into the history and culture of Lisbon.

Alfama:
Alfama may be termed as the oldest part of Lisbon and stretches down the hillside below the castle. It retains the old traditions and culture of Lisbon. One must see the works of architecture, the old beautiful churches, historic buildings and displays of coat of arms showing old aristocratic Lisbon.

Se (Cathedral):
Though it may not be very attractive from outside, it was the first church to be built in Lisbon and boasts of some ancient relics like the font where St Antony was baptized.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Museum:
Do not miss this museum during your Lisbon vacation if you are a lover of antiques as it houses one of the world’s finest art collections. It has a wide collection of antiques, ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware from different civilizations and is a place worth seeing. The place also hosts cultural shows, work exhibitions, art exhibitions and performing arts.

Monument to Discoveries:
This spot is situated at Belem, where river Tagus meets the sea, the place from which marine explorers began their historic expedition to discover the world. The monument is a huge caravel with Prince Henry at the helm and behind him renowned explorers and other patrons.

Tower of Belem:
The tower is located on the river Tagus and is one of Lisbon’s most photographed monuments. It is one of the Lisbon sights one should definitely see as it is very beautifully adorned on the outside with stone carved rope, lovely balconies with watchtowers and battlements shaped as shields.

Parque das Nacoes:
Renamed after hosting expo 98 this place has become one of Lisbon’s  main attractions. The place offers several areas worth seeing like the Lisbon oceanarium which holds about 15000 living marine beings. There is also the Virtual Realty Pavilion which shows the glorious discoveries by Portuguese explorers.

Lisbon Attractions: A Day Trip To Sintra

Make sure you add the beautiful town of Sintra on the Lisbon coast to your list when you do your Lisbon vacation planning. Sintra, famous for its delicious cheesecakes is full of enchanting sights. The town itself appears like a storybook setting with ancient monuments, the sea and the mountains. Designated as a world heritage site by the UNESCO, Sintra used to be the home of aristocrats who built their palaces here. The royal palace, Paco Real and the National Palace of Pena, the Moors castle, the Monserrate palace and its gardens, the Toy Museum are just a few of the places that you must not miss on your Lisbon Vacation. Sintra also abounds in natural beauty and it is a pleasure to walk around the place, letting it envelop you in its interesting history.

You could probably do a daytrip to Sintra from Lisbon, but it is best to stay overnight because there are so many places to see and enjoy. While shopping for cheap flights to Lisbon and Lisbon budget hotels, you can also browse for good deals in Sintra. Sintra is just a thirty-minute drive from Lisbon on the IC19 highway. But to really enjoy your journey here, opt for the 40-minute train ride from Entre Campos or Areero stations from central Lisbon.

About Sintra
The Portuguese royal family used Sintra as a summer getaway. The National Palace built in the 14th century is in the main square  and is distinctive in its appearance. There is a huge collection of Mudejar Azulejos or colored glazed tiles. There is a coat of arms room featuring 74 Portuguese noble families’ coat of arms. This Palace is exceptionally beautiful.

Next comes the Pena Palace, which was built around 1840 complete with drawbridge, turrets domes – all pleasingly colored in pastel shade colors. The interiors are breathtaking and the ornaments, painting and porcelain worth millions are just as the royal family left them. The lovely park around the palace is a pleasure to stroll in and is lush with exotic species of plants, ponds, black swans, etc. A statue of King Ferdinand is in the park.

Visit the 19th century Regaleira Palace with its unique architecture and gardens. The Seteais Palace, now a luxury hotel, is opposite the Regaleira.  A little further ahead is the Monserrate Palace and is all set to become a museum. The lovely gardens feature waterfalls and flowering plants. The Capuchos Convent, where the friars meditate is something you must see. 

Sintra’s highest hill has the Moorish castle from where you can enjoy fabulous views. The Toy museum houses thousands of years old toys from across the world. There are plenty of fountains all over Sintra. Don’t forget to savor the Queijada de Sintra, the local cheese tart with cinnamon flavor.

