The permanent exhibition traces the evolution of tile-making from Moorish days through Spanish influence and the emergence of Portugal's own style. Exhibited chronologically, some of the earliest examples date from the 15th century and are displayed as complete panels of intricate patterns in vivid colors. Portuguese tile work features the more familiar blue and white azulejos , with one outstanding piece, a meter tiled panorama of pre-earthquake Lisbon, one of the highlights of the collection.
Entry to the museum includes access to the 16th-century church of Madre de Deus. Here, visitors are treated to one of the most ebullient and decorative church interiors anywhere in Portugal, a sumptuous Baroque showcase of gilded woodwork, shimmering 17th-century azulejos, and a stunning Rococo altarpiece.
Elevador de Santa Justa. Looming somewhat incongruously over the rooftops of Lisbon's Baixa downtown district is the odd-looking Santa Justa Lift, a neo-Gothic elevator and the most eccentric and novel means of public transport in the city. It was built as a means of connecting the Baixa with the Largo do Carmo in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, a trendy area of the city peppered with expensive shops, Fado houses, and small restaurants.
Today, it is curious tourists rather than the commuting public who make the meter jaunt to the top, traveling in wood-paneled cabins that still feature the original polished brass instruments.
The cabins creak their way to a platform set just below the top terrace. From here, passengers can either exit and walk across a bridge into Bairro Alto or opt to climb the spiral staircase that leads to the upper terrace. The views from the top are superb and take in a busy urban canvas of pedestrianized streets, picturesque squares, and the omnipresent castle and River Tagus.
You can also enjoy a wonderful perspective of the nearby Igreja do Carmo. Expect large queues throughout the summer season.
Another unique form of transport in Lisbon is the Elevador da Bica , a funicular railroad that was constructed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard and opened to the public in Today, it still rises above the steep Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and whisks passengers up to a panoramic viewpoint. The lower station of this funicular railroad is almost hidden behind a facade on the Rua de S.
Paulo with the inscription "Ascensor da Bica" no. Only a few cars journey here due to its sloping topography, narrow streets, and densely packed buildings. A series of earthquakes culminating in the devastating tremor completely destroyed that which stood in the 12th century. What you see today is a blend of architectural styles, the standout features being the twin castellated bell towers that embellish the downtown skyline — particularly evocative in the late afternoon when a setting sun burnishes the brickwork with a golden veneer.
Inside, a resplendent rose window helps illuminate a rather gloomy interior, and you're likely to head straight for the treasury where the cathedral's most valuable artifacts are on display, items that include silverware made up of chalices and reliquaries, intricately embroidered vestments, statuary, and a number of rare illustrated manuscripts.
It's also worth lingering in the Gothic cloister , not so much for its series of chapels including one that retains its 13th-century wrought-iron gate , but for the fact that on-site excavations have revealed the foundations of Roman and Moorish dwellings the cathedral was built over the ruins of a mosque and the archaeological dig is a worthwhile visitor attraction in its own right.
Lisbon Cathedral Map Historical. The design is deliberate. This landmark structure was built in to commemorate the th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
Henry himself stands at the fore, caravel in hand. After admiring those immortalized in stone, you can jump in an elevator and be whisked to the top of the monument for a seagull-eye's view of the riverfront and the surrounding vicinity. Sunk into the esplanade below is a huge pavement compass , a giant mosaic map of the world that charts the locations and dates each new land was discovered.
It's one of Lisbon's more unusual photo opportunities. Sintra's Pena Palace. Arguably one of the most rewarding day trip experiences out of Lisbon is a visit to the wonderfully romantic town of Sintra, a direct minute rail journey from the city center. Nestling in the foothills of the rugged Serra de Sintra — a rolling landscape of verdant woodland peppered with outcrops of granite — this enchanting destination unfolds as a scenic picture book of regal royal palaces, mysterious mansions, and a mighty Moorish castle dating from the 8th century.
