Lisbon attractions

St. Anthony, also known as Anthony of Padua or the patron saint of lost things, didn’t actually hail from Padua in Italy—in fact, he was born some 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) away in Lisbon. The Church of St. Anthony, an 18th-century baroque landmark that’s now a National Monument, denotes his birthplace and remains a popular place of worship.

Astronomy enthusiasts visiting Lisbon are drawn to the Navy Planetarium, where you can travel through time and space with a show at the dome theater. Popular with families, this planetarium also offers live demonstrations of celestial navigation techniques, interactive exhibits, and educational programs on a range of topics. With plenty of entertainment to offer, the Navy Planetarium is a fascinating experience for all ages.

The unassuming facade of the Church of St. Dominic (Igreja de São Domingos) doesn't do justice to the stunning interior when you step inside the doors of this church, which dates back to the 1200s. An orangey-peach ceiling draws the eye to the altar and alcoves surrounding it, and you may notice that the columns that line the building appear to be scorched—the baroque church survived a massive earthquake in 1755 and then a fire in 1959.

The Ah Amália - Living Experience tells the story of fado singer Amália Rodrigues, who is the best-selling Portuguese artist of all time. Immersive exhibits take you through her personal and professional journey, from watching holograms of her performances to seeing her life story told through virtual reality.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Convent of the Capuchos is set deep in the forests of Serra de Sintra National Park. It’s known for being the former home of a small group of Franciscan monks who lived in tiny quarters until the site was abandoned in 1834. Since then, it’s been carefully restored so that visitors can explore the interiors and learn about monastic life.

Get a glimpse of where Lisbon locals shop and dine at Campo de Ourique Market. This food market, which dates back to 1934, is a local hot spot for fresh fish, vegetables, meat, fruit, and tempting pastries. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy wine and cocktail stands and cozy places to sit and eat, making this market a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Constructed for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940, the Belem Lighthouse (Farol de Belém) is a remnant of one of the main exhibition buildings, the former Pavilion of Industrial Arts (Pavilhão das Artes Indústrias). Designed as a folly rather than a functional lighthouse, it’s now closed to visitors—but its location along Belem’s riverfront promenade makes it a worthy photo stop.

Famous for its elaborate, gilded interiors and dazzling golden altar, the Church of St. Michael (Igreja de São Miguel) is one of the most impressive churches in Lisbon’s Alfama district. Dating back to the 12th century, it was completely rebuilt in the early 18th century and houses a series of paintings by Portuguese artist Bento Coelho da Silveira.

A wine estate backed by the rolling foothills of Serra de Montejunto, Quinta do Gradil is one of the oldest estates in the region, with a history dating back to the 15th century. The estate comprises an 18th-century palace surrounded by bountiful orchards, forests, and vineyards growing peaches, pears, and 12 varieties of grape.

The Medeiros e Almeida House Museum (Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida) is a 19th-century mansion filled to the brim with fine and decorative arts dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The 25-room home is divided into old and new wings, and includes over 2,000 pieces collected by renowned businessman Antonio de Medeiros e Almeida, the home’s last private owner.

Portugal has had cultural and commercial ties to Asia since the Age of Exploration. The Museum of the Orient (Museu do Oriente), part of Portugal’s Orient Foundation, aims to strengthen ties between the two regions. The museum showcases Portuguese influence in Asian art and culture in the form of textiles, furnishings, paintings, and military wear.

Named after the Portuguese explorer who discovered an ocean trade route between Europe and India, this aquarium houses a wide variety of aquatic life. In addition to fish-filled tanks, the aquarium also exhibits preserved water-dwelling specimens collected by the marine enthusiast and former king of Portugal, Dom Carlos I.

One of the standout features in Lisbon’s well-manicured Parque Eduardo VII, Carlos Lopes Pavilion hosts events from dance performances to political gatherings. The structure, which dates back to the 1920s, is a favorite gathering place for architecture and design buffs exploring central Lisbon. The building is primarily rented out for conferences and private functions, but even if the interiors are not accessible, it’s worth going for a stroll in the sprawling park to check out the pavilion’s traditional architecture.

You’ll find pastel de nata (sweet custard tarts), the ubiquitous Portuguese sweet treat, at bakeries all around Lisbon, but to taste the original, head to Pastéis de Belém. Since 1837, this bakery-café has been making the original pastel de Bélem according to a closely guarded secret recipe developed by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery.

Dating back to 1905, A Brasileira is one of Lisbon's oldest cafés and a much-loved spot for a pastéis de nata (egg custard tart pastries). Located in the city’s Chiado neighborhood, the eatery has a Parisian feel, with art deco elements including mosaic floors and sculpted wood decorations. Stop by for a bica—the Lisbon word for a shot of espresso, which is said to originate from this café.

Lisbon’s fascinating history—from the Phoenicians and Romans through the medieval Age Of Discoveries to the devastating 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution in 1974—is condensed into a series of colorful comic strip–style panels at the History of Lisbon Mural. Painted by illustrator Nuno Saraiva, the public artwork is one of Lisbon’s most unique free attractions.

Some 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Lisbon, Mt. Montejunto(Serra de Montejunto) is the highest peak in the Estremadura wine region and can be seen for miles around. A national protected landscape that’s popular with cyclists and hikers, the mountain is also the site of prehistoric settlements and some of Portugal’s oldest ruins.

Step into a painting, hang off the side of a skyscraper, and get into other wacky scenarios at the 3D Fun Art Museum Lisboa. Full of optical illusions, this museum north of central Lisbon has more than three dozen backdrops for endless photo ops, and it’s especially popular for families and as a quick detour en route to the nearby Edward VII Park.