Discovering Lisbon

BnBird:Feira da Ladra literally translates to ‘Thief Fair’ and is the oldest market in Lisbon. It sells a mishmash of all sorts of things – from vintage evening gowns, to hand painted tiles. Even if you don’t have a budget to buy anything, the market is a fascinating place to walk around and take a few photos!

BnBird:Gulbenkian is a huge concrete bunker of a museum (free entrance on Sundays) surrounded by a garden with a lake. There’s an impressive amphitheater on site that hosts regular concerts but for some free fun – head to the lake and lay down on a blanket to watch the ducks and soak up the sunshine.

BnBird:Stretching across 140,000 square metres, Centro Cultural de Belém is one of the most impressive buildings in Lisbon. This cultural centre hosts opera, ballet and symphony concerts – as well as international conferences and events. It’s always a hive of activity and well worth checking out.

BnBird:The Royal Basilica of Estrela is one of Lisbon's most beautiful monuments and one of its most monumental churches. It's a baroque and neoclassical building built by Queen Maria I in 1790, in thanks for the birth of her son. The tomb of the queen, who died in Brazil, is found inside, by the door that leads to a remarkable baroque nativity scene with over 500 terracotta and cork images. It's the country's largest nativity scene, created by leading sculptor Machado de Castro. The interior is covered in polychrome marbles and paintings by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni and by the Portuguese Cirilo Volkmar Machado, among others. The exterior, with a large rococo dome and two bell towers, was inspired by Mafra Palace outside Lisbon, and features monumental sculptures and figures alluding to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

BnBird:The landmark 18th-century Palácio Foz provides a suitably historic backdrop for a program of free live music recitals held regularly in this noble building. The concerts, which are performed two or three times a month, feature a range of musical styles including piano recitals, bassoon and harp recitals, and choral music. Often accompanied by voice, performances are usually classical in nature, but can also err towards jazz. The venue is the palace's spectacular gilded Mirror Room, a plush and opulent salon illuminated by hanging chandeliers. All concerts last approximately one hour and places are limited to room capacity.

BnBird:This family-owned restaurant is a favorite for its modest and very informal space where amateur Fado performers spontaneously get up and sing. There are only about half a dozen tables for you to try the Portuguese cuisine, but if you're walking around Alfama at night you just may take a peek inside and catch a performance.

BnBird:Named after a classic Fado song, this restaurant presents Fado from Thursday to Saturday. Dinners are served from Wednesday to Sunday. Traditional Portuguese cooking fills the menu and the ambience is always very relaxed.

BnBird:Named after who is recognized as the first famous Fado singer, this space opened in 1955 to offer traditional Portuguese cuisine in a traditional ambience (decorated with beautiful tiles and old photos of Lisbon) to the sound of live Fado.

BnBird:It's now known as a tourist spot but Café Luso remains one of the classic Fado houses in Lisbon. Its glory days were in the 40s and when Amália Rodrigues used to be a regular performer at the beginning of her career, while today it combines folklore and Fado for tourists' enjoyment. The folklore is from the north of Portugal and starts at 9PM while Fado comes later in the evening, when lights are dimmed. Guests can come only for the Fado after paying a small admission fee, while those who show up earlier for dinner will be served Portuguese dishes with a few international influences.

BnBird:This club is one of the most sophisticated places to experience a night of Fado. It has a spacious interior with a warm, classic décor around ancient stone columns and a Moorish well, where the live Fado performances take place starting at 9:30PM. The singers are professionals (including some young Fadistas) and the menu lists Portuguese specialties.

BnBird:This family-run restaurant treats you like a family friend, serving traditional cuisine and presenting live Fado performances. The Fado starts when the lights are dimmed, always in a welcoming ambience and with an attentive service.

BnBird:This is the classiest Fado space in Lisbon, serving traditional Portuguese cuisine and a couple of vegetarian options. Those who just want to hear the Fado will pay an admission charge. The owner is Fado star Maria da Fé who often also performs in the tiled space along with the other resident singers (international star Mariza was once one of them).