Once the summer retreat for the Kings and Queens of Portugal, Sintra is deserving of its World Heritage Site status and remains a destination of majestic appeal. Explore Sintra National Park, see the stunning Pena National Palace and Sintra National Palace , and enjoy an exhilarating drive along the Atlantic coast on this eight-hour, small-group tour.
The landmark 19th-century arch lies at the northern edge of the concourse near the southern tip of Rua Augusta, the city's main pedestrianized thoroughfare.
Designed by Portuguese architect Santos de Carvalho and built to mark the reconstruction of the capital after the earthquake, the monument was inaugurated in It's only recently that the public has been allowed to visit the top of the arch, where a terrace is surmounted by an allegorical statue of Glory, itself crowning figures representing Bravery and Genius and decorated with wreaths. An elevator deposits visitors near the top, after which a steep spiral staircase needs to be navigated in order to reach the terrace.
From here, the view south is majestic and stretches away across the square and over the river. Turn north, and the vista takes in Rua Augusta and Lisbon's entire Baixa downtown district. A mechanical clock on the platform, made in , strikes the hour and half hour. The clock's mechanism, based inside the arch, can be admired in all its intricate detail as can an illustrated panel outlining the arch's own historic timeline. The family-friendly facility consists of six zones arranged chronologically and each dedicated to a particular period, or chapter, in the city's history.
Clever use of multimedia applications brings each zone to life, with some areas resembling film sets. Narration and dialogue heighten the sense of realism. Models, paintings, and photos all help to build up a picture of bygone Lisbon, but it's the 4D film depicting the earthquake that really brings history crashing into your experience. The room shakes and trembles as the disaster unfolds, and the whole episode is frighteningly realistic. The skeletal ruins of the Carmo church are among the most evocative of all Lisbon's historical monuments.
Built to an almost exclusive Gothic design, this Carmelite treasure was constructed between and Resplendent with its adjacent convent, Carmo was once the city's most distinguished church. But on the Sunday morning of November 1, , which happened to be All Saints' Day, a devastating earthquake struck the Portuguese capital. The violent tremors almost destroyed most of the building, and hundreds of worshippers perished under falling masonry.
The chancel withstood the shockwaves, but the rest of the church was never rebuilt. Today, visitors can wander the open nave, overshadowed by the surviving arches that bow upwards into the sky.
Among the more bizarre displays are two ancient mummies lying prone in their glass cases. Reached easily on foot, the square can also be accessed from the nearby Elevador de Santa Justa. Adorned with amethyst, lapis lazuli, precious marbles, and inlaid with gold, silver, and ivory, the chapel's centerpiece is the intricate mosaic The Baptism of Christ by Mattia Moretti completed in Above all this is a majestic ceiling — the only example in Lisbon of a painted ceiling from the Mannerist period.
The adjacent museum houses sacred art and the most valuable treasures of the church, including those from the Chapel of St. But spend time, too, seeking out exquisite individual pieces, like the reliquary casket of Saint Francis Xavier made in Goa in from pierced silver.
The ensemble of 18th-century vestments , resplendent in silk and gold embroidery, is a rare collection. Igreja de Sao Roque Map Historical. One of the more unusual visitor attractions in Lisbon is this extraordinary archaeological museum set on and beneath Rua Augusta in the city's Baixa downtown district.
The museum was built around excavations that had revealed the remains of Iron Age dwellings and Roman fish-preserving tanks unearthed by a building team during the construction of a new bank.
Archaeologists were called in, and as work progressed, more artifacts were discovered, including Roman mosaics, a 5th-century Christian burial chamber, and the foundations of Moorish walls and flooring.
The developers had chosen to build over a site that had been occupied by different civilizations over many thousands of years. Indeed, pottery and coins from the medieval period were also found, and 18th-century foundations identified. Instead of bulldozing over this fascinating multi-layered treasure trove, it was decided to preserve the entire site by building over and around it. Today, you can join a free, pre-booked guided tour that begins on the ground floor in the exhibition hall with glass floor panels that allow visitors to view sections of the excavated basement.
