Choose from 168 Fun Things to Do in Portugal
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 168 listings.
Comporta Beach
Turquoise water, white sand, a long beach framed by mountains…a familiar scene. Yet this beauty of the Portuguese coast remains relatively undiscovered. As a result the beach is often quiet, uncrowded, peaceful and clean. The lands surrounding the area are covered in rice paddies — miles of green until the wide expanse of sand meets the shoreline. There are pine forests, vineyards, and villages nearby as well, with Comporta located in the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and wetlands.
In total there are more than twelve miles of sand dunes and white sand beaches. The area of Comporta Beach is certified as both accessible and “Blue Flag” for its commitment to upholding environmental standards. The clear turquoise waters often draw comparisons to the Caribbean. Conditions can be good for surfing and windsurfing as well — though you’ll likely have the beach to yourself.
Practical Info
Comporta Beach is located on the Troia Peninsula — an hour south of Lisbon, 12 miles west of the A2 highway. Shaded, free parking is available.
Address: Comporta, Portugal
From $ 81
Falesia Beach
Stretching for 6km between the villages of Vilamoura and Olhos do Agua, Falésia Beach is one of Portugal’s longest beaches and it’s a serene spot, with miles of pristine golden sands hemmed in by towering red sea cliffs and crops of pine forests.
A firm favorite among both locals and tourists, Falésia is ideal for swimming and water sports, while the cliff top resort is well served with restaurants, hotels, playgrounds and golf courses. Falésia and neighboring Quarteira beach also offer a magnificent backdrop for walking, cycling or Segway tours, with the palm-lined promenades and coastal lanes offering breath-taking views.
Practical Info
Falésia Beach runs from Vilamoura in the west to Olhos do Agua in the east, on the south coast of the Algarve.
Address: Albufeira, Portugal
From $ 64
Douro River
A major river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro River flows from Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain all the way to Porto in Portugal, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. More than just the region’s lifeline, it’s also the centerpiece of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
Douro River cruises leave from Porto and cruise into the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Set sail aboard a traditional Rabelo boat for a scenic cruise, stopping to visit historic waterfront towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão; discover the winemaking heritage of the Douro region; and sample authentic port wine during guided wine tastings. Full-day tours leave from Porto or Lisbon and typically include hotel pickup, wine tastings, and lunch at a local restaurant.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all wine tasting in the Douro Valley.
- Douro cruises range from 1-hour wine-tasting cruises to multi-day sightseeing cruises.
- Some cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Boat trips down the Douro River leave from the quays around Alfândega and Cais de Ribeira in Porto. Both quays can be reached on foot from central attractions such as the Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, and São Bento train station, while tram Line 1, which runs along the river, stops at Alfândega and Infante near the quays.
When to Get There
It’s possible to explore the Douro River region at any time of year, but the busiest time is during the summer season (July–August), when it’s best to book tours and accommodation in advance. The area is at its most picturesque in spring, when the vines are lush and green, or in autumn, when the harvest is in full swing and the vines begin to drop their leaves.
Port Wine
Portugal’s world-renowned port wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. With a history of winemaking dating back to the 12th century as well as 300 years of exporting port wines, it’s impossible to explore the region without sampling its legendary elixir. The sweet fortified drink is typically known as a red dessert wine, but tawny port (wood-aged red port), rosé port, white port, and vintage ports are also available.
Address: Portugal
From $ 14
El Corte Ingl es
The Lisbon branch of the smart Spanish department store El Corte Inglés occupies a flagship position on one of the city’s busiest and grandest shopping streets. Spread over 12 stories, this glistening high-end shop sells anything and everything from elegant furniture to toys and designer fashion, with brands such as Armani and Prada available alongside expensive Church’s brogues and elegant Gucci watches.