Enjoy The Nightlife On Your Lisbon Vacation

A vibrant nightlife is a huge Lisbon attraction for those on a Lisbon vacation. Most people on their Lisbon travel have expressed that for those with just one night in Lisbon, experiencing a few unforgettable hours at a Fado club is a must. Lisbon’s heart-rending music, the Fado bewitches all those who hear it. Today, Lisbon is reputed as one of Europe’s most fashionable cities and you will find a very cosmopolitan crowd. 

The Highlight Of Lisbon Nightlife - Fado
There are many world-renowned Fado singers who flock to Lisbon. In fact, it is considered bad manners to chat with your group when you attend a Fado show. A majority of the Fado clubs is around the Bairro Alto and Alfama, two major Lisbon attractions.  One of the ways to enjoy Lisbon nightlife is to alternate between these two areas. Between the Largo do Chafariz in Alfama and the Largo de Sao Roque at Bairro Alto, are the best places where you can have a good time.

There are many theater events and cinemas you can visit. The Lisbon tourist office has information about happening events in the city.  At your Lisbon hotel, the concierge will usually be a good source of information if you need to book seats anywhere.  It is party time in Lisbon after sunset. You will find that most bars open after 10 or even 11 pm and the most fashionable Lisboates will walk into clubs around 1 am! So be ready to stay up very, very late when you are on your Lisbon vacation. There are roughly a hundred and fifty Lisbon restaurants and bars that literally vibrate after dark.

Every Night Is Party Time In Lisbon!
If you are out at the Fado Clubs it is not compulsory to have your dinner there. The locals will tell you that though the music starts at around 9 pm, it is better to be there after 11 pm and you can stay till dawn. 

Most Lisboates begin the evening in an outdoor café in Chiado to meet up with their friends and then enjoy dinner at a Lisbon restaurant in the Bairro Alto. After this, is when the action starts. There are various kinds of bars that are open till about 4 am after which people head for the river, to hang around the docks and watch the sun rise.

You can drink and enjoy another major Lisbon attraction – which is Port Wine. There is a bar established by the Port Wine Institute just after the World War II, on the Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, which has a great ambience. It is located close to the Glória funicular and the fado clubs of the Bairro Alto. In this Iberian atmosphere you can pick from more than 200 kinds of port wine.

In addition to the numerous Lisbon attractions, you will find around eight gay nightspots in the Principe Real district.         

Daytrips On Your Lisbon Vacation

Lisbon is ideally placed for you to visit the surrounding areas and towns easily during your Lisbon vacation. Apart from all the Lisbon attractions you will enjoy, there are enchanting towns, villages and World Heritage Sites nearby, that are accessible from Lisbon by train, car or bus. Lisbon is very well connected with its neighboring towns and during your Lisbon vacation planning; you can manage to fit in quite a few Lisbon sights.

In addition to Estoril, Cascais, Sintra, Queluz, Mafra, Ericeira, and the places around and in between them, the following places are a must see on your Lisbon travel. These can be achieved as day trips. But for those who wish to experience the real Portugal on their Lisbon vacation, it might be a great idea to stay over, too.

Óbidos 
Óbidos looks just like a picture post card with its whitewashed houses, orange tiled roofs, charming cobblestone streets and flower-filled balconies. The castle is very prominent here and a Moorish wall surrounds the town itself. The place used to be a fortress by the sea. Around 1228, when King Dinis came by Obidos his wife was charmed by the town. So he gifted it to her and Obidos came to be called the wedding present town! The whole of Obidos is a national monument. You can explore the entire village on foot. The old castle has been renovated into a magnificent Pousada and for an authentic experience that is very different from a Lisbon hotel, you can actually get to stay there if you reserve well in advance.