The history lesson continues downstairs, where you are led through a series of eerie, subterranean galleries designed to showcase that which remained hidden for millennia. By coincidence, the name of the bank is Millennium. At the northern end of the Campo Grande, this wonderful museum celebrates the art of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro The museum is located in a lovely old villa dating from It contains predominantly ceramics, which clearly demonstrate the caricatural bent of the artist.
Figures or faces are portrayed in the form of vases, cups, or teapots. Much of the work alludes to Portugal's history, and the pieces exhibit a mix of styles. If you want to and can, there are several places that also offer unique experiences. If you want to spend a different night, you can also enjoy one of the packages offered by both Casino Estoril and Casino Lisboa. Here you can enjoy a fantastic dinner and watch one of the shows scheduled for this special occasion — definitely, a unique experience!
As you may have noticed, Lisbon is a magnificent city, with many points of interest, a pleasant climate, authentic people, great cuisine and much more. Because of all this, this has been a favourite destination in Portugal for several years. Find out below what are the best times of the year to visit the Portuguese capital, taking into account, of course, your preferences.
In this regard, know that the hottest months are July and August, but you can enjoy good weather and pleasant temperatures between the months of May and October. If you want to know how residents of Lisbon celebrate these two occasions, there is nothing like choosing the first weeks of June or the last weeks of December. See how the city is decorated at these times and feel the unique atmosphere that characterise these moments.
If you are not a fan of large crowds, then avoid the high season, in particular the months of July and August as they are the most touristy months and those that attract the most people to the city. Although these months are the best to visit Lisbon, know that this is a city that can be visited throughout the year as it has a unique architectural, gastronomic and cultural richness that can be admired and enjoyed at any time.
If you choose to take a taxi, it will take you 15 minutes. You can also take the metro at the airport red line that will take you to the historic centre of Lisbon.
If you prefer to take the bus, check here the available lines. To know the prices of the tickets check here. Bus is a good option if there is no train station nearby. Check here the available lines connecting the whole country to Lisbon. Before you think of what to see in Lisbon you should think on how to go to the different places.
The best way to get around Lisbon is by public transportation metro, tram, bus. Buying this ticket will give you the chance to use the metro, buses, trams and lifts the times you want. Using this limitless ticket starts when you get in a public transport for the first time and lasts until the following day at the same hour. Always buy in the ticket machines, in metro stations. Are you going to visit Lisbon? Thank you! Skip to content.
The Cathedral 5. National Pantheon 6. Carmo Convent 7. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga Lx Factory Ajuda National Palace Monsanto Forest Park Fronteira Palace Lisbon Zoo Cristo Rei National Sanctuary To discover my Top of the best tours and activities in Lisbon, click here! Click on the map to access Google Maps. Book here your Hotel. Book here your Car. Book here the best Activities. About The Author. Tiago Tiago, 33 years old, Parisian for 18 years, I decided to go on an adventure and make my dream come true: get to know our country from one end to the other.
This small, wood-panelled space opened in and is lined with a dazzling array of colourfully packaged tins - sardines, tuna, anchovies, fish paste and the like. The wooden shelves lined with colourful cans invite you to purchase from the exclusive house brands, Tricana, Prata do Mar and Minor.
Markets, exhibitions, shops, cafes, concerts, parties. There is a whole world to discover in this cosmopolitan "factory" that completely altered the landscape of Alcantara in Essential things to do on your retail therapy excursion include a trip to renovated industrial complex LX factory, a shopping city within the city. This uber-trendy venue hosts an eclectic selection of places to eat, drink, dance and spend some serious Euros.
Here you can cut your hair, look for surfboards or even sleep. Lisbon's best club, with two dancefloors one loungey, one sweaty and a roof terrace overlooking the river. As the hip furniture indicates, it's a see-and-be-seen place, but the crowd is friendly and the measures Lisbon-large. House and guest DJs offer everything from electro and hip hop to bursts of '80s music.
Thursdays are popular with locals keen on leftfield names; on Saturdays the place is mobbed by out-of-towners. Lux's programme - which includes live bands and the odd Sunday afternoon event, as well as big international DJs - and its catch-all social role remain unrivalled.
