Cycle Tour Lissabon - Caminha

Lisbon (Portuguese: Lisboa) is the capital of Portugal situated on seven hills at the wide mouth of the river Tagus (Tejo) where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. A port city, an economic centre, a cultural powerhouse and a thriving mix of Portugal's rich history and vivid contemporary culture, Lisbon enchants travellers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy going charm that makes it a popular year round destination.

Understand

Lisbon is built on seven hills, so getting around Lisbon can be a workout. Numerous slopes and few really flat areas is one of Lisbon's trademarks. This is also a city of enchanting contrasts: The elegant squares, broad avenues, monumental buildings and rectangular layout of the lower areas quickly gives way to the hilly, narrow, winding, unpredictable and cramped streets of districts such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. The elegant dining rooms and smart rooftop bars of expensive hotels seems like a different world compared to the excellent restaurants disguised behind an inconspicuous façade in a modest Bairro Alto street. Quality patisseries and restaurants thrive side by side with late night bars and noisy discos. The old, tiny squeaky trams (one of the city's trademarks) are no less of a contrast to the efficient metro network.

Districts

Since December 2012, Lisbon was reorganised into five zones (zonas), which are further divided into 24 civil parishes (freguesias). While the zonas reflect the actual characteristics of each area well, which also aids orientation for the tourists, freguesias serve mostly administrative purposes and are of little interest to tourists. More important are the unofficial bairros (neighbourhoods), which lack administratively defined boundaries, but are entrenched in local tradition and referred to in most tourist guides and even official publications. The main characteristics of each zone and most prominent bairros are outlined below.

Centro Historico

The historic centre of Lisbon is the river-front belt formed by the hills of Bairro Alto and Alfama and the flat area of Baixa between them. It contains the following bairros:

• Alfama
  This neighbourhood still bears signs of the Moorish presence in the city, with the buildings very close to each other, and very irregular streets. It's very atmospheric and a great spot in which to wander around. Thanks to the firmer rock it was built upon, it was relatively spared during the Great Earthquake and therefore retains the charm of the winding alleys and azulejo-covered crumbling walls.
• Bairro Alto
  Head uphill to Bairro Alto and give your legs a good workout, or take one of the elevadores (funiculars) for stunning views of the city and some wild partying in Lisbon's most popular nightclub district. This district includes the main shopping and leisure boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade, Chiado, an elegant shopping district, and Principe Real, the trendy district with all the fancy shops.
• Baixa
  This part of the city was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake by the Marquês de Pombal. The planned layout, greatly different from what you will see in the more ancient neighbourhoods, is a testimony to the ideas of the Enlightenment.
• Belém
  Belém, along with Ajuda and Alcântara, forms the city's Zona Occidental (western zone). Here you will find many grand monuments to the country's maritime history and various cultural sights, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Northern Lisbon
  Norte covers a huge portion of Lisbon but is of little interest to tourists, except for the airport and a handful of sights concentrated in the district's southern end, such as the large parks, prominent museums, and modern office towers scattered across Avenidas Novas and the hills of Campolide.
• Parque das Nações
  The ultra-modern Parque de Nações district was built at the eastern end of Lisbon for Expo '98 (1998 Lisbon World Exposition), making the most of its riverfront location. Many of the sites still exist, most notably the huge Oceanarium. The Parque is in the city's Zona Oriental (eastern zone), mostly residential neighbourhoods and industrial docklands.

