lisbon
coastal Capital
Lisbon is Portugal’s ancient capital – one of the oldest cities in the world, in fact. From the imposing São Jorge Castle on top of one of its famous seven hills, you can see over the entire city, from the Old Town's pastel-splashed facades to the Tagus Estuary and the modern "Ponte 25 de Abril" suspension bridge standing over it.
Just outside Lisbon is a string of beaches running from Cascais to Estoril; not a bad place to start a road trip...
Fortified history
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Soaring high above the seafront of the Lisbon quays, this tower stands guard to the Tagus river. Located next to the "Padrão dos Descobrimentos" monument and very close to the Palaces, it is very popular in summer. Easily reached by train and tram.
tram 28
Public transport with charm
The rattling number 28 tram, carrying communters since the 1930s, winds its way through the centre of Lisbon. It's always crowded but worth it if you can grab it during a quiet spell. Try getting on at the terminus to get a chance of a seat; the city has several other tram and funicular lines as well as a useful subway.
Bustling city life​
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Bairro Alto is the hip central district of the city of the Portuguese capital. It is the centre of the city's nightlife and will still be jumping at 3am any day of the week.
During festivals, the narrow streets are packed with revellers and families.
HIERONYMITE
MONASTERY
Gothic worship
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Just a glance at the ornate spires and grand carvings of the great Monastery of Jerónimos should be enough to deduce the "raison d’être" for this massive landmark which is nestled close to the banks of the Tagus River.
santa justa
elevator
Take me up​
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​The Elevador de Santa Justa is a 19th century lift that carries passengers up the steep hill from the Baixa district to the Largo do Carmo and the ruins of the Carmo church.
alfama
district
Gentrified Lisbon
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The little Alfama District is Lisbon’s answer to the old town centres of Europe’s other ancient capitals. Get lost between the winding streets and steps and make yourself comfortable at one of the zany cafés or in the colourful plazas.
national tile museum
​Colourful tesselation
Ask any ceramic aficionado and they will tell you that Portugal is the place to go for tiles. Cue Lisbon’s great National Tile Museum, which is dedicated to everything fired in a kiln.