The store is a one-stop shopping destination with its own music and photography departments, pharmacy, electronics and computing sections as well as kitchenware and sports clothing; services offered range from a travel agency to a bicycle repair shop, personal shoppers for those who like to splash their cash and tax-free shopping for non-EU visitors. There’s also a decent (although often crowded) restaurant and a very upmarket delicatessen selling exclusive whiskies and Lisboan specialities such as delicious custardy Pasteis de Belem tarts.
Practical Info
The Lisbon branch of El Corte Inglés is open Mon–Thur 10am–10pm, Fri–Sat 10am–11:30pm, and Sun 10am–8pm. For access via public transportation, take Metro Blue and Red lines to S. Sebastião.
Address: Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 31, Lisbon, Beiras, Portugal
Hours: Mon–Thur 10am–10pm; Fri–Sat 10am–11.30pm; Sun 10am–8pm
From $ 17
Chiado
Squeezed between downtown Baixa and the nightlife party-central of the Bairro Alto, glossy Chiado is within shouting distance of the romantic ruins of Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) and the hidden treasures in the Church of St Rocco (Igreja de São Roque). It is also home to glorious Art Nouveau shops, old-world Lisboa cafés with window displays brimming with delicious pastries, and timeless antiquarian bookshops. Amid the fine 19th-century townhouses fronted with wrought-iron balconies and the piazzas with madly patterned mosaic sidewalks stand top-end fashion designers, jewelers, theaters, concert halls and posh boutique hotels. An eclectic mix of restaurants – from Michelin stars at Belcanto to basic snacks at neighborhood tapas bars – adds to the cultural soup of this sleek hillside enclave.
When Chiado was hit by fire in 1988, the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira (who redesigned much of central Porto) was called in to oversee the regeneration of the area; he designed the sophisticated mall Armazéns do Chiado and restored the Art Nouveau glamor of streets such as Rua Garrett, with its host of charming cafés. The hip area of Príncipe Reale is known for design stores and antique shops while also doubling as one of Lisbon’s leading gay quarters; interwoven into all this urban sophistication are hidden nooks and crannies such as shady Praça das Flores, perfect for people watching over a glass of port and a custard Pasteis de Nata.
Practical Info
Walk up to Chiado from Baixa or take the Metro to Baixa-Chiado.
Address: Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 6
Estoril
If you have found yourself in beautiful Portugal, chances are you’re looking for a place to get away and relax for awhile.
Located just 9 miles from Lisbon, Estoril is a popular resort town on the water where you can enjoy a very sophisticated variation of foods, modern amenities, and of course, the beach. During the day you could be in or on the water, fishing, windsurfing, diving, or water-skiing--or if you fancy--shooting 18-holes at one of the Estoril Coast’s 7 courses, including sought after Atlantico. By night, you may decide to roll the dice at Esotril’s famous Casino Estoril.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, there are also a load of cultural sites to visit, including the exotic yet beautiful Pena Palace and Park, or go check out the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary, where you can observe or even adopt one of these majestic creatures.
Located just 9 miles from Lisbon, Estoril is a popular resort town on the water where you can enjoy a very sophisticated variation of foods, modern amenities, and of course, the beach. During the day you could be in or on the water, fishing, windsurfing, diving, or water-skiing--or if you fancy--shooting 18-holes at one of the Estoril Coast’s 7 courses, including sought after Atlantico. By night, you may decide to roll the dice at Esotril’s famous Casino Estoril.
If you’re looking for something a little more tame, there are also a load of cultural sites to visit, including the exotic yet beautiful Pena Palace and Park, or go check out the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary, where you can observe or even adopt one of these majestic creatures.
Practical Info
As a major resort town that is very close to the country’s capital, it is often packed full of people, and so there are a vast amount of places one could choose to stay, including inns, hotel-apartments, and 5-star hotels.
Address: Estoril, Portugal
From $ 67
Commerce Square (Praça do Com ercio)
Still known locally as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square) thanks to its being the former location of Lisbon’s Royal Palace until its destruction in the great earthquake of 1755, Praça do Comércio was completely rebuilt in the late 18th century and is today an elegant square hugging the banks of the River Tagus.
