Holidays to Lisbon

A popular meeting point and landmark, this vast square is most easily recognized by the towering obelisk monument that commemorates Portuguese independence from Spain.

Like romantic elevated areas in other European cities, hilly Lisbon has a raised area offering mesmerizing views of the city, the river and the surroundings.

From royal tombs to azulejo tile panels depicting La Fontaine’s famous fables, this magnificent monastery is full of interesting details. 

This imposing neoclassical theater is Lisbon’s premier performing arts venue. Learn all about the fascinating, if unfortunate, history of the site.

See rare examples of an ornamental art form that has become synonymous with Portugal in this museum dedicated to azulejo ceramic tiles. 

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

The Hospital of São José (Royal Hospital of St. Joseph) is an important hospital in the centre of Lisbon, located at Rua José Antonio Serrano.

The National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC) is an institution that helps to spread the understanding of nature and science. It is located in the centre of Lisbon (more specifically in Rua Politécnica) in the charming and leafy Principe Real. The Museum forms part of the University of Lisbon.

The Lisbon Botanical Garden was designed in the mid-19th century, on the initiative of Count Ficalho and Andrade Corvo, both teachers at the local Polytechnic School. The diversity of plants collected by their first gardeners (German E. Goeze and French J. Daveau) came from different parts of the world under Portuguese sovereignty, at that time.

The Maritime Museum’s origins date all the way back to 1863, when King Louis, the only Portuguese ruler to command naval ships, issued a decree to create a collection of documents and artefacts dedicated to the recording of Portuguese maritime history.

Pasteis de Belém, also known as pasteis de nata, is a Portuguese crispy, flaky egg pastries served fresh from the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. The most famous ‘Pasteis de Belém’ are the ones from the original factory, located in Belém, next to Jeronimos Monastery.

The Cristo Rei Shrine is located in Almada, near the famous 25th of April Bridge and is a favourite with tourists. A giant, 28 metre-high statue of Christ standing on a 75 metre-tall pedestal, it provides one of the best vantage points from which to capture a bird’s-eye view of Lisbon.

The Hospital of Santa Cruz is a hospital located in Carnaxide, Oeiras, 20 minutes away from Lisbon by car. The hospital opened its doors in 1980 on the former premises of a 1960’s private clinic, which closed following the Carnation Revolution of 25th April 1974, with the aim of providing specialist care in the areas of cardiology (medical and surgical) and nephrology.

To come to this city and not let this elevator outfitted in yellow show you around would be an opportunity missed. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenes.

Ride an elevator to the top of this imposing triumphal arch, which was built to celebrate the rebirth and rebuilding of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake. 

Gain insight into the life of Portuguese nobility at this privately owned property, known for its exquisite tile panels and pretty gardens.

Lisbon is the birthplace for a style of music that’s dramatic and heartfelt. Learn why it was banned and understand its current popularity worldwide. 

Gaze out across the red roofs of Lisbon and beyond to the Tagus River from this hilltop viewpoint, the highest in the city. 

The skeletal ruins of this 14th-century church are a testament to the damage and devastation suffer by the city during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Ruins from an earthquake are often torn down, but this city has turned them into an attraction. Tour this site to sense the grandeur of a Gothic masterpiece. 

Get an introduction to the city of Lisbon and its history through visual displays and audio description providing an interactive look into its past.