Close to Obidos are the towns of Nazare and Peniche. Here you will find fine beaches and seafood. You can also enjoy riding and golfing here. Thanks to the new highway system, Obidos is very well connected to various locations. To the west of Obidos within a few miles is the Estremadura, also called the land of sea and vineyards.  The Foz do Arelho here has plenty of street cafes and seafood restaurants, water sports and scenic views of the Atlantic and Obidos Lagoon.

Fátima
Fatima is a world famous shrine. Legend has it that three children saw the Virgin Mary while tending their sheep, in 1917. There is a chapel here to mark the spot. The Basilica of Fatima is huge enough to accommodate 300,000 people inside it. There is also a wax museum here, which depicts the story of the apparitions in 28 scenes with wax figures. People visit here from all over the world with faith.

Setúbal
This is the third largest city in Portugal. There is a wonderful market here, the Antigo Mercado do Liviaments which is a huge indoor market with several rows of vegetable stands, meat and fish. Sesimbra, near Setubal is a thriving seaport with lovelybeaches.  Nearby, in Palmela a wine toursim center called the Casa-Mãe Da Rota Dos Vinhos has excellent wines including the famous muscatels of Setubal. 

Other places that can be covered while traveling to the above places are the Arrabida, Evora, Alcobaca, Batalha, etc.

Lisbon: Make More Out Of Your Vacations

Lisbon is a growing city with the old world charm that attracts visitors from all over the world. This city is located beautifully in the hills that overlook River Tagus where it joins the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its strategic location, it offers scenic views, a mild and moderate climate and a comfortable getaway for tourists seeking relaxing Lisbon vacations.

Some Secret Attractions Of Lisbon:

Here is an inside look at Lisbon which is not often seen by the casual travelers, but are must visit places in your Lisbon travel program.

Markets of Lisbon: In the heart of the city, there is this big market of Ribeira Nova behind the Cais Do Sodre railway station. Under the enormous roof shelters, you will find the finest produce, used by the restaurants of Lisbon. The fresh produce arrives in the morning by trucks, donkeys, even some balanced by Lisboan women on their head. The fishermen drop their catch at  dawn. They bring cod, squid, bass, hake and swordfish and place them on marble counters to sell. While you are on a Lisbon vacation, don’t forget to eat the juiciest peaches and most aromatic tomatoes. The rich soil produces large cabbages and carrots freshly delivered to the markets.

Estufa Fria (The Greenhouse): This is a beautiful park named after Queen Victoria’s son to commemorate these three trips to Lisbon. The park resembles a rainforest with its tropical plants growing enormously against the backdrop of streams and rocks. There is an entry fee of $1.50 for this park. It is one of the major Lisbon attractions.

Other major tourist attractions are the Botanical Garden, the British Cemetery and Auguas Livres Aqueduct. The Aqueduct, built in early 18th century, stretches for about 18 kms and is visible from the highway (N7) that leads to Estoril. Some of the 109 arches are visible above ground, while the rest is underground.

Lisbon used to be one of the safest cities of Europe, but no more so. Especially at night, bandits working in groups of 2 or 3 have been reported to attack tourists. They extract cash, cards, any thing of value and might demand your ATM code too. So while on Lisbon travel, beware of these culprits, take care of your things, and refrain from roaming the deserted streets at night.

For all other services like Doctors, Foreign Exchange, Babysitters, Lost & Found, Transit Information etc., your hotel staff is the best and most trusted source. You can get helpline numbers from them and call yourself too; there is bilingual English speaking help available.

During your Lisbon vacations, make sure you have full information of the places you are going to visit. If you are considering an off-season visit in spring or fall, you will face less tourist traffic and enjoy the sights and structures, culture and spirit of the city in a more relaxed Lisbon vacations.