Thanks to the vision of Portuguese architect Eugénio dos Santos, this vast square was built in a sweeping ‘U’ shape and is full of ornate arches and overblown civic buildings. It is dominated by a massive equestrian statue of King Jose I, while sights around the square include Lisbon’s historic Café Martinho da Arcada, dating right back to 1782 and famous for its coffees, pastries and ports. Lisbon’s main tourist information office is on the north side of the arcaded square, which is largely lined with outdoor restaurants. Along the riverbanks great marble steps lead down to the Tagus and historically formed the main entry to the city.
The Praça do Comércio is close to other downtown Lisbon attractions, including the city’s main public piazza, Rossio Square, and its main shopping street, Rua Augusta, which is entered through a triumphal arch adorned with statues of Portuguese heroes including explorer Vasco da Gama.
Practical Info
Located in Baixa (downtown Lisbon), Commerce Square can be reached by taking the metro to Terreiro do Paço.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 6
Fado Museum
Fado, a traditional music style popularized in the streets and taverns of Lisbon during the 1800s, is Portugal’s version of the blues. Birthed amid the underclass of the city, fado gradually gained popularity, moving out of seedy taverns and into upscale dance halls and theaters before falling out of fashion in the late 1970s.
The Fado Museum occupies a former pumping station in Lisbon’s Alfama District, the neighborhood where fado was born, and traces the history of the musical style through a collection of recordings, posters, costumes, vintage memorabilia and interactive exhibits. An onsite museum school offers courses in fado lyrics and Portuguese guitar. The museum shop sells albums by iconic fado artists — a lightweight souvenir by which to remember time spent in Lisbon.
Practical Info
The Fado Museum is closed on Mondays.
Address: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: 5€
From $ 23
Eira do Serrado
On the way to Curral das Freiras from Funchal is a popular spot for many visitors: The Eira do Serrado, an observation point, is high up in the craggy mountains at a whopping 3,200 feet in altitude. It's a bit of a walk, and there are some steps involved, so it's not immediately accessible and takes some work.
But once at the Eira do Serrado, the view is absolutely breathtaking. From the mountain peaks to the isolated village in the valley below, it is a dreamscape that every hiker and experienced walker hopes to find at the end of the trail. The large terrace, complete with safety railings, provides ample room for a panoramic view that is one of the highlights of any visit to Madeira.
Practical Info
The Eira do Serrado is located approximately a half-hour north of Funchal, via highway ER107, either by car or bus line 81. Wear proper shoes, and bring water. The Estalagem Eira do Serrado is located close to the observation point, and offers dining with a view.
Address: 9000, Portugal
From $ 17
Estádio da Luz
The Estadio da Luz, or Stadium of Light, is a multipurpose stadium best known for being the home of Portugal’s leading football team, Sport Lisboa Benfica. It has seating capacity for over 65,000 people and features a retractable roof. The stadium has facilities for hockey, volleyball, and basketball as well as swimming pools and health clubs.
The Basics
The Estadio da Luz was built on top of the old Cathedral stadium and was completed in time to host the 2004 European Championship. On non-event days, the guided tours are available for guests to visit generally off-limits areas such as the dressing room, tunnels, and the pitch. Visitors can also opt for a more in-depth experience and visit book a private tour of the stadium and the adjacent Benfica Museum to learn more about their histories.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Stadium of Light is a must visit for soccer fans and sports lovers.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the ground floor.
- The stadium is also home to a slew of bars and two panoramic restaurants.
How to Get There
The stadium is located at Av. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira in Lisbon’s Benfica neighborhood and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take the Azul line to the Colegio Militar/Luz line, directly in front of the complex, as well as city bus 750 to the Estadio da Luz stop.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the stadium is during non-match days when you can visit the grounds without any crowds. For those who would like to see a game and experience the electrifying energy of this Portuguese tradition, plan to visit during the soccer season from September to June when there is generally a home game every 10 days.