BnBird:Found in a hidden corner across from the Fado Museum, this Fado restaurant is seen as one of the most authentic in the city. It is owned by a Fado singer who often performs along with other resident Fadistas. The cuisine is Portuguese and can be considered average-priced for a Fado restaurant.

BnBird:Carcavelos is located halfway between Lisbon and Cascais, and its beach is one of the biggest on the Lisbon coast. Its strong waves attract surfers and bodyboarders, and its over 1km of sand is quite popular among volleyball and beach soccer players. It’s also a beach known for being where many get together on New Year’s Day for the first dive of the year, and there are several restaurants and bars with outdoor seating.

BnBird:This is one of the most popular beaches on the Lisbon coast, at both day and night. People from Lisbon, from the suburbs and from around the world come here for the sun and to relax at the bars, which stay open until late. Its location immediately in front of the casino may have made it popular, but what has also made it famous is its castle, whose image illustrates most postcards of the region. That castle is a private property, but was once a fort (the Fort of the Cross) when it was built in the 1600s. It's said to belong to the royal family of Monaco, and is not open to visitors, although you may rent it for special events.

BnBird:This enormous coastline is made up of a group of beaches, each with its own feel. Nothing separates them except for imaginary lines, with wooden walkways taking you down its 30 kilometers, as does a tourist train during the summer. The most crowded beach is by Caparica town, and is therefore not recommended. Move south and you'll find more seclusion and better beach bars. Two favorites are Praia da Morena and Praia da Sereia, with young crowds filling their bars to see and be seen.

BnBird:Anudist beach since the 1970s (officially so since 1995), Meco has also become one of the trendiest on the Lisbon coast. Protected by cliffs and a pine forest, it offers some privacy, although its bar, which faces the sea, is quite popular even outside bathing season. This beach is 40km south of Lisbon and there is no public transportation. You'll need a car, taking highway A2.

BnBird:This bay with calm, crystal-clear waters has the beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park as the backdrop. Although magnificent, it's never crowded due to the lack of parking spots and public transportation. That means you'll need a car and should make sure to arrive early. Be also prepared to wait a while in traffic during bathing season. The beach has a couple of laid-back restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood.

BnBird:The calm sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscape make Figueirinha one of the best known beaches in the region and, therefore, very crowded during the summer season. A long sandbar emerges during low tide.

BnBird:Surrounded by the stunning landscape of Serra da Arrábida, Galapos Beach is one of the most beautiful in the region, sheltered by the cliffs that protect it from winds, keeping the tranquility of its waters.

BnBird:It’s perhaps Lisbon’s most photographed street, as it’s crossed by the iconic Bica funicular. Its steps date back to 1597, and like the rest of the neighborhood it was little affected by the 1755 earthquake. Today it’s known for its small bars and for its characteristic colorful buildings, ending at a small picturesque square, Largo de Santo Antoninho.

BnBird:Afactory complex from 1846 was reborn in 2008 as a "factory" of creativity and experiences. It kept the industrial spaces and invited companies related to the arts, which later brought shops, cafés and restaurants. Today there’s a little bit of everything, from fashion to books, to vintage furniture and contemporary design, next to dining options that include pizza, sushi and burgers, in addition to the more creative cuisine. The interiors maintain many of the old pieces, while most of the façades are covered in street art.

BnBird:Lisbon's most famous landmark stands in the middle of the Tagus River as it reaches the Atlantic, where it once protected the city in the 1500s. Built in 1515, the Belem Tower is a beautiful fortress that also served as the departure point for many of the voyages of discovery, and due to its architecture and historical significance it has been declared a World Heritage Site. The highlight of a visit is admiring the facade facing the river and the views from its loggias and windows.

BnBird:An obvious suggestion maybe, but one that needs to be mentioned nonetheless. Located in downtown, facing the river, Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço (also known as Praça do Comércio) is one of the iconic squares in this city, known for the border of bright yellow, centuries-old buildings. Special events, including concerts, are often held there (especially during important holidays) and it’s also one of the most picture perfect architectural masterpieces in the city.

