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Lisbon, Portugal is a classy city, rich with history, art, and culture. It’s a great place for history buffs and lovers of art and architecture, but it’s also very welcoming to tourists and is the most budget-friendly city in Southern Europe. Grab your walking shoes and stroll through beautiful Belem, or take Tram 28 past a wide range of sites. The city has a lot to offer, and here are just ten of the best things to do when you visit Lisbon, Portugal.

Tram 28

There may be no more iconic means of sightseeing in Lisbon than taking Tram 28. Trams are the city’s primary public transportation, and Tram 28 is particularly suited to tourists. Its route takes you through a number of notable neighborhoods, and it’ll also take you past some noteworthy attractions. As an added bonus, some of the trams used on Tram 28’s route date back to WWII, so you will experience a bit of nostalgia as you travel.

Belem

Belem is an area rich with history, a waterfront neighborhood boasting all kinds of museums and monuments. Belem was the starting point for voyages led by Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, as the area once held one of Lisbon’s most important ports. This port was protected by the Torre de Belem (the Belem Tower), a little 16th century fort that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Belem is also home to the impressive Discoveries Monument, the Belem Palace, and the Colecao Berardo Museum.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George’s Castle) is one of Lisbon’s most prominent landmarks, and rightly so. The citadel was built by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, but was renovated by a number of different occupying empires afterward. It’s a wealth of towers and palisades, and makes for a great photo opportunity. Check out the Tower of Ulysses, where you can use a camera obscura that gives you a 360-degree view of the city.

Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora

The ‘Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls’ is one of Lisbon’s most important monasteries. The original monastery was founded in 1147 by the first King of Portugal, but further developments were made in the 16th and 18th centuries. This building is an exquisite example of the Mannerist architecture of the late Renaissance period, with breathtaking cloisters, an impressive sacristy, and a beautiful altar. Keep an eye out for the 18th century tiles in the entrance, since they show the monastery’s history. And don’t miss the Braganza Pantheon, where many Portuguese royalty are buried.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Lisbon’s National Tile Museum is the perfect place to experience azulejos, the brightly-colored ceramic tiles you can find many places in Portugal. This museum is housed in an old convent, and it is home to an impressive collection of tiles, some of which date all the way back to the 15th century. You’ll find small, simple, individual tiles in some places, but you’ll also find enormous murals in vivid colors, some of which tell stories or relay Portuguese history. This museum is a great venue for experiencing some of Portugal’s unique art.

Rue Augusta

One of the unique features in Lisbon is the Portuguese pavement or calcada portuguesa.  These tiles dot the streets throughout Lisbon in mosaic patterns but the Rue Augusta is truly a unique experience.  This foot-traffic only street is one of the busiest in Lisbon and features live music, bakeries, food and flower stalls, specialty shops. Don’t forget to pick up some Portuguese ginjinha liquor in one of the markets! Additionally you’ll find some interesting and old architectural style, originally from the reconstruction of Lisbon made by Marquês do Pombal after the 1755 earthquake.

Monastery of St. Jerome

The Monastery of St. Jerome is a feat of Portuguese architecture that was originally built to honor explorer Vasco da Gama. The structure has had a variety of functions, however, serving as a monastery during the 17th century and eventually becoming a school and orphanage. Now, however, the Monastery of St. Jerome is a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for those who want a casual stroll for observing beautiful architecture.

Oceanarium

Portugal’s largest indoor aquarium, commonly referred to as The Oceanarium, is home to over 8,000 sea creatures. From puffins and penguins to sharks and otters, this aquarium is brimming with activity. There are four permanent exhibits, as well as a number of activities. In the past the Oceanarium has hosted sleepovers with the sharks, as well as the occasional Fado show.

Feira da Ladra Flea Market

If you take Tram 28 on a Tuesday or Saturday morning, be sure to hop off at the Feira da Ladra flea market. One of Lisbon’s oldest markets, the Feira da Ladra is home to an eclectic arrangement of items. It’s a classic flea market, with treasures hidden among a sea of trinkets, souvenirs, and secondhand goods. But this market offers uniquely picturesque views of the ocean, making it a great place for a morning jaunt.

Mercado da Ribeira

Feeling hungry? The Mercado da Ribeira is Lisbon’s most popular food market, and if you visit you’ll understand why. There are two floors, both of which hold different offerings. Downstairs you’ll find the local fruit and veggie sellers, present every morning to offer their fresh produce. Upstairs is a bit different, boasting a number of outstanding eateries as well as modern and quirky food stalls. If you want a blend of cultural and culinary experience, the Mercado da Ribeira is the place for you.

Bairro Alto

Lisbon’s main tourist district is the Bairro Alto, a collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and music venues. If you want Lisbon nightlife, this is the place to go. The area is considered to be a youth-oriented hub for nightlife and sub-culture, and the Lisbon has poured a great amount of money into the district. If you’re looking for a classy upscale restaurant, or a raving nightclub, the Bairro Alto will not disappoint.

The coastal city of Lisbon, Portugal is not just the nation’s capital. It’s a city filled with culture, history, art and natural beauty. Whether you come for the cuisine or to take a stroll down the beautiful streets, you’ll find adventure just around the corner.

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Michael Richardson
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