The Benfica Cosme Damiao Museum
The interactive museum adjacent to the stadium is named after a soccer legend who established the Portuguese football league in the 1920s. The 3-floor museum features over 1,000 trophies, and offers visitors a chance to discover the rich history of soccer in Portugal as they explore exhibits and enjoy a movie about the club’s history.
Address: Avenida General Norton de Matos, Lisbon, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Electricity Museum
Located on the waterfront of the Tagus River, Lisbon’s Electricity Museum is as beautiful and scenic as it is interesting and educational. A beautiful brick building with long-spanning windows with the 25 de Abril Bridge as its backdrop, the Electricity Museum is an iconic structure of Lisbon.
Many visitors stop in while on a riverfront stroll and are surprised with all this museum has to offer. Inaugurated in 1900, the building was once a coal power plant that supplied electricity to the city of Lisbon. The building and its machinery have been well maintained and today the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of an early 20th century coal power plant. There’s tons of original equipment like boilers, alternators, condensers and the control room, complemented with explanatory videos, models and photographs.
The museum goes beyond just coal-generated electricity — a highlight for both kids and adults are the interactive exhibits, which show how different kinds of electricity are generated in a hands-on way. With its ample space, the museum also houses special events and temporary art exhibits, including photography, paintings and sculptures.
Practical Info
The Electricity Museum is located at Av. Brasília, 1300-598 in Lisbon. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Av. Brasília, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm
From $ 10
Evora
One of Portugal’s most fascinating destinations, Evora is a city full of historic national treasures that keep any visitor intrigued. From the Roman ruins of the Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana) featuring 14 original Corinthian columns, to the Capela dos Ossos (Bones of Chapel), which is completely decorated with human bones, Evora contains corner to corner historical encounters.
For a full-on educational experience on the history of this tremendous city, be sure to spend some time in the Historic Center of Evora, where you can discover ancient megaliths dating back to as far as 4000 BC, while puzzling together Evora’s diverse and immense background.
After visiting the Historic Center, take a second look around the city’s landmarks and architecture. You won’t be surprised to see that for such a small place, there is a wide array of buildings and designs from the renaissance, baroque, gothic, roman, and other eras.
For a full-on educational experience on the history of this tremendous city, be sure to spend some time in the Historic Center of Evora, where you can discover ancient megaliths dating back to as far as 4000 BC, while puzzling together Evora’s diverse and immense background.
After visiting the Historic Center, take a second look around the city’s landmarks and architecture. You won’t be surprised to see that for such a small place, there is a wide array of buildings and designs from the renaissance, baroque, gothic, roman, and other eras.
Practical Info
Located in Southern Portugal, Evora is a notably hot city, so be sure
when visiting that you bring plenty of water and closely watch weather
advisories. About 87 miles away from Lisbon, the best way to reach the
city is by car, although if that is not an option you prefer, you can
just as easily take the Intercity train or the express bus offered by
Rede expressos out of Lisbon.
Address: Evora, Portugal
From $ 58
Estrela Basilica
Queen Mary I of Portugal built the rococo-style Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela), a church and convent, in the late 1700s to honor the birth of her son, Prince Jose. Unfortunately Prince Jose died two years before the completion of the Lisbon basilica, which is now a memorial to the fallen prince—and the tomb of the grief-stricken queen.
The Basics
Estrela Basilica’s sugar-white dome and twin bell towers are hard to miss on the city skyline. Its interior is covered in intricate geometric patterns of black, pink, and yellow marble. The famous Nativity scene—500 cork and terracotta figures sculpted by Joaquim Machado de Castro—attracts numerous visitors. Climb the 112 steps to the rococo dome for sweeping Lisbon views.
