Three days, Five bairros

Our Local Expert Says:

The tower's architecture and role in Portugal's 16th-century maritime expansion has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Description:

The Belém Tower dates from the early 16th century and was built as a sea fortress to defend the approaches to Lisbon. Fortunately it was never used in any battle and today is one of the city's most emblematic monuments. Its exterior is a delightful confection of the Manueline architectural style combined with Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic flourishes. Seafaring and navigational elements abound, with rope and knots carved in stone and sculptured armillary spheres decorating the façade. A statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming stands on the main deck and reinforces the symbolism of maritime exploration that the tower represents. The interior of the building is less eccentric and comprises a vaulted dungeon lined with cannon and the now empty Governor's Room. Splendid views of the River Tejo can be enjoyed from the battlements and the domed watchtowers that lean over the water's edge. © NileGuide2011

Our Local Expert Says:

The best views of Belém are had from the top of this monumental structure.

Description:

Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries stands tall over the Belém waterfront. The massive angular monolith was erected in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. Designed in the shape of a caravel, it commemorates Portugal's Age of Discovery. Henry the Navigator stands at the prow, peering across the ocean. Other prominent figures of the age immortalized in stone on either side of the monument include Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Dom Manuel I and the poet Camões, clutching a copy of Os Lusíadas. Visitors can take a lift to the top of the 52-metre monument and gaze down over the Rosa dos Ventos, the huge pavement mosaic charting the routes of Portuguese mariners. Look ahead and take in the astonishing beauty of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Turn round and enjoy majestic views across the River Tagus. Remember to check the interior. Regular exhibitions take place in a small gallery within the structure.

Our Local Expert Says:

An entertaining and informative way of learning more about the sea routes taken by intrepid Portuguese navigators.

Description:

Portugal's Age of Discovery effectively began in 1415 with the capture of the North African city of Ceuta. By 1543 they had reached Japan! Along the way Diogo Gomes discovered the Cape Verde archipelago, Bartolomeu Dias rounded the toe of Africa, Vaso da Gama landed in India and Pedro Álves Cabral reached Brazil. These and other astonishing feats of Portuguese maritime exploration are cleverly illustrated as a beautifully designed rosa dos ventos, or wind compass, a huge circular mosaic lying at the foot of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument in Belém. At the centre of the compass is a map of the world that charts in chronological order the dates on which each new land was discovered. Visitors can shuffle along the coast of Africa, step across the Indian Ocean and have their photographs taken standing in the Far East in just a matter of minutes. To appreciate the scale of the mosaic nip up to the top of the Discoveries monument for a bird's eye view. © NileGuide2011

Our Local Expert Says:

Can you believe the Portuguese made it to Japan by the early 1540's?!

Description:

At the foot of the Monument to the Discoveries in Belém, there's an outdoor map following the history of the discoveries. Walk over the routes on this world map and follow the Portuguese explorers' voyages while feeling the wind off the Tagus river.

Description:

A ubiquitous city landmark, the 25th April Bridge was originally called the Ponte Salazar after António Salazar, the dictator who commissioned its construction in 1966. It was renamed to commemorate the peaceful revolution of 25 April 1974. The 2 km (half a mile) steel suspension bridge connects central Lisbon with the south bank of the River Tejo and is a major road and rail link. Its design resembles that of San Francisco's Golden Gate in the United States; it was the American Bridge Company that built it and strengthened the structure in 1999 when railway platform that runs underneath the six-lane upper tier was added. The bridge is tolled northbound, with the pay booths located on the south bank. There is no toll charge southbound or during the busy holiday month of August. This is not a visitor attraction, although it's possible to jog across the span during the annual Lisbon half-marathon event.

Description:

Built between 1947 and 1949 and sculpted by Francisco Franco, the Cristo Rei is a replica of the Christ the King statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are people who say it was built to thank God for Portugal's non-involvement in the Second World War. The pedestal is 82 metres high and the statue is 28 metres high, and an elevator takes you to the top, where there is a splendid view over Lisbon, Almada and the Tagus River.

Our Local Expert Says:

Portugal's golden Age of Discoveries is epitomised by this extraordinary building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Description:

One of the city's great historic landmarks, this early 16th-century masterpiece of Manueline architecture stands as a monument to Portugal's great era of exploration, its Age of Discovery. Commissioned by Manuel I in 1501, the monastery, a celebrates Vasco da Gama's intrepid 1498 voyage to India which opened up a sea route from Europe to the subcontinent and initiated the lucrative spice trade. The exuberant decoration unites religious themes with nautical motifs and the filigree stonework is astonishing in its detail. The richly carved imagery is particularly evident throughout the beautiful arcaded cloister - the ornamentation resembles delicate lacework. A highpoint is the spectacular church nave and its vaulted ceiling, a veritable spider's web of sinewy limestone supported by sleek, lofty columns. The polished tombs of Vasco da Gama and the 16th-century poet Luís de Camões, whose epic Os Lusìadas chronicles the Discoveries, are found near the entrance. © NileGuide2011




































































The Jeronimos Monastery , which is made entirely out of limestone was built to thank God for the safe return of all those Portuguese explorers who... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Get 'em while they're hot! If the cafe is full, get your "pasteis de Belém" to go and sit out in front of the Jernóimos Monastery to eat them.