BnBird:This is the largest park in the city center, offering beautiful views over downtown and the river. The main reason for a visit is the wonderful greenhouse with its variety of exotic plants from around the world.

BnBird:Found by the Jeronimos Monastery, this peaceful garden is filled with exotic trees and plants from Portugal’s former colonies in Asia and Africa. Many are rare or endangered tropical species, surrounding ducks and peacocks which roam around undisturbed by the very few human visitors.

BnBird:The entrance to this garden is through a lane of palm trees that eventually leads to an enchanted “forest” of plants brought from expeditions to Africa, Brazil and Asia in the 18th century. An attraction not to miss is the butterfly greenhouse which is the only one in Europe that’s open to the public.

BnBird:Created in 1768, this botanical garden is found behind Ajuda Palace. It has over 5000 species of plants brought from Asia, Africa and America, and is decorated with statues and fountains, while also offering a wonderful view of 25 de Abril Bridge.

BnBird:It’s Europe’s largest urban forest and one of the continent’s biggest urban parks (only surpassed in size by Madrid’s Casa de Campo). It’s a place for leisure (with picnic and sports areas) but also an important ecological reserve overlooking the city.

BnBird:Laid out in 1842, this neighborhood park across from the Basilica of Estrela maintains the romantic atmosphere of the time. It’s frequented by people of all ages, who relax in the shade or in the sun, as children play around the ponds.

BnBird:This is one of the city’s most romantic spots, a garden surrounded by beautiful 19th-century mansions. Laid out in 1860, it’s famous for its huge umbrella-like cedar tree.

BnBird:The official name is Parque Santa Gertrudes but everyone knows it as the “Gulbenkian gardens.” It’s home to the world-class Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and was designed by Portugal’s leading landscape architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles. Many locals had their first kiss on its lawns, and it’s still one of the city’s favorite oases.

BnBird:This shaded terrace on a hill directly across from the castle allows you to gaze down on all of downtown towards the waterfront. It's also one of the most romantic spots in the city.

BnBird:Found not far from the castle, this terrace offers the best postcard views (and photos) of Lisbon. It overlooks the domes and rooftops of the city's oldest historic neighborhood and the waterfront.

BnBird:You can look over the terracota rooftops of Alfama and the river from this incredibly charming terrace, always filled with tourists snapping photos.

BnBird:The castle crowns Lisbon’s tallest hill, and therefore offers the most complete view of the city. For the views alone, it’s worth visiting the monument.

BnBird:This seems to be the favorite vantage point for artists to paint the city. With a kiosk café and views of the castle, it's also a popular meeting point, mixing locals and tourists.

BnBird:You can get a panorama of almost the entire city from here, but it was once a secret. Today it attracts young couples and tourists arriving on tuk tuks.

BnBird:The port of Lisbon and the landmark 25 de Abril Bridge are seen from this terrace, where you may also sit and watch the cruise ships navigating by, or stay for the sunset.

BnBird:All of downtown Lisbon built between two hills can be seen from the top of this sloping park. With a view of the castle and the river, this is a picture-perfect spot.

BnBird:The monument is on the southern bank of the Tagus in Almada, but the panoramic view is entirely of Lisbon. The terrace across from the image of Christ is just above the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the view goes from the district of Belem to Alfama.

BnBird:The top of the Amoreiras towers finally opened to the public in 2016. It's accessed through the shopping mall and there's an admission charge. The view is of 360 degrees above the city, and there are maps pointing out the most important landmarks.

BnBird:It's one of the most important cultural institutions in Portugal, and the museum one of Lisbon's must-see attractions. It's part of an architectural complex consisting of the foundation's headquarters, the building with the modern collection, and an outdoor amphitheater in the middle of Santa Gertrudes Park, better known as "the Gulbenkian's gardens."

BnBird:Portugal's "national gallery" is the Ancient Art Museum, opened in 1884 in a 17th-century palace. Its most significant works include Hieronymus Bosch's "Temptation of Saint Anthony" and Albrecht Dürer's "Saint Jerome," but the main highlight is a 15th century masterpiece attributed to Portuguese artist Nuno Gonçalves, called the "Panels of St. Vincent." After a visit to the museum, relax in its delightful garden with river views, where you may sit enjoying a drink or meal from the café.

