Choose from 85 Fun Things to Do in Lisbon
ShowingFilter 81-85 of 85 listings.
Park of the Nations (Parque das Nações)
On the northeastern riverfront lies the Parque das Nações. Built for Expo 98, the development includes a huge world-of-its-own aquarium, the Oceanário, plus the Pavilhao do Conhecimento, and a landscaped riverside park with restaurants and bars. There's some stunning modern architecture here: the ribbed Death Star structure of Gare do Oriente and the Pavilhao de Portugal by Portugal's leading architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira.
A riverside teleferico, more than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long and 66 ft (20 m) high, gives stunning views of the river and the Vasco da Gama bridge. The 1.2 mi (2 km) long park site sometimes feels as if you have wandered into an architectural model, but it's an entertaining place to visit, particularly for families. A mini-train trundles around hourly, and you can even rent bikes.
Take the metro to Gare do Oriente and walk through the Centro Vasco da Gama to the park's main Posto de Informaçao, with free maps and information. The Cartao do Parque gives admission to the Oceanário, Pavilhao do Conhecimento, cable car and Vasco da Gama tower, as well as some restaurant discounts.
Address: Cartao do Parque, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Apr - Oct 10am - 8pm, Nov - Mar 10am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument)
Along the northern bank of the Tagus River lies this large stone monument celebrating Portugal's Age of Discovery and sitting on the location that ships bound for Asia used to depart from in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was constructed for the Portuguese World Fair in 1940, inaugurated in 1960 upon the anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death, and has been a Cultural Center of Discovery since 1985. The monument depicts 33 sculpted historical figures including explorers, monarchs, artists and missionaries, all led by Henry the Navigator at the front. The figures are spread along both sides of a ship, intentionally looking forward and facing the sea.
Outside of viewing the monument itself, there is a large marble wind rose embedded in the pavement containing a world map that illustrates the locations of Portugal's various explorations. There is also a museum with exhibition rooms in the monument, with panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River from its rooftop.
Practical Info
The Discoveries Monument is located in Belem on the Avenida de Brasilia. It is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, though hours change during the winter season. To get there, take the train to Bethlehem station or the tram to Career 15. General admission tickets cost €3, while those for students, youth and seniors cost €2.
Address: Avenida Brasília, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Admission: General Admission €3, Seniors, Students and Youth €2
From $ 10
Church of Sao Vicente of Fora
The Church of Sao Vicente de Fora is a monastery and church in Lisbon containing the royal pantheon of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal, serving as the final resting spot for all the Portuguese kings from 1640 to 1910. Originally built as a convent in the 12th century, the monastery was constructed in honor of Saint Vincent outside the city walls ("de fora"). It was restored after sustaining damage in the earthquake of 1755.
A highlight for many visitors today is the collection of 18th-century traditional blue and white ceramic tiles that depict life at court as well as the fables of La Fontaine. The site's interior and cloisters are both intricately tiled, and in the church, visitors can see the ornate Baroque altarpiece designed by Joaquim Machado de Castro, one of Portugal's most famous sculptors. The symmetrical facade has two elegant bell towers built in an Italian Renaissance style, and great views of the city and Tagus River can be seen from the rooftop.
Practical Info
The church stands on a hill east of Alfama on Largo de Sao Vicente. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 3-5 pm. Take tram 28 or buses 12 or 28 to get there. Admission is free.
Address: Largo de Sao Vicente, Lisbon 1100-572, Portugal
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pmSunday 9am-12:30pm and 3-5pm
From $ 21
Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara
The Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto is one of the best places in Lisbon for panoramic views. Gaze upon the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the city below at this two-tiered garden while relaxing on numerous benches or along the fountain. Admire the tiles that depict the city's landmarks and the statues that line the gardens.
The Basics
No visit to Lisbon is complete without a trip up to at least one of its seven hills, and the Sao Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint features some of the city's top spots to relax and enjoy the views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. You can also see the Lisbon Cathedral (Se de Lisboa) and the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora (Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora) from these gardens.
Most tours venture up here to discuss the Saint George Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the history of the Bairro Alto district, one of the oldest in the city. If you don't want to wait in line for the famous Gloria Elevator (Ascensor da Glória), a funicular that ascends from Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto, take a tuk-tuk tour to explore the winding streets of Lisbon and conveniently reach the viewpoint.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcântara is perfect for spontaneous travelers and first-time visitors who want to relax a bit while exploring Bairro Alto.
- The streets up the hill and around the plaza are cobblestone, so wear comfortable shoes.
- The lower portion of the area does not offer much shade, so if planning to relax in the gardens for a period of time, bring sun protection.
- Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcântara is not accessible to wheelchair users due to stairs.
How to Get There
The Sao Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is located at the top of the hill in Bairro Alto. Take the Gloria Elevator in Restauradores Square or walk about 15 minutes up to the gardens from Chiado.
When to Get There
Lisbon is hot and overcrowded during the summer months of June, July, and August, but the shoulder season features pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The Sao Pedro de Alcântara views are best seen on a clear day without a lot of haze, when you can see all the way to the Tagus River.
The Lower Gardens
This two-tiered lookout not only has beautiful views of the city, but is beautiful in itself. The lower portion features patches of green areas lined with busts and statues of famous Greco-Roman deities, such as Minerva and Ulysses, and some famous historic Portuguese figures. It's a great place to relax with a beer or wine to admire the gorgeous views of the city.
Address: Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara - Bairro Alto, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 21
Águas Livres Aqueduct
Engineered in the 18th century, the Águas Livres Aqueduct runs over and through Lisbon, offering some of the best views of the city. A well-preserved series of 109 stone arches, it was built in 1744 to bring clean drinking water to the city's residents. The historic structure still stands tall, having survived the massive earthquake of 1755 without damage. Its main arches span 11 miles (18 kilometers), with the entire aqueduct covering nearly 36 miles (58 kilometers) in length. At its tallest point, the arches tower 213 feet (65 meters) high; it was the largest arch in the world at the time it was built.
A walk along the top grants viewpoints of both sides on the river of the city below. Though high up, the passage ways are wide and the Museu da Água (Water Museum) at its base explains the history of the complex water systems and structures here.
Practical Info
The aqueduct is open Monday to Saturday between March 1 and November 30. It is closed during the winter season and on Sundays and public holidays. It is located on Praça das Amoreiras, and the closest metro stop is Rato for the museum or Campolide train station for views of the aqueduct.
Address: Calçada Quintinha 6, Lisbon 1070-225, Portugal
From $ 124