The basilica is generally included in most hop-on hop-off and tuk-tuk tours. If you want a more intimate experience, book a small-group or private tour to learn more about the basilica and the western neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Estrela Basilica is a must-visit for architecture lovers and religious patrons.
- Visitors generally spend about 30 minutes exploring the basilica.
- Admission to the basilica is free but there are small fees to see the Nativity scene and to access the dome.
- There is no accessible entrance, however the ground floor of the basilica does not have any hindrances for wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The basilica is located at Largo da Estrela, sitting on one of Lisbon’s seven hills. Take the historic tram 25 or 28 to the Estrela stop, or city bus 713, 773, or 774. The closest metro station is Rato, about a 15-minute walk from the church.
When to Get There
The basilica is open from 7:30am to 8pm daily. Though it is rarely crowded, for the most contemplative experience visit in the early morning en route to exploring the nearby historic town of Belem, or in late afternoon before heading to the popular LX Factory in Alcantara.
The Story of the Estrela Basilica
Queen Mary I was the first monarch to rule over all of what is today Portugal and Brazil, and she desperately wanted an heir to the throne. A religious devotee, she prayed to God for a healthy child and, in return, would build the greatest church in Lisbon. Once her son Jose was was born, she immediately began construction on the basilica. Due to its intricate details and grand size, the complex took a long time to construct—and Jose died from smallpox before its completion.
Address: Largo da Estrela, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 17
Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII)
Named for the English King Edward VII, who visited Lisbon to celebrate the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance in 1903, the largest urban oasis in Lisbon is laid out in a former quarry and adorned with formal box hedges, statuary and ornamental ponds. Parque Eduardo VII stretches 26 hectares uphill between the ornate splendor of Praca do Marquês de Pombal (Marquês de Pombal Square) and a rather brutal monument celebrating the 25th April Revolution in 1974 and designed by João Cutileiro.
Adjacent to the monument is a viewpoint with fine views back across the city, the River Tagus and the hills beyond. An ornately tiled, Baroque-style pavilion smothered in blue-and-white azulejo tiles sits on the western side of the park; opposite are hothouses stuffed with tropical palms, ferns, cacti and rare orchids.
The southeastern end of the park is punctuated by a magnificent monument to the Marquês de Pombal, the prime minister who rebuilt Lisbon after the devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Praca do Marquês de Pombal leads onto the equally imposing boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade, shaded by trees and lined with monuments, high-end boutiques and hotels.
Practical Info
Located at Baixa, admission to the park is free and it is open daily 9am–5:30pm. Admission to the greenhouses is €3.10. Take the Metro to Parque or Marquês de Pombal.
Address: Av. Sidonio Pais, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Daily 9am–5:30pm
From $ 17
Church of Sao Roque (Igreja de Sao Roque)
The church of São Roque was built at the height of Jesuit power in Portugal in the 16th century; while it has a simple, whitewashed Renaissance exterior, it craftily conceals an interior of awesome Baroque indulgence and beauty. It was built in honor of Portuguese explored Vasco da Gama after he discovered a sea route via the Cape of Good Hope to India in 1498. The exquisite riot of ceiling mosaics and gilded ornamentation in the church and its ornate side chapels were paid for by the profits of overseas trade opened up by Da Gama’s exploration.
Most beautiful of all is the 18th-century Chapel of John the Baptist’s (Capela de São João Baptista), which is studded with mosaics of ivory, gold and silver and has earned the reputation as the world’s most expensive chapel – extraordinarily it was designed in Rome by architects Nicola Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli and shipped to Lisbon in pieces. Adjoining São Roque is a small museum of sacred art (Museu de Arte Sacra), where outstanding exhibits include liturgical robes threaded with gold, silver reliquaries and panels displaying scenes from the life of St Rocco, who lived in the 12th century and was revered for his ability to heal the sick.