Description:

You can't leave Lisbon without devouring a "pasteis de Belém"- cream filled pastries whose secret recipe is kept safe here. Many other pastry shops try to copy it, but go on in and watch the bakers here making the original treat. You can sit down and have a toasted sandwich as an excuse to get to desert.

Description:

The Centro Cultural de Belém is a majestic building that rises up in the heart of the Belém district. The building was designed by Vitorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado, and the interior was created by Daciano Costa. The centre is divided into four large areas, the meeting area, the show area, the exhibition area, and an area which focuses on the art of animation and the teaching of art. There are numerous exhibitons all year round, and to get the latest news and dates, it's a good idea to check the CCB's official website.

Description:

The Pensão Praça da Figueira is the best option for an inexpensive dwelling. It has different types of rooms-single, double, with or without attached showers and some with refrigerators and TVs. However, all the rooms are quite neat and pleasant and good value for your money. The hotel does not serve meals, but the street outside is lined with small cafes and bistros. Pensão's location is another added bonus, as it is close to all major attractions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Designed and built by a pupil of Gustav Eiffel.

Description:

Looming somewhat incongruously above the terracotta rooftops of the city's Baixa district is this handsome wrought-iron elevator, built in 1902 by French architect Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard, a pupil of Gustav Eiffel. The neo-Gothic design does tend to conjure up images of the tower in Paris, even down to the embellished filigree motifs. And it's equally alluring. An antique-styled car takes passengers to the near top of the structure to disgorge them onto a walkway that links the Largo do Carmo in Bairro Alto. From here it's a short, steep climb up a narrow spiral staircase to the viewing platform, 45m above street level. The giddy 360-degree views embrace Lisbon's busy downtown grid, the nearby ruins of the Convento do Carmo and the River Tejo. Unfortunately the rooftop café is no longer functioning. For a cheaper thrill, pass on the ride and walk up to Largo do Carmo. From here you can cross the bridge and take the stairs. © NileGuide2011

Our Local Expert Says:

Probably the most evocative of Lisbon's religious monuments and a permanent reminder of the devastating 1755 earthquake.

Description:

The semi-ruins of this late 14th-century Carmelite church are a permanent reminder of the tragedy that befell Lisbon on 1 November 1755 when a devastating earthquake reduced much of the city to rubble. During the tremors the convent's vaulted ceiling collapsed crushing the assembled parishioners who were celebrating All Saints' Day, and it's the skeletal remains of the surviving arches which are today so evocative of that fateful day. The roofless nave, open to the sky, is fringed either side by weathered pillars. Classical music concerts are occasionally held here during the summer. Otherwise, an overwhelming feeling of solitude prevails and the atmosphere is poignant - remember that many lives were lost here. An engaging archaeology museum is housed in what used to be the main alter. Carved tombs, baroque azulejos (tiles), a display of 13th-century coins and, bizarrely, three ancient mummies, form part of the modest collection. © NileGuide2011

Description:

The São Roque church was constructed by Jesuits in the 16th century on the old site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Roch. During times of plague and disease epidemics, people would pray to Saint Roch for health. Upon entering the church, the elaborately crafted mannerist ceiling catches your attention with its carved and painted Prussian wood. All of the chapels lining the main nave are impressive, but the most is the St. John the Baptist one which is decorated in rich marble, gold, and lapis lazuli. You can also pay homage to Saint Roch in his chapel which is located on the site of the original chapel. Leaving the church the exterior façade is shockingly simple.

Description:

This is a small restaurant in the heart of the Barrio Alto where you can get some home cooking.

Our Local Expert Says:

This museum enjoys a wonderfully romantic setting.

Description:

A fine collection of Portuguese contemporary art is showcased in this wonderfully engaging museum, which is housed in the refurbished Convento de São Francisco. The exhibition is presented in 12 rooms over three floors and includes the entire collection of 1850-1950 paintings that were held in the original Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea (National Museum of Contemporary Art) before being incorporated into the convent building in 1994. The Portuguese painting and sculpture displayed here is themed depending on the period it represents and includes works from the Romanticism, Naturalism, Expressionism, Surrealism and Modernism periods. Not everything can be displayed at once so exhibitions are rotated and are complemented by temporary installations of 21st-century art, including innovative video presentations. Don't miss Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro's fantastically expressive Grupo de Leão (1885) and the portfolio of drawings by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. A useful café is set within the attractive gardens.