BnBird:The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is a project of the EDP Foundation, and is spread over two buildings, a former power station and a modern building designed by British architect Amanda Levete. It has almost 3000 square meters for exhibitions and events, and is directed by the former curator of contemporary architecture of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Pedro Gadanho, who says that this museum in Lisbon is unique in the world, since no other crosses the disciplines of art, architecture and technology. It presents the relationship between art and new technologies, through contemporary and international exhibitions.

BnBird:The Tile Museum presents the history and evolution of the art of the ceramic tile in a magnificent convent from the 1500s, and is one of Lisbon's most beautiful and most impressive attractions. It's also unique in the world, since no other museum focuses on this art that originated in ancient Egypt, and that eventually spread across North Africa and Europe. A tour of the museum includes the splendid church and small Mannerist cloister from the 16th century, and the collection from the 15th century to the present is seen along the way.

BnBird:All of the modern art movements are represented in this acclaimed collection which includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Dali, and Paula Rego, among other great artists.

BnBird:Rio Maravilha has one of the most amazing rooftops in Lisbon. It is famous for having a colorful woman statue facing the Christ on the other side of the river. They also have great drinks and music to enjoy the lovely sunset of our city.

BnBird:Park Bar is kind of a secret bar, everyone knows about it, but it doesn't exist on the internet. It is a must go if you are around Baixa-Chiado. Just go to this Parking Lot in Calçada do Combro and take the elevator to the last floor and you will find this amazing rooftop bar with an amazing decoration, music, food and view to the city and the bridge, it's one of the most cool places of the city.

BnBird:Ok, that is not in Lisbon, it is in Costa da Caparica, a beach near Lisbon, but it is a wonderful place! Yamba is literally on the beach, the nicest thing is having a drink sitting on the sand and watching the sunset. After the sunset they usually have parties there until later. In the morning they have brunches and yoga classes. We love the vibe of this place!

BnBird:Young couples and groups of tourists head up here just to see the sunset. It's also from here that you get a view over almost the entire city.

BnBird:The Champalimaud Foundation is just a short walk from the Tower of Belem, where the Tagus begins to merge with the Atlantic. It's already with the sea on the horizon that you have one of the most beautiful views of the setting sun.

BnBird:It's by Comercio Square, on Cais das Colunas, that tourists are most often surprised by the colors of the Lisbon sky at dusk, especially in the fall.

BnBird:This waterfront area between Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré was where many of the Portuguese explorers' ships were built. Today, after a redevelopment in 2013, it's a spacious landscaped promenade that invites you to sit in the sun.

BnBird:Found next to the Santa Catarina lookout terrace, at the top of the Monte Belvedere hotel, this spot doubles as a bar and tapas restaurant. It opens in the afternoon for drinks and light meals in the sun or at sunset, and there’s always the option of traditional Portuguese “petiscos” (tapas). It has a covered and an outdoor space, and from both there’s a beautiful view over the Tagus crossed by the 25 de Abril Bridge. The menu is divided into meat, fish and vegetarian options to share.

BnBird:Casa Independente is right in the middle of Largo do Intendente, in a charming old palace building. This place is a mix between alternative and fancy. You will find several rooms for different vibes. If you want to have tea, there is a room for that. If you want to smoke while watching the cool people there, there's a cozy patio. And last but not least, there is the Tiger Hall, that's where all the dancing happens. It is a concert hall that looks super cool with nice music.

BnBird:An 18th-century building, that was once a brothel rented by the hour to prostitutes and sailors, is now this naughty bar. There are two entrances, one on Rua do Alecrim (which includes space for a small terrace) and another on "Pink Street" (Rua Nova do Carvalho). It's decorated like a red-hot cabaret, and one of the rooms has kept the stripper pole. It's also a stage for concerts and other events.