Practical Info
Largo Trindade Coelho, Bairro Alto. The church is open daily 9:30am–5pm and is free to visit, while the museum is open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm and admission is €1.50. Take the Elevador de Santa Justa or the Metro to Baixa-Chiado.
Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, Lisbon, Portugal
Admission: Museum €1.50
From $ 16
Douro
The Douro region in Northeast Portugal is near the border with Spain. Even with the advent of modern civilization, this area is characterized by a sort of frontier spirit that tenaciously preserves a traditional way of life handed down through many, many years.
Thinly populated and remote, the Douro is not unlike Galicia in Spain in that its people speak a dialect that is markedly different than the rest of the country; in the Douro, it is closer to Latin vulgate than Portuguese. Along with speaking a traditional language, pottery and weaving are still important cottage industries. Long-held folk practices include a dance with wooden staves called the Dance of the Pauliteiros, which takes place on the third Sunday of August, during the Feast of Saint Barbara. Curiously, this dance is less related to Saint Barbara than it is to Roman martial pomp – the Dance of the Pauliteiros is an outgrowth of the old Roman sword dances.
Notable ruins in the town of Miranda do Douro include the watchtower of the Miranda do Douro castle and the Baroque courtyard left behind from the long-since-destroyed Archbishop’s palace. The city’s cathedral is also of interest; it features a magnificent marble high altar as well as a 19th century ex-voto centered around a piece called “Infant Jesus in a Top Hat.”
Practical Info
About 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of the town is the village of Caçarelhos. Here are large marble and alabaster quarries and beautiful caves, making it a popular destination for professional and amateur spelunkers alike. Another village, Vimioso, has an old church, quaint town square, Roman bridges and its own ruined, 12th century castle.
Address: Miranda do Douro, Portugal
Admission: Free
From $ 39
Costa da Caparica
Flying neatly under the radar of most non-Portuguese visitors, Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular coastal regions for locals, stretching almost 19 miles (30 km) down the Atlantic coastline south of Lisbon’s Tagus River. It is a region of powerful surfing waves, long sandy strands backed by dunes and pine forests plus a few low-rise resorts that have grown from traditional fishing villages.
In summer the beaches are a haven for surfing or sun-worshipping Lisboans, and families with young children content to play on the sands; most beaches have a couple of simple wooden beach bars, while summer weekends see beach parties carry on late into the night. The town of Caparica itself is overlooked by a 16th-century monastery and has a colorful array of stores selling lilos and souvenirs along the pedestrianized esplanade Praça da Liberdade, as well as seafood restaurants and a tourist office at Frente Urbana de Praias. A mini-train chugs six miles (10 km) down the coastline from Caparica, giving day-trippers the chance to reach less-crowded beaches as they head south. At the southernmost reaches of the region around the Arriba Fóssil da Costa nature reserve—where fossils have been discovered to be more than 15 million years old—gay and nude beaches proliferate.
Practical Info
The resort is six miles (10 km) south of Lisbon and can be reached by car via the April 25 Bridge. If taking public transportation, take direct bus no 161 from Praca do Areeiro (€3.20); or a combination of ferry from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas (€1.25) and express bus TST 135 (€2.40) to Costa da Caparica.
Address: Costa da Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal
From $ 5
Estrela Garden (Jardim Da Estrela)
One of central Lisbon’s most beautiful parks, Estrela Garden (Jardim da Estrela) is an oasis from the bustling Bairro Alto and Chiado. The park—lined with tropical trees, sculptures, and a small lake—is surrounded by history, with its old English cemetery, wrought-iron gazebo, and 18th-century Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela).
The Basics
Most hop-on hop-on and tuk-tuk tours include a stop at Estrela Garden. For a closer look at Lisbon’s green spaces, book a secret gardens tour or rent an e-bike to explore the city on your own.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The garden is a must-visit for nature lovers, spontaneous travelers, and anyone looking for a serene respite from the city.