See

Baixa

• ⊙MUDE – Museu do Design e da Moda (Museum of Design and Fashion), Rua Augusta 24, ☎ +351 218 171892.Temporarily closed for renovations; planned reopening 2023.
  The collection has about 1,000 items of furniture and accessories and over 1,200 pieces of haute couture clothing. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha (Old Church of Our Lady of the Conception), Rua da Alfândega 108. 18th-century
  Manueline-style church, a national monument.  
• ⊙Palácio Alverca (Antigo Palácio Pais do Amaral, Antigo Palácio São Luís, Casa do Alentejo), Rua Portas de Santo Antão 58.
  Unassuming from the outside, the interior combines neo-Gothic, neo-Arab, neo-Renaissance, neo-Rococo, Art Nouveau, and baroque elements.
• ⊙Palácio Foz, Praça dos Restauradores, ☎ +351 213 221215.M–F 09:30–16:00, closed Sa Su.
  A palace constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visits can be arranged in advance via email. Concerts (some of them free) are offered. 
• ⊙Praça do Comércio (Tram stop Praça do Comércio  15E  25E  or metro station Terreiro do Paço  Azul ).
  This magnificent plaza, facing the river, is the beginning of Lisboa's downtown. It is also known as 'Terreiro do Paço', meaning 'Grounds of the Palace', relating to its function before the Great Earthquake of 1755. The upper floors of the yellow buildings surrounding the square are mainly used as government offices, while the lower floors often contains cafés and restaurants. King Josef I, who ruled during the reconstruction of Lisbon, is seen as a mounted statue in the middle of the square, while the arch facing north is a tribute to the explorer Vasco da Gama.  
• ⊙Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio).
  One of Lisbon's principal squares. A statue of King Pedro IV stands on a column in the centre. The square, a popular meeting point for local and tourists, is known for its wavy black-and-white stone pavement.
• ⊙Praça da Figueira
  This large square has an equestrian statue of King João I. An important transport hub, the square is surrounded by hotels, cafés, and shops in four-storey buildings dating back to the rebuilding after the 1755 Great Earthquake. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Praça dos Restauradores 
  Ths major square lies at the southeast end of Avenida da Liberdade. The Monument to the Restorers, a 30 m (98 ft) obelisk commemorating the 1640 restoration of Portugal as a kingdom separate from Spain, sits in the middle of the square.  
• ⊙Rossio Station 
  Built in 1890 as the Estação Central (Central Station), it was the main railway hub until 1957. It provides a direct connection to Sintra in about 40 min. The trains access the station through a 2.6-km long tunnel. The main facade is an example of the Neo-Manueline style, a revival of Gothic style in Portugal during the mid-19th century.  
• ⊙Elevador de Santa Justa, Largo do Carmo - Rua do Ouro. 08:30-20:30 (viewing platform).
  Excellent vertical view of the Baixa streets, next to Igreja do Carmo. The line can be quite long, you may want to consider walking up and riding it down instead. €1.50. (updated Sep 2016)

Alfama

• ⊙Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Largo Portas do Sol.
  Good viewpoint in Alfama uphill from the cathedral along tram route. Lovely view over rooftops and river. Free.
• ⊙Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle), Rua de Santa Cruz, ☎ +351 218 800620.Mar–Oct: daily 10:00–21:00, Nov–Feb daily 09:00–18:00.
  Humans settled on this hill as early as the 8th century BCE, and the first fortifications date from the 1st century BCE. Before the Portuguese conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, the site was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Sights within the castle include the permanent exhibition of archaeological artefacts with an emphasis on the 11th- and 12th-century Moors, ruins of the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a garden with native forest species, and a camera obscura showing the city's sights. The castle offers great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighbourhood of Alfama.
  €15, ages 13–25 €7.5, disabled or seniors 65+ €7.50, children under 12 free; guided tour €5. (updated Feb 2023)
• ⊙Igreja e Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls).
  Started in 1582, this Mannerist monastery wasn't completed until 1629, following the reconstruction of a 1147 church under royal decree. The church houses the Pantheon of the House of Braganza, where many monarchs, consorts, and their offspring are entombed.  
• ⊙Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa, Igreja de Santa Maria Maior), Largo da Sé 1, ☎ +351 218 866752.M–Sa 10:00–18:30.
  Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived various earthquakes and has undergone restoration, renovation, and modification over the years. Its elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It has been a national monument since 1910.
  €5, children 7–12 €2.50, children 6 & under free. (updated Feb 2024)
• ⊙Museu da Água (Water Museum), Rua do Alviela 12, ☎ +351 218 100215.M–F 10:00–12:30 & 13:30–17:30. Free. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum), Rua da Madre de Deus 4, ☎ +351 218 100340.Tu–Su 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–18:00, closed M.
  One of the most important national museums, dedicated to Portuguese azulejo tiles since the late 1400s. It's in the former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor.
  €5, seniors 65+/students/youth card €2.50, disabled & children 12 and under free. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Museu Militar de Lisboa (Lisbon Military Museum), Largo do Museu da Artilharia, ☎ +351 218 842453.
  Housed in a 16th-century foundry, this museum holds its testaments to Portuguese military history, and contains many artifacts, including a sword used by Vasco da Gama.
• ⊙Museu de Sociedade de Geografia (Museu Etnográfico da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa), Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 100, ☎ +351 213 425401.M–F 10:00–12:45 & 14:00–16:45, closed Sa Su.
  Exhibits of ethnography from Portugal's former colonies.
  €5, seniors 65+ €2, students & youths €2.50, families of 4 or more €4 each, disabled & children 12 and under free. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Museu do Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre Museum), Rua de São Mamede, nº 3 A, ☎ +351 218 172450.
  Along the way from downtown to Saint George's Castle.
• ⊙Panteão Nacional, ☎ +351 218 854820. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, platform 10:00-18:00 (closed Mondays, shorter hours in winter).
  This is one of the most striking buildings in Lisbon. Its tall dome and white facade makes it a real landmark in Alfama/Eastern Lisbon. Excellent views from the rooftop terrace. Construction began in 1681, then halted until the dome was added in 1966 and then converted to the National Pantheon. Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado, is buried here, and fresh roses can be seen on the tomb. The church also has wide viewing platform on the rooftop all around its dome. Excellent panorama of the river and surroundings.
  No elevator. €4. (updated Dec 2018)