BnBird:It looks like an antiques shop and could very well be a museum, but it's a bar that opens late in the afternoon. You must ring a bell to get inside, and once you do you find one of the city's most authentic spots. There's a total of five rooms decorated with curious objects (miniature trains, toy soldiers, old mugs, etc. from the owner's private collection), to admire as you sip a cocktail. There's an extensive list of drinks, from cocktails to juices, to teas and Port Wine. You may also play pool in one of the rooms.

BnBird:The undisputed king of all Lisbon clubs, this is also a bar and concert venue that hosts the city's hottest nights. Opened in 1998, it is owned by the same team as the Bica do Sapato restaurant next door (which includes actor John Malkovitch), featuring an always-fabulous interior, a spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the river, special theme parties, and simply the best DJs in town (often including internationally renowned names).

BnBird:Apopular waterfront café named “Meninos do Rio” is now this bar and open-air club that was originally found in Praça do Comércio. Open from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer months (from midnight to 6AM), it’s a spot for theme parties and nights of dancing to the sound of different DJs. The atmosphere is always relaxed, but with a touch of sophistication by the Tagus.

BnBird:Trumps is a legendary club, and not just for the gay community. It was the first big gay club in Portugal (and remains the largest), and was known to host the wildest parties in town in the 1980s. Today it's still home to some special events and parties, but has become much more mainstream, and even straight-friendly. About a quarter of the crowds are gay women, while the rest is made up of gay men and a few straight people.

BnBird:Chapitô is a circus school that's actually become better known for its restaurant and bar. It has a very inviting terrace with fantastic city views, where you're served a menu of contemporary Portuguese cuisine. The more formal and romantic interior dining area has even better views. Downstairs is the bar ("Bartô"), which opens at night, often staging alternative theater and live music performances. Our recommendation is to go there on Tuesdays, when they have Live Fado Music!

BnBird:Another ultra-cool rooftop space opens in Lisbon. This time in Martim Moniz with extraordinary views of Lisbon, from São Jorge Castle and Mouraria, to the viewpoints of Graça and Senhora do Monte. Topo is sure to become the classic spot for after-work drinks, sunset dinners and evening cocktails.

BnBird:The rooftop of a car park (7th floor) was transformed into a bar with a beautiful view over the city, the river, and the bell towers of Santa Catarina Church. It opens daily at 1PM and only closes late at night. It's filled with wooden furniture and small potted trees to create the feeling of a garden. It presents a varied calendar of events, including performances by DJs and outdoor cinema, and there is still room for meals (burgers of meat, fish and soy).

BnBird:Beat the heat of Lisbon with unparalleled panoramas and excellent cocktails in one of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon. Sip a mojito and enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere from live music and DJs to exciting events at Sky Bar Tivoli Lisboa.

BnBird:For several years, this was a cabaret-turned-concert-hall by Avenida da Liberdade. In 2015 it moved down by the river, taking over an old warehouse next to the Cais do Sodré ferry station. It’s still a bar and concert hall for live performances (plus a little cabaret), with music of various genres. Don’t be surprised if you catch a strip show on top of the bar counters, and all kinds of shows and crowds.

BnBird:You know what they say about restaurants... If you have to wait to get a table, it's worth the wait! A Cevicheria is a cozy place with wonderful food and welcoming staff.

BnBird:Chiado Palace is not just one restaurant, but 4 in 1. It has 4 menus, based on different countries. There is options for everyone basically, and they are also vegan friendly. Plus the Palace by itself is amazing just to walk in to!

BnBird:Tapas bar and restaurant inspired by Portuguese traditions. A former cod store houses a cozy dining room with careful décor that includes tiles from the historic San'Anna factory. Outside there is a terrace overlooking the Campo das Cebolas.

BnBird:A Casa do Bacalhau literally means ''The House of Codfish'', and it definitely is. Almost all of the dishes are made with codfish and they are all breathtaking. But they have vegetarian options too, in fact, they have the best mushroom risotto I ate in my life!

BnBird:Next to Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market is also a must go. You can find there literally every type of food, the restaurants there are picked on finger to give you the best food experience you can have.