- Estrela Garden is popular among families with small children due to the animal-themed playground and duck-filled ponds.
- The pond-side café is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, or quick snack.
- Most of the park is paved with gravel or soapstone and relatively flat, making it fairly accessible for wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Estrela Garden is located at Largo da Estrela, directly in front of the Estrela Basilica. Take the historic tram 25 or 28 to the Estrela stop, or city bus 709, 713, 720, 738, 773, or 774. The closest metro station, Rato, is a 15-minute walk from the garden.
When to Get There
Spring and fall are the best time to visit Estrela Garden, when the weather is not too hot and there is a nice breeze through the city. The tropical plants stay in bloom most of the year and provide a lush green space to enjoy in any season.
The Estrela Garden Statues
Several statues were installed in the park after the creation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Notable sculptures include the expressive farmer created by Costa Mota, a marble figure of a nude woman known as O Despertar, and—the most famous of the lot—the Guardadora de Patos, which means “keeper of the ducks.” The statues transform the area into more than just a park, but an elegant sculpture garden in which visitors can admire art and simply relax.
Address: Largo da Estrela, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 23
Dom Fernando II e Glória
Unfairly passed over due to her location in a dry dock at Cacilhas on the southern bank of the Tagus River from central Lisbon, the Dom Fernando II e Glória is one of the most complete and best examples of wooden-hulled frigate in the world. At 280 ft (87 m) in length, the immaculately restored warship had 50 cannons and was launched by the Portuguese Navy in 1843.
This elegant three-masted frigate was built in Goa, southern India, and her maiden voyage was to Lisbon; she served across Africa and Asia until 1878, wracking up 100,000 nautical miles before becoming a permanent fixture in dock in Lisbon as the Naval Artillery School. A fire destroyed much of her hull in 1963 and the ship then lay abandoned in the Tagus until 1993, when she was fully refurbished to splendid working condition, awarded an International Maritime Heritage Award and opened as a museum; she was eventually moved to Cacilhas in 2007.
Today Dom Fernando II e Glória has four decks to explore, offering an intimate glimpse into life aboard a 19th-century warship, from the cooking stations to primitive hammocks for the sailors, the swanky officers’ mess to the sick bay and rows of cannons poised to fire.
Practical Info
Admission for the Dom Fernando II e Glória for adults is €5; seniors & children aged 4–12 are €2.50; family €13. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ship is open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm. To access, take the ferry from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre terminal to Cacilhas (€1.25) and it is a 175-yard (150-m) walk to the warship.
Address: Doca nº 2 da Ex-Parry & Son, Cacilhas, Lisbon, Beiras, Portugal
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults €5; seniors & children aged 4–12 €2.50; family €13; free first Sun of every month
From $ 58
Chiado Museum
Also known at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chiado Museum is one of the best collections of contemporary Portuguese art. Located in the neighborhood that bears the same name, Chiado is the center of Lisbon’s bohemian culture. The museum has been around since 1911, but moved to its current location, a reformed monastery, in 1994. Much of the monastery’s original architecture remains but is now mixed in with modern suspended walkways and sophisticated lighting systems.
With works that span across the 19th – 21st centuries, pieces range from Romanticism, to Naturalism; from Impressionism to Neo-realism. The permanent collection is small and mostly Portuguese artists with a speckling of other European artists, including several sculptures by the famed French sculpture, Rodin. The Chiado Museum receives a number of rotating exhibits, many of which display Portuguese artists from private collections or other museums throughout the country. A highlight is the outdoor sculpture garden, with simple but carefully manicured lawns dotted with bronze sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Practical Info
The Chiado Museum is located at Rua Serpa Pinto 4, near the Baixo-Chiado metro station and is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 4.50 € for adults, 2.25 € for seniors over 65 and students with ID, and free for children under 12. There is free admission the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto 4, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 4.50 € for adults, 2.25 € for seniors over 65 and students with ID, and free for children under 12
From $ 21