Bairro Alto 

• ⊙Igreja do Carmo, Largo do Carmo, ☎ +351 213 460473.Oct-May: M-Sa 10:00-18:00; Jun-Sep: M-Sa 10:00-19:00; closed Su, 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec.
  The hilltop church of the former convent of Carmo is a towering memorial of the 1755 earthquake, which made the roof of the church collapse, but the Gothic arches of the nave survived. The church was preserved that way and now serves as the Museu Arqueológico in the extant parts of the building. The museum houses a hodgepodge of archaeological artifacts from around Portugal and the world including mummies from South America, tombs of Portuguese rulers, and the Stations of the Cross on 18th-century painted tiles. The assorted artifacts are not well explained, but the church is a sight to see and visitors come to relax in the grassy nave of the church, and draw or photograph the spires.
  €4 (adults), €3 (students/seniors), €3.20 (Lisbon card), free (children under 15). (updated May 2017)
• ⊙Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara (Mirador), Rua S. Pedro de Alcântara.
  Excellent panorama from the lovely terrace/garden on top of Elevador da Glória and northern corner of Bairro Alto.
  Free.
• ⊙Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Rua das Janelas Verdes, ☎ +351 213 912800. Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00-18:00; Closed Monday.
  Portugal's impressive national art collection, including 14-19th century European painting, artefacts of Portuguese contact with the East and Africa and a collection of ecclesiastical treasures. Highlights include Dürer's St Jerome, Hieronymus Bosch's Temptations of St Antony, Nuno Gonçalves' Adoration of St Vincent, and 16th century Japanese paintings of Portuguese traders.
  Normal: €6.00. (updated Sep 2018)
• ⊙Museu da Marioneta (Puppetry Museum), Convento das Bernardas, Rua da Esperança 146, ☎ +351 213 942810.Tu–F 10:00–18:00, Sa Su closed M.
  The museum covers the history of puppetry around the world, with an emphasis on Portugal. Various types of puppets are on display.
  Admission €5, ages 13–25 €2.50, 65+ or disabled €4.30, kids under 13 free; shows €7.50, kids, seniors 65+, and students under 25 €5. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Basílica da Estrela, Praça da Estrela, ☎ +351 213 960915.
  This Neoclassical and Baroque basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was built in the late 1700s by Queen Maria I in fulfilment of a vow. The Queen is entombed in the right transept. Among the artworks is a nativity scene made up of over 500 cork and terracotta figures by Joaquim Machado de Castro.  
• ⊙Jardim da Estrela (Jardim Guerra Junqueiro), Praça da Estrela. Daily 07:00–00:00. A 4.6 hectares (11 acres)
  English-style garden with Romantic inspiration. You can find many plant and bird species here. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Palácio de São Bento (Saint Benedict's Palace).
  Built in 1598, the palace has served as the home of Portugal's parliament since 1834. The adjoining São Bento Mansion serves as the prime minister's residence.  
• ⊙Cemitério dos Prazeres, Praça São João Bosco, ☎ +351 213 961511. daily 09:00–16:30.
  This large cemetery is packed with majestic gravestones and mausoleums, separated by wide, pedestrian, tree-lined "streets". Many graves are marked with icons telling something about the person's role in historical Lisbon. A beautiful respite from the busy city.
  Free. (updated Apr 2016)
• ⊙Fundação Arpad Szenes / Vieira da Silva, Praça das Amoreiras, 56/58, ☎ +351 213 880044.M-Sa 11:00-19:00, Su 10:00-18:00.
  This museum is installed in the restored 18th-century former Royal Silk Factory. Its permanent collection covers a wide time period of the works of 20th-century painters Arpad Szenes and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, and regularly hosts exhibits by their contemporaries.
  Adults €2.50, students €1.25, kids under 14 free.
• ⊙Aqueduto das Aguas Livres 
  This is a historic aqueduct in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the most remarkable examples of 18th-century Portuguese engineering, including the largest stone arch in the world. The main course of the aqueduct covers 18 km, but the whole network of canals extends through nearly 58 km. The Mãe d'Água (Mother of the Water) reservoir of the Amoreiras, the largest of the water reservoirs, was finished in 1834. This reservoir, with a capacity of 5,500 m³ of water, was designed by Carlos Mardel. It is now deactivated and can be visited as part of the Museu da Água (Water Museum).  
• ⊙Espaço Novo Banco, Praça Marquês de Pombal, 3A, ☎ +351 213 508975.M–F 09:00-15:00.
  Multifunctional space dedicated to contemporary art, especially photography.
  Free. (updated Dec 2020)
• ⊙Lisbon Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico), Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58. Daily 10:00-17:00.
  A hidden gem. It was created several hundred years ago, by a King of Portugal at the time of the Discoveries. The story goes that this King wanted one of every type of plant in the world, and although that's unlikely, there is a huge collection dating back by three or four centuries which is worth checking out. And there's something quite eerie about seeing plants or huge trees from completely different climates growing next to each other in apparent harmony. A great place to take a picnic: this green oasis is completely surrounded by city but even the city sounds filter out.
  Entrance €5 adults, discounts for kids, seniors and students. (updated Feb 2024)

