Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon is best known for being a city that boasts a rich heritage, brilliant pieces of architecture and nightlife that is said to be able to outlast even the likes of Madrid. But any Lisbon travel planner would be incomplete if it did not include -
A square located in the city, the Praca do Comercio is one of the most recognizable places in all of Lisbon and even Portugal. The central attraction of the square is the large towering statue of King Jose the 1st by Machado De Castro. The statue has a rich symbolism to it and stands at the defining feature of this 35000 sq meter square near the Tagus River. The view of the statue and the archway behind is offers some of the best historical photo ops in the city. The square is a history and architecture buff’s paradise and the surrounding buildings are now all seats of commerce and governance of Portugal.
This tower is a landmark, bold defensive tower also known as the Tower of St. Vincent. Standing about 30 meters tall on the bank of the Tagus River, the architecture of this tower is really its most impressive quality. Built in the 16th century, the Belem tower was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 and is a striking piece of Manueline architecture made of Limestone, tile and wood. The rich history this tower has seen is sure to be of great interest to all travellers in Lisbon and it is especially nice to look at during the wee hours of the morning or just around sunset.
The Moorish structure atop a hill, overlooking the historic city center and Tagus River, the Sao Jorge Castle is a landmark that is a quintessential part of the Lisbon vacation guide. The structure was built over several decades as far back as the Roman occupation of Portugal in the 1st century BC. The still standing structures as well as the ruins are a real sight for travellers around to world to revel at as they see bits and pieces of some great history. The structure is also the perfect place to get a view of the city and offers some great photo ops.
This large museum in the Avenidas Novas region of Lisbon was made in accordance to the last will and testament of Calouste Gulbenkian and houses the art collection owned by his foundation. This extensive collection includes works, mostly from ancient history but also some from the modern era. The building is a stunning, bold structure of concrete and wrought iron which is a work of art in itself really.
Both of these are separate venues but one should add at least one of these to their Lisbon vacation. The Zoo’s conservation program is a great cause to visit the zoo and witness while the oceanarium is a vast waterside aquarium that includes myriads of fish and other aquatic species. These spots are both perfect of families travelling together or even the average traveller looking for a day of fun and relaxation. As an added bonus, the aquarium is right by the water and is great to visit during the evening as one can then dine at one of the many restaurants along the water (Pateo Restaurante comes highly recommended) and, for the adult traveller, perhaps even visit the Casino Lisboa which really rounds out an evening out in the beautiful, scenic city of Lisbon.
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The Praca do Comercio
A square located in the city, the Praca do Comercio is one of the most recognizable places in all of Lisbon and even Portugal. The central attraction of the square is the large towering statue of King Jose the 1st by Machado De Castro. The statue has a rich symbolism to it and stands at the defining feature of this 35000 sq meter square near the Tagus River. The view of the statue and the archway behind is offers some of the best historical photo ops in the city. The square is a history and architecture buff’s paradise and the surrounding buildings are now all seats of commerce and governance of Portugal.
The Belem Tower
This tower is a landmark, bold defensive tower also known as the Tower of St. Vincent. Standing about 30 meters tall on the bank of the Tagus River, the architecture of this tower is really its most impressive quality. Built in the 16th century, the Belem tower was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 and is a striking piece of Manueline architecture made of Limestone, tile and wood. The rich history this tower has seen is sure to be of great interest to all travellers in Lisbon and it is especially nice to look at during the wee hours of the morning or just around sunset.
Sao Jorge Castle
The Moorish structure atop a hill, overlooking the historic city center and Tagus River, the Sao Jorge Castle is a landmark that is a quintessential part of the Lisbon vacation guide. The structure was built over several decades as far back as the Roman occupation of Portugal in the 1st century BC. The still standing structures as well as the ruins are a real sight for travellers around to world to revel at as they see bits and pieces of some great history. The structure is also the perfect place to get a view of the city and offers some great photo ops.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
This large museum in the Avenidas Novas region of Lisbon was made in accordance to the last will and testament of Calouste Gulbenkian and houses the art collection owned by his foundation. This extensive collection includes works, mostly from ancient history but also some from the modern era. The building is a stunning, bold structure of concrete and wrought iron which is a work of art in itself really.
The Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon Zoo
Both of these are separate venues but one should add at least one of these to their Lisbon vacation. The Zoo’s conservation program is a great cause to visit the zoo and witness while the oceanarium is a vast waterside aquarium that includes myriads of fish and other aquatic species. These spots are both perfect of families travelling together or even the average traveller looking for a day of fun and relaxation. As an added bonus, the aquarium is right by the water and is great to visit during the evening as one can then dine at one of the many restaurants along the water (Pateo Restaurante comes highly recommended) and, for the adult traveller, perhaps even visit the Casino Lisboa which really rounds out an evening out in the beautiful, scenic city of Lisbon.
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