Lisbon Destination Guide
Lisbon is living it up well these days, showing off how the modern city interestingly blends in with medieval downtown architecture and busy squares. The resulting panorama gives way to quite a trendy image, more emphasised by the 2004 World Cup facelift.
Lisbon city centre has the honour of being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, due to its long history and architectural wonders.
Our Lisbon Destination Guide below will give you a comprehensive list of things to see and do during your travel to Lisbon. If you would like to read more detail about particular travel topics of Lisbon you can visit our Lisbon Transportation Guide, Lisbon Shopping Guide or Lisbon Weather Guide.
For information and to book accommodation in Lisbon please visit our Lisbon Hotels guide!
Parque Eduardo VII Lisbon
This is Lisbon's largest city centre park and is located at the heart of the downtown area next to Avenida da Liberdade, the main road of the capital. The park gets its name from the English King Edward the seventh who was the first dignitary to visit the park after its inauguration. The green lungs of Lisbon are home to a wide variety of trees and plants and there is even a garden that thrives in the cold winter months. To find this large winter paradise, ask for the Estufa Fria.
Baixa Lisbon
Lisbon's heart and soul lie in the city centre of Baixa. Baixa may quite soon be named a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and with its fascinating grid-like layout of squares and streets that were built in the 1700s, the locals won't be surprised with the honour. The aftermath of the 1755 earthquake which left much of the medieval Lisbon in shambles brought on this new design which remains to this day.
The Lisbon Cathedral along with the imposing São Jorge Castle tower over Lisbon from a hill (one of seven in the city) to the east. The Alfama district is one of the oldest parts of Portugal and has survived several earthquakes untouched.
Christ the King Statue Lisbon
The monument of Christ the King (Cristo Rei) is located on the left side of the River Tagus, in Almada. In a recognizable pose to that of the Corcovado monument in Rio De Janeiro, Christ the King monument stands with open arms overlooking the whole city. This impressive monument was built after World War II, as thanks for Portugal being spared the destruction like so many other historical European cities.
Belem Tower Lisbon
Belem Tower is perhaps one of the most famous and recognizable structures in Lisbon. It was built in the early 16th Century in the technique of Manueline, a late Portuguese Gothic style, to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. Whilst it may look like quite the defensive structure, this graceful construction is now a symbol of the city and a memorial to the great power that Portugal was during the Age of the Great Discoveries. Considered so important in historical value, the Belem Tower in Lisbon was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Discoveries Monument Lisbon
Nearby to the Jeronimos Monastery is the famous Discoveries Monument that you will notice in the photographs of our website. The Discoveries Monument was built in 1960 on the north bank of the River Tagus in Lisbon to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. A site that is engraved in most visitors minds for its intricate stone carvings, this three-sailed ship represents all the greats that lived in Lisbon. Leading the pack of historical figures such as King Manuel I, Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Cabral, is Prince Henry the Navigator. The carving inclues one woman, the mother of Henry the Navigator and brain of discoveries, Queen Felipa of Lancaster.
Jerónimos Monastery Lisbon
The Jerónimos Monastery is a magnificent structure, like the Belem Tower, considered one of the most prominent monuments in Lisbon. It is designed in the Manueline Style of architecture and the first church, monastery, sacristy and the refectory were built by Diogo de Boitaca. His construction successor was Spaniard João de Castilho, who took over the work in 1517. The significance of this building is that Vasco da Gama's tomb was placed just inside the entrance to honor his adventures. Other great figures in the history of Portugal are also buried here, like King Manuel and King Sebastião and the author of the heroic The Lusiads in which he triumphs De Gama and his compatriots. This great structure of Lisbon withstood the Great Earthquake of 1755 with little damage. However, in 1833 when all religious orders were banned in Portugal, the Jerónimos Monastery started to unfortunately deteriorate to a point of almost collapsing. It was thankfully restored and in 1983 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