Northern City

• ⊙Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Avenida de Berna 45A, ☎ +351 217 823000. W–M 10:00–18:00, closed Tu.
  One of the best museums in Lisbon. Created from the personal collection of the art and artifact collector Calouste Gulbenkian. The collection include Egyptian artefacts; Islamic and oriental art; paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Cassat; and a large collection of objects made by the Art Nouveau jeweler René Lalique. Gulbenkian was an Armenian born in the Ottoman Empire who, through his investments in Iraqi oil, became one of the wealthiest men of his time. During a journey he fell ill and had to seek medical attention in Lisbon. He fell in love with the city and decided live out his final days there. After his death his immense collections were organized into this museum. The Gulbenkian Gardens which surround the museums and foundation building are worth a visit in and of themselves, as a little oasis in the middle of downtown Lisbon.
  They're free and open sunrise to sunset. €10, ages 13–30 & 65+ €5, ages 0–12 free. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Centro de Arte Moderna (Modern Art Centre), Rua Dr. Nicolau de Bettencourt, ☎ +351 217 823000. Temporarily closed for renovations.
  A museum dedicated to art since the 1950s, focusing on Portuguese artists and including other nationalities, notably British and Armenian. Part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. (updated Jul 2021)
• ⊙Jardim Zoológico, Estrada de Benfica 158-160, ☎ +351 217 232920. 21 Mar-30 Sep: 10:00-20:00; 1 Oct-20 Mar: 10:00-18:00.
  A zoo that is fairly pricey, but has a variety of exotic animals featuring sea-lions and dolphins.
  €15.  
• ⊙Parque Eduardo VII 
  Formal park with expansive views down toward the city and water from Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII. Home to the wonderful Estufa Fria greenhouse gardens.  
• ⊙Praça Marquês de Pombal 
  Essentially a large roundabout with a sizeable statue of a former Portuguese prime minister in the middle.  

Parque das Nações

• Museu do Azulejo (Tile Museum).
  One of the most important national museums, for its singular collection, Azulejo, an artistic expression which differentiates Portuguese culture, and for the unique building where its installed, former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Dona Leonor.
• ⊙Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa), ☎ +351 218 917002.
  One of the world's largest aquariums. Built by American architect Peter Chermayeff, it hosts thousands of marine species of the oceans, such as sea otters, penguins, and sharks. The main tank is huge, representing the Atlantic environment, with hundreds of small fishes, sharks, barracuda, snappers, and a huge sunfish. Ideal for children.
  Adults €19, seniors 65+ €13, children 4–12 €10, children 0–3 free, family (2 adults + 2 children up to age 12) €47, extra child €6. (updated Jul 2021)

Almada

• ⊙Cristo Rei statue
  This statue of Christ the King overlooking Lisbon is across the river but is clearly visible from Lisbon. The monument was inspired by the similar statue in Rio de Janeiro.

Eat

Portuguese dining rituals tend to follow the Mediterranean siesta body clock.

For Portuguese traditional cuisine at its finest, head to the area of Chiado. Tour groups primarily feel at home in Alfama. Traditional Portuguese restaurants are in Bairro Alto, scattered abundantly through its quirky narrow streets.

Tourist traps with laminated menus and meal deals are mostly concentrated in the Baixa area.