Alfama - Lisbon Attraction And Walker’s Paradise

Alfama is an absolutely not to be missed Lisbon attraction during your Lisbon travel. By visiting Alfama on your Lisbon vacation, you will experience the old glorious Lisbon as it used to be in ancient times. The enchanting narrow streets with steep stairs make it a walkers’ haven. Here you will get a feel of Lisbon’s heritage that filtered down from its roman and Arabic past. Lisbon owes its narrow streets to Muslim culture. Once upon a time Alfama, being close to the river was the residential area of sailors. 

Alfama’s Past

Thanks to its solid foundation, Alfama did not suffer too much from the 1755 earthquake and it is a great historical relic of Lisbon. When you walk through the area, you will be amazed by the fantastic views at various points. Alfama is just like a storybook village with plenty of churches, squares, picturesque houses with wrought iron railings and colorful flowerpots. Though Romans and Jews were early settlers, the district came to be named Alfama by the Moors. Alhama is a spring, relating to the hot springs in this area.

What You Will See In Alfama Today

In Alfama, during your Lisbon vacation, you will find plenty of very old houses as well as well-off homes with recent investments. You will also see plenty of Lisbon hotels and Lisbon restaurants housed in the authentic traditional architecture. It is said that Alfama inspired Fado music and is seeing a lot of Fado houses coming up. This is another Lisbon attraction you must enjoy during your Lisbon vacation. With its old world charm, you will find it is a pleasure to walk around aimlessly. The St George’s castle is definitely worth a visit, and you will be rewarded with some of the best views you have ever seen in your whole life. Sunset is a particularly wonderful time.

Don’t forget to see the Tile Museum here, which is quite breathtaking. In Alfama, you will also see the famous Sao Vicente de Fora Church. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a lovely place that presides over Alfama, with café terraces where you can cool after when you are pleasantly tired from your walk.

Lisbon celebrates its patron saints in June, and if your Lisbon vacation happens to be during this time, you will see the streets decorated with lamps and filled with people having a great time.

Alfama is not just a view into 16th century Lisbon; there are also contemporary areas near the river’s waterfront where you will see posh design stores, some great Lisbon restaurants. Here you will also see Lux, one of Europe’s most well known clubs.

Discovering Lisbon by Foot

Lisbon has an enigmatic appeal. With its rich historical past and beautiful landscape, it has managed to capture the imagination of people for centuries. The mild climate makes vacations enjoyable in Portugal’s capital, and beach activities are fun filled and engrossing. Cheap flights to Lisbon are available by the plenty so Lisbon vacation planning is pretty convenient. A Lisbon vacation means not just simple beach activities or sight seeing; it is like going to back to another era and experiencing all that happened there!

An interesting facet of Lisbon travel is that you will experience an amalgamation of the old and the new, modern surroundings home to an old world charm. Lisbon received a lot of exposure after the mega soccer event Euro2004 and since then people are even more hooked to it. Tourists come in droves to absorb its exotic European flavors as well as its inheritances from Brazil and India. Lisbon attractions include the Bairro Alto area, which is home to the best restaurants and nightclubs in Lisbon! Therefore, there is no dearth of great night out options available!

Lisbon Accommodations will never be a problem, ranging from five stars to budget. Lisbon Hotels are meant to suit every pocket and need. Good accommodation means a great vacation, because if you are comfortably settled, you can enjoy the city all the more! If the history of Lisbon is what you are interested in, then there are many museums that are waiting for you to explore. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is a spectacular gift of oriental and classical art left by a private collector for the benefit of Lisbon’s people.

The Nations Park is another of Lisbon’s attractions, the site for Expo98, and the biggest attraction, which is Europe’s largest Oceanrium. The place is a family attraction now with loads of restaurants so one can have a field day there. Explore Lisbon on foot if you can because not only will that be faster and more convenient, you will be able to connect with the city better this way.

You should have time in your hands to get to know Lisbon better because each attraction deserves time and eventually it is you who will treasure the sights of Lisbon as one of the most memorable of your vacations. Remember, exploring Lisbon on foot can be a challenge but a worthwhile one. The hospitable Lisbon people and weather both are going to tempt you to extend your vacation here.