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Activities and Attractions
Home » Portugal » Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities » Activities and AttractionsMonastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém – Construction of the Monastery of the Hieronymites began in 1502. It now stands at the entrance to Lisbon Harbor, showing off some of Portugal’s best architecture. Nearby is the Tower of Belém. The Tower was built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco da Gama.
The Park of Nations – The World Exposition on 1998 took place here, and the park is now primarily used for leisure, trade, and cultural activities. It includes a Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas where guests can learn more about oceans. Also at the Park of Nations is an amazing Oceanarium with a huge aquarium where visitors can see the global ocean. The Oceanarium houses about 15,000 different creatures of 200 species. The sharks are a tourist favorite! Also, check out the Pavilion of the Future where you can take a unique journey through the universe. Also at the Park of Nations is the Vasco da Gama Tower, from which you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Take a cable car ride over the top of the park, along the Tagus, for a memorable adventure.
Lisbon Zoo – The Lisbon Zoo is located in the center of the city and is 120 years old. It boasts nearly 2,000 animals representing 400 species, making it one of the best zoological collections in the world. Favorite attractions here include Dolphins Bay, Rainbow Park, a Cable Car, Reptile House, Children’s Farm, Sea Lion feeding, and presentation of birds and reptiles. The zoo also has several restaurants, a shop, a library, an education center, and guided tours.
Alfama, Castelo, and Mouraria – One of the oldest historical quarters in Lisbon, most of the Alfama’s original layout is still intact, even after an earthquake in 1755. Castelo and Mouraria, also very old quarters, are adjacent to Alfama; all three are near St. George’s Castle. Every June, feasts to honor the saints are held in the streets of these three quarters. Also nearby are the Graça quarter and Säo Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia churches.
Bairro Alto and Bica – The Bairro Alto, which means high quarter, was designed in the 16th century and is to date one of the most beautiful quarters in Lisbon. It contains shops, restaurants and bars mingled with amazing architecture. The night life at Bairro Alto is very popular. Adjacent to the Bairro Alto is the Bica quarter. While the Bica has regular streets and houses, it is well known for its funicular lift, the Ascensor da Bica, which was built in 1892.
Baixa – Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area and is one of Lisbon’s biggest shopping districts. It was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, but Marqués de Pombal rebuilt it. Much of the original architecture is still evident today.
Belém – Belém is known as the site from which famous navigators set sail. It is a suburb that has a multitude of gardens, parks, and monuments. The Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém, the Belém Cultural Centre, and Rua Vieira Portuense are all favorite tourist attractions located here.
Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa – Also known as the cathedral of Lisbon, the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa is an experience of different architectural styles. It is the oldest church in the city. Construction began in 1147, and the building has survived several earthquakes and has been modified time and again.
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga – This museum, also known as the National Museum of Ancient Art, is the most important art museum in Portugal. In fact, it is one of the most important art museums in all of Europe. This museum showcases the development of old Portuguese art. The MNAA is located near the Tagus River and was founded in 1884. Some of the most famous works in this museum are the Saint Vincent Panels. Nuno Gonçalves painted them in approximately 1470. Also featured here are works by early 16th century painters that were known in Portugal, such as Jorge Afonso, Gregorio Lopes, Cristovao de Figueiredo, Francisco Henriques, and Frei Carlos. Works by artists from the 17th to 19th centuries are represented as well, including some works of Josefa de Obidos, Bento Coelho da Silveira, and Domingos Sequeira. Don’t miss the exhibit of Portuguese metalwork here, which includes pieces from the 12th to the 18th centuries.
Museu da Electricidade – The Museu da Electricidade, or the Museum of Electricity, was first built in 1914 to supply Lisbon with electricity. It is now an historical landmark, providing a living history of electricity. This is an interesting place to visit, not only for the restored electrical equipment from the early 1900’s, but also for the beautiful European architecture of the building itself.
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