Exude photogenic importance at the door if you arrive after 2am. One of Europe's leading fine arts museums, with exhibits dating from BC to the early 20th century. Audio-guides are available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese to help you get the most from the experience. There are also excellent temporary exhibitions, with pieces lent by institutions around the world. In the past, it was a luxury restaurant, a bingo hall, a nightclub, an office building and a warehouse.
This architectural UFO designed by Chaves da Costa has been given a new lease of life - and a much more peaceful one: it is a viewpoint, which was always its second calling anyway. Abandoned since , the Panoramic received only sporadic visits from urban explorers, tourists, curious onlookers and people armed with spray paint, who went there to do what people generally do with spray paint.
Since September 2nd, , it can be visited legally and safely. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to have an enduring presence in Asia and the Museum of the Orient, opened in , tells the story. The core exhibition includes unique maps and charts, priceless 17th- and 18th-century Chinese and Japanese painted screens and other Namban Western-influenced art, and an important collection of artefacts from Timor.
The separate 'Shadows of Asia' display has shadow puppets from a swathe of countries from Turkey to south-east Asia, drawn from the vast Kwok On collection. The museum runs courses on everything from languages to cuisine and ikebana, as well as hosting concerts of Asian, fusion and world music and dance. Tejo Bar is an alternative, informal place with a handful of tables with low seats and shelves loaded with books and board games. The design is unusual with red lighting, metallic structures, high tables and benches here.
This place inspired by Prohibition-era bars in the US has a clandestine air, not least because it is in basement and you must ring the bell to be let in. Head up Rua do Salitre, and stop when you see a red frog at the door. The drinks list was drawn up by an expert and has lots of very creative, very good and well mixed cocktails. Unlike other azulejo shops listed in this guide, this place stocks mostly mass-produced tiles.
But with hundreds of discontinued lines, it's a veritable museum of style through the decades and a great place to pick up one-off decorative bargains. For years, the owner snapped up stock from factories as they closed; now his grandchildren the netos of the name are busy selling it. It's one of the city's most interesting venues, with a regular programme of rock bands, electronic live acts, singer-songwriters and DJ sets all night on Fridays.
Note that some shows may start as late as 2am; for details, check the website, which is comprehensive. The space has an underground feel and look it's literally beneath steep Rua do Alecrim and is located in what was once one of Lisbon's seediest streets - and is now one of its buzziest at night. The food is Portuguese, prettified — bacalhau com natas with parmesan and the like — but really not up to the quality of the fado. It lasts an hour and a half.
Warning: this list is bound to grow, Lisbon being one of the best cities in the world. Wear comfortable trousers and go from there. These are the tastiest places to eat in this city right now: the freshest, most inventive and most memorable, ranked by expert local editors.
We value fun, flavour, freshness — and value at every price point. Eaten somewhere on this list and loved it? Lisbon is all about good food, nice weather, warm people and, last but not least, a lot of things to do. If you're planning a trip over the summer make sure to add these events in Lisbon to your things to do list. From June till November, get ready for an eventful year.
Are you into photography or would you rather stare at some amazing illustrations? Perhaps you are crazy about paintings. We've already covered the artworks you can't miss and now bring you the best art galleries in Lisbon with something for all of us.
Recommended: The best Lisbon museums. Don't worry about the weather too much, in Lisbon the sun is usually shinning. In this list you'll find the best views in Lisbon: viewpoints, or "miradouros" as we say in Portuguese, terraces, by the shore or from the river.
A sunrise you won't want to miss. Going out and doing things satisfies our need to explore, to learn and to grow and then to brag about it on social media. Our hope is that the DO List becomes not just your bucket list, but your inspiration to experience and appreciate the corners of magic in the world.
Explore Lisbon at your own pace on this Castle Tramcar tour. Your hour hop-on hop-off ticket lets you explore the city at your leisure. The hilly city of Lisbon might be home to the most beautiful elevator on the planet. About us.
Contact us. Discover the best of the city, first. We already have this email. Try another? The 33 best things to do in Lisbon.
0コメント