Lisbon Trip Overview
With over 20 centuries of history, the Portuguese capital is located by the Tejo River. With the sun almost always present, its unique beauty and architectural uniqueness are acclaimed across borders.
Rich in monuments, typical neighborhoods (Baixa Pombalina, Belém, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Bica, Alfama and Mouraria), riverside, Fado houses, parks, gardens and viewpoints, Lisbon offers many possibilities to discover, visit and enjoy the vast natural, historical and cultural heritage.
Lisbon is an unforgettable destination for its hospitality, gastronomy, tradition, history, modernity, culture and leisure.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 hours
* Starts: Lisbon, Portugal
* Trip Category: Shore Excursions >> Ports of Call Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Lisbon, Central Portugal, Portugal
With over 20 centuries of history, the Portuguese capital is located by the Tejo River. With the sun almost always present, its unique beauty and architectural uniqueness are acclaimed across borders.
Rich in monuments, typical neighborhoods (Baixa Pombalina, Belém, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Bica, Alfama and Mouraria), riverside, Fado houses, parks, gardens and viewpoints, Lisbon offers many possibilities to discover, visit and enjoy the vast natural, historical and cultural heritage.
Lisbon is an unforgettable destination for its hospitality, gastronomy, tradition, history, modernity, culture and leisure.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Largo do Monte, Lisbon 1170-253 Portugal
Located in Graça, it offers a panoramic view of Lisbon, which is also observed by a small image of the Virgin that gives its name to the viewpoint. Behind the image is a small 18th century chapel. This is one of the highest points in the city, so it’s possible to see several city monuments.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Se de Lisboa, Largo da Se, Lisbon 1100-585 Portugal
Dedicated to the Mother of God, the Lisbon’s Cathedral, also known as Church of Santa Maria Maior, is one of the city’s ex-libris and one of the most significant monuments in the country for its historical, religious and artistic value. Its construction began in 1147, when the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, reconquered the city from the Moors and was built on a Muslim mosque – which in turn, as the archaeological excavations confirmed, was built on a former Visigothic Christian temple.
Inside, you must visit the chapel of Bartolomeu Joanes, an important bourgeois of medieval Lisbon, and the excavations of the cloister, which uncovered the successive occupations of this space. Although much of its former estate is preserved in museums, the Cathedral includes a visitable collection, called the Treasure of the Cathedral Patriarchal.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Church of St. Anthony, Largo de Santo Antonio da Se, Lisbon 1100-401 Portugal
It is allegedly located in the place of the house where Saint Anthony was born, next to the old Sea Door, which existed in the wall of access to the interior of medieval Lisbon, and assumes itself as its sanctuary. Next to it it’s a small museum dedicated to it. On the way down to the crypt, there is a modern tile panel that celebrates Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1982. Inside, the crypt with entrance to the sacristy is all that remains of the original church, which was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The new church, a late Baroque and Pombaline building with winding lines marked in the design of the pediment and staircase, was started in 1757. All the work was partially paid by the children, who asked for “a little penny for Saint Anthony”, and, as you can see today, the chapel floor is littered with coins and the walls display messages of devotees. In 1995, the church was renovated for the saint’s 8th centenary. The museum, in an annex building created in 1962, erected in what is traditionally considered the birthplace of the Saint, was the result of renovation in its exhibition through a project developed between 2010 and 2012.
It is the tradition that the young men who intend to marry on the day of their marriage visit the church, pray and leave flowers for Saint Anthony, who is the intercessor of the newlyweds. On the descent to the crypt, there is a panel of modern tiles that celebrates the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982.