BnBird:A group of old warehouses of the Port of Lisbon under 25 de Abril Bridge was restored in 1995 and turned into restaurants and bars. All of them offer wonderful views of the bridge and of the marina, and are popular at lunch and dinnertime, as well as for drinks at night or throughout the day. This is also a cruise ships terminal and the marina has a capacity for about 330 boats.

BnBird:It's an historical place and one of Lisbon's most beautiful restaurants. It's the former refectory of a convent, and maintains the original walls with colorful tiles from the 1800s. For that reason, and for the traditional Portuguese cuisine, it always attracts large numbers of tourists and locals. It was also one of the city's first beer houses (founded in 1836), and continues to be famous for its steaks and seafood.

BnBird:This is one of the best known burger places in the city, with several branches in different neighborhoods. The recipe for success came from Márcio Honorato, who gave his name to the first restaurant, which opened in the Principe Real district (now closed). The latest branch is in Chiado, and includes a true work of art -- a wall sculpted by world-renowned artist Vhils. Each restaurant presents its menu on a chalkboard on the wall, and has a very relaxed atmosphere. To accompany the over dozen burgers available, there are home-style fries, lemonade and gin.

BnBird:A Brazilian/Portuguese restaurant full of delicious plates. It is a must when you visit Santos and Santa Catarina area. Try the cheese balls or the shrimp escondidinho!

BnBird:Lisbon's grandest square faces the river, and was originally designed to welcome those arriving in the city by boat. What you see today is the 18th-century version, as the original square, named "Terreiro do Paço" and home to the royal palace, was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It was rebuilt with a triumphal arch facing the Tagus, and the surrounding arcaded buildings held government offices for many years. At the center is a monument to King José I.

BnBird:Inaugurated in 1902 as public transportion linking Baixa (downtown) and the Chiado district, this 45m-high (148 ft) elevator is one of Lisbon's main landmarks. It's one of the city's most visited and most photographed monuments, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top. The neo-Gothic iron tower is embellished with ornamented designs, and covers two elegant wooden cabins carrying 20 passengers at a time. It was designed by Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer of French descent, who used the techniques and the materials in vogue in France at the time, as seen in the Eiffel Tower a few years earlier.

BnBird:Over a millennium-old and still Lisbon's most splendid sight: Spectacularly sited on the city's tallest hill, St. George's Castle offers a breathtaking view over Lisbon. It was first built in the 6th century, and was occupied by the Romans and Visigoths before it became a Moorish royal residence. Portugal's first king captured it in 1147 and it was named after England's patron saint following the Anglo-Portuguese alliance. In one of its rooms (where Vasco da Gama was welcomed after returning from India) is a collection of archaeological finds, while one of the towers holds a periscope projecting images from around the city. The main attraction, however, is walking around the ramparts and enjoying the views in the company of roaming peacocks.

BnBird:Lisbon's most famous landmark stands in the middle of the Tagus River as it reaches the Atlantic, where it once protected the city in the 1500s. Built in 1515, the Belem Tower is a beautiful fortress that also served as the departure point for many of the voyages of discovery, and due to its architecture and historical significance it has been declared a World Heritage Site. The highlight of a visit is admiring the façade facing the river and the views from its loggias and windows. You'll see stonework relating to the Age of Discovery, including Our Lady of Safe Homecoming who was believed to protect sailors at sea.

BnBird:Not only is this one of the largest aquariums in the world, it's also one of the best designed. Although the over 25,000 sea creatures seem to be swimming together, sharks are separated from smaller defenseless fish by invisible acrylic walls. It's the first aquarium to place all world ocean habitats together, and presents several marine species, from the curious round stingrays to the giant sunfish, seahorses, otters and penguins... In 2017 it inaugurated a new sardine tank.

