Discover Lisbon: Culture, Urban History and Special Experiences

Lisbon combines an impressive urban history with museums, gardens, special buildings and a wide range of experiences. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment should therefore first consider which travel focus should shape their stay: culture and Portuguese history, routes through historic neighbourhoods, nature experiences or a varied mix for different interests within the family.

Portuguese History in Museums and Buildings

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stands at the entrance to the port of Lisbon; construction began in 1502. The monastery includes a 16th-century cloister, the former monks’ refectory and the library. The Belém complex is considered one of the most representative examples of Portuguese power during the Age of Discoveries. Also located on the Tagus, the Torre de Belém was built around 1514 by Francisco de Arruda and served to defend the port of Lisbon.

The Museu do Tesouro Real permanently displays large parts of the former possessions of the Portuguese royal house, as well as works from the former private collections of several members of the Portuguese royal family. The collection also includes the complete Germain table service, which was commissioned from the goldsmith François-Thomas Germain after the 1755 earthquake. The museum is divided into 11 exhibition areas, offering different perspectives on Portugal’s royal history.

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is located in the former Convento da Madre de Deus, founded in 1509, and traces the history of azulejos from the 15th century to the present day. The Igreja da Madre de Deus is considered an important example of Portuguese Baroque and is richly decorated with sculptures, paintings and azulejos. The MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia offers a different perspective on the present. It brings together art, architecture and technology in a space for debate, discovery and critical thinking. Here, a new building designed by Amanda Levete Architects meets the industrial heritage building Central Tejo.

Experience the City: Stories, Views and Music

The Lisboa Story Centre presents Lisbon’s development in a visitor route consisting of 17 chapters. As an interactive visitor attraction at Terreiro do Paço, it presents the city’s most important events from the past to the present. Terreiro do Paço is Praça do Comércio, as it is also known among the people of Lisbon, and is one of the largest squares in Europe. There are exhibitions and events at the Pátio da Galé, as well as photo opportunities at Cais das Colunas.

From the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta, there is a view across Baixa de Lisboa and the Tagus. In the Sala do Relógio, an exhibition also provides information about the history of the triumphal arch. Anyone interested in the city’s musical side can learn about the history of fado at the Museu do Fado. Interactive research stations and audio guides make it possible to listen to recordings from several decades.

Travelling Between Neighbourhoods and Sights

Tram line Eléctrico 28 runs between Graça and Prazeres through historic neighbourhoods, Baixa, Chiado and Estrela, and ends in Campo de Ourique. The metro is also useful for finding your way around the city: contactless bank cards can be used on all lines. The first stations were opened to the public in 1959 and artistically decorated with azulejo coverings designed by the painter Maria Keil. The Elevador de Santa Justa connects Rua do Ouro with Largo do Carmo and is housed in a neo-Gothic structure.

The Aqueduto das Águas Livres is a water-supply structure more than 14 kilometres long, built in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles, which supplied the city of Lisbon with fresh drinking water from 1744 onwards. An appointment can be booked for a walk through the aqueduct. This adds a special historical walking experience to a day in Lisbon without focusing the stay exclusively on museums and squares.

Ocean, Animals and Botanical Gardens

The Oceanário de Lisboa has a central aquarium containing 5 million litres of water, representing the Global Ocean. Four marine habitats are spread across two visitor levels: a terrestrial level and an underground or underwater level. The Jardim Zoológico is dedicated to protecting biodiversity, scientific research and environmental education. Its areas include a cable car, the dolphin bay, the reptile house and a bird show in the Bosque Encantado.

Several botanical gardens are available for more tranquil discoveries. The Jardim Botânico da Ajuda was founded in 1768 as Portugal’s first botanical garden and brought together more than 5,000 plant species from mainland Portugal and its overseas territories. The Jardim Botânico Tropical comprises more than 500 perennial species originating from tropical or subtropical regions. It was created as the Jardim Museu Agrícola Tropical for scientific and educational purposes and today serves as a venue for themed exhibitions.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

When searching for a holiday apartment in Lisbon, your preferred daily rhythm can be a useful starting point. Those interested in culture may plan several stops focusing on urban history, azulejos, fado and architecture. Anyone wanting to combine different interests can alternate museums and historic routes with the Oceanário, the zoo or the botanical gardens. The metro, Eléctrico 28 and the Elevador de Santa Justa provide important points of reference for planning your own itinerary, without requiring all experiences to be combined into a single tour.

If you would like to extend your search to other destinations, you will also find Benfica, Socorro and São Mamede. Other selectable destinations include Arruda Dos Vinhos, Loures, Azambuja, Paço De Arcos and Oeiras.

To the main travel overview: Lisbon.