The whole work was partially paid for by the children, who asked for “a little pennant for St. Anthony,” and, as you can see today, the floor of the chapel is covered in coins and the walls display messages of devotees. In 1995, the church was renovated to the eighth centenary of the saint. The museum, in an annex building created in 1962, erected where it is traditionally considered to be the place where the Saint was born.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Rossio Square, Praca Dom Pedro IV, Lisbon 1100-026 Portugal
D. Pedro IV´s square is best known for its old name, Rossio Square, and borders to the north the area of Pombalina’s downtown which is, for more than 600 years, the heart of Lisbon. This square marks the center of the city, as it is a space that is always lively and is known for its pavement in Portuguese sidewalks. In the center of the square stands a 28-metre-high column with the statue of D. Pedro IV, the first emperor of independent Brazil, built in 1870. At its base are four female figures, which represent the values of justice, wisdom, strength and moderation, qualities that were attributed to D. Pedro himself. Despite the many changes that have taken place in Lisbon’s lifestyle over the 600 years of the D. Pedro IV’s Square existence, many traditions still remain, such as stopping at the Art Deco style Café Nicola, which is on the western side of the square, or at the Swiss pastry shop, which is on the eastern side. After so many years, this square continues to be a traditional meeting point not only for Lisboners, but for all those who visit Lisbon.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco), Avenida Infante Dom Henrique 1C, Lisbon 1100-053 Portugal
Commerce Square, formerly Terreiro do Paço, its a square in downtown Lisbon, located near the Tejo river, in the area that was the site of the palace of the kings of Portugal for about two centuries and its now partially occupied by some government departments. It is one of the largest squares in Europe, with about 36 000 m² (180m x 200m). It is considered a historical symbol of political power and manifestation of capitalism in Portugal. This symbology is generally associated with state centralism. The buildings that surround the square have for decades been used by different ministries and other public institutions. Today its use is divided between government departments, cultural and promotional activities, hotels, restaurants and cafes. It is in one of the buildings of the square that is the famous cafe Martinho da Arcada, the oldest in Lisbon, and one of Fernando Pessoa’s favorites. It was for a long time the noble entrance of Lisbon and, on the marble steps of the Colunas Pier, from the river, landed and were received heads of state and other prominent figures. In the center of the square is the equestrian statue D. José, erected in 1775 by Joaquim Machado de Castro, the leading Portuguese sculptor of the 18th century. On the north side of the square is the Triumphal Arch of Augusta’s street, the entrance to Baixa (downtown). The area served as a car park until the 1990s, but today this vast space is used for cultural events and shows.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Igreja de Sao Roque, Largo Trindade Coelho Bairro Alto, Lisbon 1200-470 Portugal
In the XVIth century, the place where the Church was located was isolated, outside the city walls, so it was chosen to make the cemetery where the plague victims were buried. In 1506, a chapel was built here dedicated to Saint Roque, the protector saint of those infected with plagues. The Brotherhood of Saint’s Roque was then established, with its own statutes and supported by the royal house, the nobility and the people. In 1553, the Society of Jesus takes over the site and has the temple we see today built, with the obligation to keep the Chapel of St. Roque inside.
Upon entering, we come across a large space, of mannerist structure. The combination of marble, gold carving, canvas and tile panels contribute to a scenic ambience, enhanced by the mannerist light / dark games and careful lighting effects. Inside there are many works of great quality and artistic value.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Praca do Imperio Belém, Lisbon 1400-206 Portugal
Near the place where the Infant D. Henrique, in mid of the XVth century, ordered to build a church on the invocation of Santa Maria de Belém, desired King D. Manuel I to build a large monastery. To perpetuate the memory of the Infant, for his great devotion to Our Lady and belief in St. Jerome, D. Manuel I decided to found in 1496 the Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, near the city of Lisbon, near the Tejo River. Donated to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome, it is now commonly known as the Jerónimos Monastery. It was the welcome and burial of kings, later poets. The Jerónimos Monastery was declared a National Monument in 1907 and, in 1983, UNESCO classified it as a “Cultural Heritage of All Humanity”.