BnBird:Inspiring for some, symbol of the dictatorship and of obscurantism for others, the monument to Christ leaves no one indifferent. It was inaugurated across the Tagus in 1959, as a way for the Portuguese episcopate to thank God for having spared Lisbon from World War II. The 28 meter-high (90ft) image of Christ stands on a 75 meter-tall pedestal (246ft), and an elevator takes visitors up to the feet of the statue, with the 25 de Abril Bridge standing right below. From the statue or from the terrace across the monument there's a beautiful panoramic view of practically the entire city of Lisbon. To get there you have to take the commuter ferry that departs from Cais do Sodré station to Cacilhas (an 8-minute ride), from where bus 101 departs to the entrance of the monument.

BnBird:The ruined Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon's most hauntingly beautiful sights. It stands as a reminder of the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed most of the city, although the Gothic architecture dates back to the 14th century. An archaeological museum is housed in the old altar and has an eclectic collection of treasures that include eerie South American mummies. Across from the convent is a monumental drinking fountain, dating from the late 1700s.

BnBird:The Royal Basilica of Estrela is one of Lisbon's most beautiful monuments and one of its most monumental churches. It's a baroque and neoclassical building built by Queen Maria I in 1790, in thanks for the birth of her son. The tomb of the queen, who died in Brazil, is found inside, by the door that leads to a remarkable baroque nativity scene with over 500 terracotta and cork images. It's the country's largest nativity scene, created by leading sculptor Machado de Castro. The interior is covered in polychrome marbles and paintings by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni and by the Portuguese Cirilo Volkmar Machado, among others. The exterior, with a large rococo dome and two bell towers, was inspired by Mafra Palace outside Lisbon, and features monumental sculptures and figures alluding to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

BnBird:Inaugurated on October 24, 1885, the Glória funicular goes up and down 275 meters, with a slope of about 18%, between Restauradores Square downtown and Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. It takes about two minutes, and passes by the Street Art Gallery, where seven panels are installed for selected artists to present their murals. They change regularly, and anyone may contribute. The funicular was the second to operate in Lisbon, and started out using a water counterweight. It later had a steam engine, and was electrified in 1915. The current vehicle dates back to 1915, and is classified as a National Monument. It’s painted yellow since the 1920s.

BnBird:Lisbon's most photographed street is probably Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. It's in the historic and picturesque neighborhood of Bica, one of the city's most traditional neighborhoods, known for its small bars and especially for the iconic funicular that runs through it. Constantly photographed by tourists, the funicular has been going up and down the hill since 1892.

BnBird:Inaugurated in 1960, the year of the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, this waterfront monument in the shape of a caravel heading into sea evokes the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The monument is made of concrete, but the sculptures are in limestone and were created by prominent sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. The interior presents temporary exhibitions, and has an elevator that takes you to the lookout terrace at the top, offering a beautiful view of the several monuments nearby, such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.

BnBird:A16th-century monastery was turned into this imposing neoclassical palace in 1834, which is now Portugal's parliament. The exterior staircase is flanked by two lions, and on the main façade are four female allegorical statues -- "Prudence," "Justice," "Strength" and "Temperance." The sculptures in the tympanum represent, among others, areas such as Industry and Trade. The interior opens only during temporary exhibitions and on the last Saturday of each month, for free guided tours by appointment, which also give access to the garden.

BnBird:Portugal's National Pantheon, also known as St. Engratia Church, took three centuries to build (from 1682 to 1966). It's a baroque monument built on an octagonal floor plan centered on a Greek cross, with a dome standing out in the city's skyline. The colored marble interior is the resting place of the most important cultural and political figures in the country, with cenotaphs of explorers like Vasco da Gama, and the tombs of personalities like Fado singer Amalia Rodrigues. Visitors may also go up to the dome's terrace for views over the old city.

BnBird:Also known as “Largo do Camões,” Praça Luís de Camões is a square that separates the Chiado and the Bairro Alto districts. At the center is a bronze statue of poet Luís de Camões inaugurated in 1867, surrounded by eight smaller statues representing other personalities from Portuguese literature. Images of mermaids and ships created in cobblestone around the pedestal evoke Camões’ epic poem "The Lusiads." The square is one of the city’s favorite meeting places, especially at night, and is also one of the main stops of tram 28.