LISBON TOP 10

Exploring the Best of Europe's Most Scenic Capital

1) JERONIMOS MONASTERY The resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama is a church built in the 1500s as part of a magnificent monastery. Its cloisters are considered among the most beautiful in the world and has been listed as a World Heritage Site.
2) BELEM TOWER The city's icon is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Built in the early 1500s, this ornate watchtower has been declared a World Heritage monument by UNESCO.
3) ST. GEORGE'S CASTLE From the millennium-old battlements of this castle you have a bird's-eye view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. Inside is a small archaeological museum and down the hill are a couple of terraces with perfect postcard views over Alfama, the city's medieval village-like neighborhood.
4) CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN MUSEUM Treasures from the East and the West collected by one man is now one of the world's finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique.
5) PARQUE DAS NACOES Contrasting with the city's oldest neighborhoods is this 21st-century district showcasing striking contemporary architecture with Europe's longest bridge as the backdrop. It includes a state-of-the-art aquarium, a casino, and a wonderful waterfront promenade.
6) BERARDO MUSEUM A Portuguese millionaire has put together one of Europe's greatest modern art collections which includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Dali among others. Best of all, it's free.
7) MADRE DE DEUS CONVENT Unique in the world, this lavish former convent is now a museum presenting an ancient art form (decorative ceramic tiles). Worth the visit for the beautiful church alone (pictured on the right). (You may also be interested in the top 10 tiled attractions in Lisbon).
8) THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE CHAPEL See what the gold found in colonial Brazil was able to pay for, hidden in the surprisingly rich São Roque Church. The Chapel of St. John the Baptist inside is a European masterpiece (what look like paintings are actually mosaics!) made in Rome for this Lisbon church, and to see more baroque magnificence head to Santa Catarina Church nearby. If you develop a taste for this type of golden art, don't miss the golden carriages of the Coaches Museum.
9) ANCIENT ART MUSEUM Fascinating Oriental and European art makes up the collection of Portugal's "National Gallery." Much of it is related to the Age of Discovery, illustrating Portugal's links with Asia and Africa.
10) DESIGN & FASHION MUSEUM The creations of top international names in fashion and design are presented in a permanent collection and in temporary exhibitions. Opened in 2009 in a former bank's headquarters, this is one of Lisbon's most surprising spaces, recognized as one of the world's leading design and fashion museums. Admission is free.

SEE ALSO THE MUST-DO LISBON ITINERARY: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best of Lisbon »

Get FREE admission to many of Lisbon's attractions and ride the city's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.

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10 BEST LISBON EXPERIENCES

Click the links below for 10 Lisbon things to do:

Travel back to a Golden Age »	Hunt for real treasures »
Bar hop 'til you drop »	Contemplate a fabulous view »
Enjoy the ride »	Get lost in Alfama »
Go on a deep-sea adventure »	Indulge in simple pleasures »
Listen to the melancholic sounds of Fado »	Watch Your Step »

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10 BEST DAYTRIPS

	1) SINTRA One of Europe's most romantic and enchanting towns just a 40-minute train ride away from central Lisbon. Its impressive concentration of fairytale palaces makes it a destination not to be missed, and although most visit on a daytrip (heading straight to the famous Pena Palace), it is also a good idea to stay overnight. Many organized Lisbon sightseeing tours also end up here.
	2) EVORA A World Heritage town less than 2 hours away by express bus or car. The highlight is a Roman temple, but more memorable is its chapel of bones or the prehistoric monuments nearby. Although most visitors arrive by car, it's also possible to visit on a bus tour from Lisbon.
	3) CASCAIS A picturesque town and surfer's paradise reached in 40 minutes by train. Known for its beautiful and refreshing Atlantic beaches, it's the most accessible for tourists looking for a day in the sand and sun.
	4) ESTORIL Europe's largest casino and spectacular golf are just 40 minutes away by train. Although usually seen together with Cascais (reached walking down the beachfront boardwalk), it's a destination on its own, whether for gambling at the casino or for the postcard beach Tamariz.
	5) OBIDOS The country's prettiest medieval village is just over one hour away by car. It's a romantic storybook place known as "the wedding present town" for having been a gift of a king to his bride. It's also known for major festivals throughout the year, from the chocolate festival to the medieval market and the "Christmas village". Tourists usually visit on a sightseeing bus tour from Lisbon.
	6) QUELUZ A beautiful rococo palace about 20 minutes away on the Sintra train line. It's a smaller Portuguese version of Versailles with gardens that are just as impressive as the palace's interior.
	7) MAFRA One of Europe's biggest palaces reached by bus (less than 1h30m away). Made famous by Nobel Prize author Jose Saramago's novel "Baltazar and Blimunda", it's also known for one of the finest libraries in Europe.
	8) COSTA DA CAPARICA You'll need a car but you'll want to join most Lisboetas at the beaches of this 30km-long coastline in the summer. Some beaches are crowded, others nearly deserted, some overdeveloped, others wild and pristine. The choice is yours.
	9) ARRÁBIDA Beautiful, wild Mediterranean vegetation by the Atlantic south of the city, only reached by car but worth it -- not just for the beauty of the natural park but also for one of the Lisbon Coast's most beautiful beaches - the Portinho da Arrábida.
	10) ERICEIRA Although Nazare further to the north has all the fame for "the world's biggest waves," this traditional seaside village closer to Lisbon is the original surfing mecca. Just 1h30m away by bus, it was Europe's first designated surfing reserve. Those who don't surf head here for relaxing days by the Atlantic in the atmosphere of a former fishing village with good seafood restaurants.