We will also taste the famous pastéis de Bélem, one of the best known sweet cakes in the world.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Torre de Belem, Avenida Brasilia – Belem, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
Strategically built on the north bank of the Tejo River, between 1514 and 1520, to defend the Lisbon bar, it is one of the architectural jewels of the reign of D. Manuel I. In the architectural ensemble we can separate two distinct bodies, models of the military architecture: the medieval keep and the modern bulwark which, with two levels for artillery fire, allowed for a longer range, shallow, ricocheting shot over the water. The Belém Tower is a cultural reference, a symbol of the specificity of the country that passes through privileged dialogue with other cultures and civilizations. Guardian of our Individuality and Universality, this status was confirmed when, in 1983, it was classified by UNESCO as a “Cultural Heritage of All Humanity”.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Padrao dos Descobrimentos Avenida Brasilia Belem, Lisbon 1400-038 Portugal
Monument of the Discoveries. The riverside area of Belém is marked by the imposing Monument of the Discoveries. It was conceived in 1940 on the occasion of the “Exhibition of the Portuguese World”, promoted by the government of Salazar to celebrate the double centenary of the founding and restoration of nationality (1140 and 1640). However, it was only built in 1960, on the 500th Anniversary Commemoration of the death of Infant D. Henrique, the Navigator. At 52 meters high, the monument symbolizes a caravel, led by the figure of Infant D. Henrique, followed in procession by 32 historical personalities who contributed to the Age of Discovery, such as King D. Afonso V (1432-81) , driver of the first discoveries, Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) who discovered the Maritime way to India, Pedro Álvares Cabral (1467-1520), discoverer of Brazil and Fernão de Magalhães, who crossed the Atlantic in 1520-21, between others. The earth-facing frontage is shaped like a cross decorated with the Sword of the Order of Aviz, a major travel financier.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Basilica da Estrela, Praca da Estrela 12, Lisbon 1200-667 Portugal
The Basilica da Estrela, or Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus, is a Catholic temple and former Carmelite nunnery located in the city of Lisbon in Portugal. This vast, domed church stands high on a hill in the west of the city. The temple features late baroque and neoclassical features. The facade is flanked by two twin towers and decorated in the center with a relief depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus with statues of saints (Saint Elias, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross and Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi) and allegorical figures (Faith, Devotion, Gratitude and Liberality). The large interior, in gray, pink and yellow marble, illuminated by openings in the dome, infuses respectful fear. Several paintings by Pompeo Batoni adorn the interior. The empire-style tomb of D. Maria I, who died in Brazil, is in the right transept. Enclosed in a nearby room, there is an extraordinary Machado de Castro crib, made up of over 500 figures of cork and terracotta. This temple has two organs – the great organ (built in 1789) and the choir organ (1791), both built by the organizer Antonio Xavier Machado and Cerveira. The choir organ was restored in 1998. In 2009, the Schola Cantorum of the Basilica da Estrela (SCBE) was created. Its mission is to reactivate the practice of the best liturgical music in Portugal. Europe.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Parque das Nacoes, Avenida Dom Joao II 13B, Lisbon 1990-998 Portugal
Nations park. It is a requalified zone next to the Tejo river. Green parks with public art serve as a link between impressive contemporary buildings such as the Camões Theater and the great Lisbon Oceanarium. Nearby are modern riverside restaurants and the glass-roofed Vasco da Gama Shopping center with shops and cinemas. Children’s exhibits draw families to the Knowledge Pavilion, while the cable car offers stunning views. The EXPO’98 was the launch engine of an urban regeneration made with distinct speed, but its main asset, the one that defined the “EXPO’98” model, was the vision and the ability to transform an event into a structural and integrated action. that transformed eastern Lisbon. In this way, the exhibition area was involved in a huge urban and social regeneration operation, covering about 340 hectares along five kilometers of riverfront.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Oceanario de Lisboa, Esplanada D. Carlos I Doca dos Olivais, Lisbon 1990-005 Portugal
The Lisbon Oceanarium, originally the Pavilion of the Oceans, is located in the parish council of Parque das Nações, in the city of Lisbon. It was built and opened under Expo 98, the last world exhibition of the twentieth century, with the theme “The Oceans Heritage for the Future “. It is a public aquarium and research institution on marine biology and oceanography. It is the second largest oceanarium in the Iberian Peninsula, containing an extensive collection of species – birds, mammals, fish and other marine inhabitants. In 2017, it was considered on TripAdvisor as the best oceanarium in the world.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Parque Eduardo VII, Av. Sidonio Pais, Lisbon 1070-051 Portugal
Panoramic View. It is located along Avenida da Liberdade, constituting a place of excellent panoramic view over the city. Initially called the Liberty Park, it was renamed with the King of England’s name during his visit to Lisbon in 1903. Since its inception, this park has been the scene of fairs, exhibitions and entertainment. Its structure, with a grass-covered central strip, flanked by a Portuguese sidewalk, is by architect Keil do Amaral, constituting an important landmark in the urban evolution of the city. In the garden stand out the bust of Edward VII of England and the sculpture evoked on April 25th by João Cutileiro.
Duration: 1 hour