Our Local Expert Says:

There's a big book and music shop here where you can pick up texts in English or a Fado CD to bring the traditional Portuguese music home.

Description:

Recently reconstructed after being destroyed by fire in 1988, do Chiado has grown into a bustling commercial district. Álvaro Vieira, a well known Portuguese architect was responsible for designing and developing the space into what it is today. The complex is a shopper s paradise and is home to some of the most refined shops in Lisbon.

Description:

The Pensão Praça da Figueira is the best option for an inexpensive dwelling. It has different types of rooms-single, double, with or without attached showers and some with refrigerators and TVs. However, all the rooms are quite neat and pleasant and good value for your money. The hotel does not serve meals, but the street outside is lined with small cafes and bistros. Pensão's location is another added bonus, as it is close to all major attractions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lined with a number of good restaurants and cafés, this is also where a number of buses and trams pick up and drop off.

Description:

This vast concourse dips its toes in the River Tagus and is flanked on three sides by shaded arcades built under mustard coloured facades. Known also as Terreiro do Paço, the landmark square is one of the city's great reference points. Historically significant as the site of Lisbon's royal place for 400 years (destroyed in the 1755 earthquake), the layout is crowned by the huge triumphal arch on the north side of the square that acts as a gateway to the Baixa. The southwest promenade is served by Martinho da Arcada, Lisbon's oldest café, while the recently re-opened Terreiro do Paço restaurant and the new Aura restaurant entice visitors on the western side of the square. The bronze statue in the centre of the square depicts a mounted King José I and was erected in 1775. Interestingly, the serpents around the horse's hooves manage to dissuade pigeons from alighting on the plinth.

Description:

The foundation of the Sé cathedral was laid in 1147, the same year Alfonso Henriques won a defining battle against the moors. Through archeological excavations on this site remains of the Visigoth presence and Roman roads were found. Parts of the mosque that once stood here have also been discovered. The Sé has gone through several transformations over the centuries of style evolution partly due to earthquakes. Lisbon's patron saint, Saint Vincent, was buried here until the 1755 earthquake destroyed his remains. His body, minus his arm, was carried by ship from Valencia, Spain, and was followed by two black ravens the entire journey. Look out for the symbol of Saint Vincent's boat and his two ravens all over town!

Our Local Expert Says:

Picture postcard views don't come much better than this.

Description:

Lisbon's position, built as it is on seven hills, affords impressive panoramas from viewpoints knows as miradouros. One of the city's finest is Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This miradouro is in fact the terrace by the church of Santa Luzia and is set under a pergola with tiled pillars. During the summer, purple bougainvillea embellishes the veranda. The sweeping views take in the chalk-white dome of Igreja de Santa Engrácia-Panteão Nacional to the east, and the churches of Santo Estevão and São Miguel, surrounded by Alfama's terracotta rooftops, below. The adjoining café is a useful snack-stop but lacks the view. Recent scaffolding erected directly below the terrace has somewhat blocked the nearview but beyond the scene is still picture perfect.

Our Local Expert Says:

A must-see for any visitor if only for the staggering views from the ramparts.

Description:

This most ubiquitous of Lisbon tourist attractions welcomes a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Commanding a strategic hilltop position on the edge of the city's historic Alfama neighbourhood, much of the castle has been completely renovated and few vestiges remain of its 12th-century origins. The heavy-set outer ramparts enclose the narrow, pretty streets of Santa Cruz. Facilities inside the castle grounds include gardens where summer cultural events and festivities often take place, a multimedia centre and a noted restaurant, Casa do Leão. It's possible to walk the entire length of the castle battlements that surround the inner courtyard and to climb some of the lookout towers. The unobstructed views enjoyed from this location are truly captivating and take in a huge swathe of downtown Lisbon, the river and distant Belém. The panorama alone is worth the relatively steep entrance fee and the faux medieval atmosphere reason enough to linger. © NileGuide2011

Description:

Explore the diversity of the Lisbon population right in the core of the old Alfama neighborhood. Start here at this Indian restaurant specializing in dishes from Goa.

Description:

This Renaissance palace gets its name from the peculiar façade, made up of numerous, 'peaks', which resemble pyramids set into the rock. It was constructed in 1523 as a home for the then Senator, Brás de Albuquerque in the style of an Italian palace. The building, however, was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. After a series of renovations, it is the marble staircase which stands out, as it contrasts with the black walls. The lower ground floor is occasionally used to house exhibitions.