Lisbon Leisure

Perhaps the best mode of travel in the city is public transportation. It is less expensive and gets you where you want to go faster than some of the other transport means. From historic electric trolley cars to unique funiculars to something as simple as the metro, public transport makes for a great activity in and of itself.

1. Castello de Sao Jorge - website

Castello de Sao Jorge ( Saint George's Castle) is one of the great historic places which wasn't ruined in the earthquake of 1755. Sitting on top of the highest hill in Lisbon, the castle might just be one of the greatest and most beautiful monuments in Portugal. With gardens lined with walkways, and beautiful fountains, and surrounded by walls which are a glimpse into the beauty of Moorish design, this is one place that will capture your heart, and offer hours of enjoyment.

2. Alfama - website

Alfama is the great medieval quarter of Lisbon. Within the area you will find many crooked alleyways, narrow streets with an older, cobbled look to them, and you’ll feel like you are back in the day of the great battle with the Moors. You will find many eating establishments, and enjoy walking through an antique era. You might even make it on a day when the flea market is going on, making it an even better experience.

3. Belem - website

The culture of Lisbon is found in Belem, at the west side of the great city. With offerings such as Museums, Monuments, and even Jeronimos Monastery, Belem is one place for anyone who wants a taste of history to visit. The museums offer Archeology, Modern Popular Are, and even the Naval Achievement of Portugal. You will also find among the wonderful things to see, a Planetarium and the Ajuda Palace, which was built during the 19th century, and was meant to be a home for the Kings of Portugal.

4. Bairro da Lapa - website

Full of elegance and intimacy, Bairro da Lapa offers a glimpse of both. With the foreign embassies, elegant townhouses, and even the National Museum to visit, this is one place you will want to see. The intimate setting offered by the hotels in the area, as well as a collection of antique art from many other countries, the Bairro da Lapa may be one of the most romantic areas in all of Lisbon.

5. Baixa & Bairro Alto - website

The center of the nightlife in Lisbon, the Baixa & Bairro Alto is one section of the great city that you won't want to miss. The area also boasts to be the main shopping center for Lisbon, with a variety of shops, and cafes to enjoy a meal at.

6. Parque das Nocoes - website

Parque das Nocoes is a fast paced area that offers a shopping mall, an entertainment park, a railroad station, and a bridge called Vasco da Gama, which more than 11 miles long and extends out over the River Tagus. You will also find the Oceanario de Lisboa, a large aquarium where you will have the opportunity to see marine life like you may have never seen before.

7. Cristo Rei - website

Cristo Rei (Christ the King) is honored with a Statue that is over 90 feet high. Under the statue is the church of Santuario de Cristo Rei. Around the top of the church runs a terrace with a 360 degree panoramic view of Lisbon, and mile upon mile of beautiful Portugal.

8. Botanical Garden - website

A full ten acres of beauty that are buried within the city, this phenomenal garden boasts 18,000 different species. Easily the most soothing spot you’ll see on your vacation to Lisbon. It’s open year-round, too, so no matter when you visit, you should certainly plan to make a stop here.

9. Museu Nacional dos Coches - website

If you’ll be visiting the city with children, this is one of many great stops you may want to make. With amazing displays of the lengths many coachmakers went to so they could improve upon their rivals creations, you’ll see how much artwork has gone into royal transportation over the last several centuries.

10. Mãe de Agua reservoir and Water Museum - website

First created in 1746 to offer drinking water to residents of the city, you’ll see 109 gorgeous stone arches that stretch for 36 miles when you stop here. A masterpiece that managed to survive the earthquake of 1755, you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible during the museum tour on your stop.