Place

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George’s Castle)

Towering over Lisbon, this castle has seen much of history: Moors in the 9th century, Christians in the 12th century, royals ranging from 14th to the 16th century and convicts from every century. If you walk inside the Ulysses Tower you’ll find a camera obscura which offers a unique view of the city. Near the castle entrance is Olisiponia (9am-5:30pm Nov-Feb, 9am-8pm Mar-Oct) which offers a multilingual exhibition about Lisbon’s history.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George’s Castle)

Tel: +218 800 620 Address: Largo do Chao da Feira Opening Times: 9am – 9pm Mar-Oct, 9am – 6pm Nov-Feb Admission Prices: Adult/under 10yr/concession €5/free/2.50

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What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

The great thing about Lisbon is that it’s full of the little things that can delight a child: the bumpy rides on the yellow trams to acting out dungeons and dragons at Castelo de Sao Jorge. In fact Lisbon is one of the most family-friendly cities around with free or half-priced tickets, small portions at restaurants and free transport for children under five. The best place to start their adventure is Parque das Naples where they can run around; nearby is Oceanario (

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Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Sight

Found in boho Santa Catarina, this viewpoint boasts views from the river to the Ponte 25 de Abril and Christo Rei not to mention student buskers, hippies and loved-up couples. If you are coming from Cais do Sodre, take the 19th century Elevador do Bica funicular up the Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo to get to the top. Noobai Cafe is located there where it is lovely to sit back and watch the view, especially at night.

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Torre de Belem (Belem Tower)

Tower

If Padrao dos Descobrimentos is the monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery then Torre de Belem symbolises the essence of it. Almost like a stand-alone chess piece, the tower was built to be a defence point along Lisbon’s harbour with Manueline designed filigree stonework and even a stone rhinoceros below the western tower. You can explore the small dungeons and climb the narrow, rickety staircase to the tower which offers beautiful views of Belem and the river.

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Ponte 25 de Abril

Bridge

You would swear this bridge is almost a dead ringer for San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge – in fact it was constructed by the same company in 1966 and is almost as long, stretching at 2.27km. Concerning the unusual name, the bridge was called Salazar after the dictator until the 1974 Revolution of Carnations when a demonstrator separated the ‘Salazar’ and wrote ‘’25 de Abril’ – the new name was adopted almost as quickly as the dictatorship dissolved later on.

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Mosteriro dos Jeronimos

Religious institution

Built to herald the success of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India in 1498, this monastery is a beautiful structure, definitely wrought for ‘the glory of God’. This place was first occupied by monks under the Order of St Jerome; on dissolving in 1833, the building was used as a school and orphanage until 1940. Once you enter the church, after marvelling at the intricate stonework, you’ll find Vasco da Gama’s tomb in the lower chancel towards the left, celebrated poet Luis Vaz de Camoes is interred on the opposite. The view of the church from the upper choir is outstanding and the rows of seats are decorated with the first Renaissance woodcarvings ever found in Portugal. The Manueline cloisters are an eyeful of elaborate craftsmanship while you can also see the cross of the Military order and gargoyles in the upper balustrade.

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Padrao dos Descobrimentos (The Discovery Monument)

monument

This amazing monument was officially inaugurated in 1960, marking 500 years after the death of Henry the Navigator’s death. Standing at 52m high and carved out of limestone, this statue pays tribute to all the famous people within Portugal’s Age of Discovery: Henry stands at the prow followed by Vasco da Gama, Diogo Cao and over thirty over great explorers. The mosaic in front of the monument is a chart of all the routes the explorers took. To get to the top you can take a lift or, if you’re feeling fit, climb the 267 steps to get 360 degree views of the river.

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Palacio da Assembleia da Republica (Assembly of the Republic)

Building

Almost a temple, with its columns and statues symbolising justice and fortitude, this is where Portuguese parliament convene. While you can’t go in, it’s worth just to see the outside decor.

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Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum)

Museum

This magical museum is housed in the 17th century Convento das Bernadas and showcase all sorts of puppets the world over. There are familiar favourites like Punch and Petrushka but there are also Vietnamese water puppets, Sicilian opera marionettes and Burmese shadow puppets. The museum also offers workshops where children can try their hand at puppetry.

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Basilica da Estrela

Churches

Completed in 1790 by Dona Maria I (her tomb is here) in gratitude for the male heir, this neoclassical church is a beautiful mix of pink and black marble. Opposite is the Jardim da Estrela (7am-midnight) which is a great garden to relax in, along with a playground for the children.

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Elevador de Santa Justa

Tower

Looking at this neo-Gothic elevator you would swear you’ve seen something like it before – that’s because it was designed by Rual Mesnier, the apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. The only vertical street lift in the city, get in early to beat the crowds and go to the top to experience all-encompassing views of the city.

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Martinho da Arcada

Address: Praca do Comercio 3 Tel: +218 879 259 Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon-Sat

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Sul

Address: Rua do Norte 13 Tel: +213 462 449 Type: dinner

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Olivier

Address: Rua do teixeira 35 Tel: +213 431 405 Type: Dinner Mon-Sat

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O Faz Figura

Address: Rua do Paraiso 15B Tel: + 218 868 901 Type: Lunch and dinner Tue-Sun, dinner Mon

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Gambrinus

Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antao 23-25 Tel: +213 421 466

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Nood

Address: Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 20 Tel: +213 474 141 Opening Times: Noon-midnight Sun-Thu, noon-2am Fri-Sat

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Everest Montanha

Location: Calcada do Garcia Type: Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat

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El Gordo II

Tapas like octopus in smoked paprika, pimento peppers and cod pastries make this place hard to resist; you can also eat alfresco here.

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Pao Pao Queijo Queijo

Address: Rua de Belem 124 Tel: +213 626 369 Opening Times: 8am-midnight Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm Sun

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Cravo e Canela

Address: Rua da Barroca 70 Tel: +213 431 858 Type: Dinner Tues-Sun

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Hotel Avenida Palace

Expensive Hotels

You’d think you’d stepped into a palace when you walk into this hotel. Chandeliers, polished marble and gilded mirrors decorate this establishment which offers a host of facilities: car/valet parking, a library, smokers lounge, gymnasium, massage room, Wi-Fi/Internet, daily world newspapers by request and its very own tea lounge. All 82 rooms are sound proofed with marble bathrooms, a direct telephone, mini-bar and personal safe.

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Olissippo Castelo

Coming up a cobblestone driveway you’ll find this bubblegum pink hotel which offers beautiful views of the city and spacious rooms. It has 24 rooms, all equipped with individual air-conditioning, a direct telephone line, mini bar, satellite TV, personal safe, Internet connection, very ample wardrobes and room service until 11pm. The hotel bar offers light snacks and drinks and a laundry service and garage space for up to 6 cars is also provided.

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Hotel Principe Real

A small boutique hotel hidden in a quiet area of Bairro Alto and only a 5 minute walk to Chiado, this establishment has 18 rooms of very stylish design. Facilities on offer are a 24h front desk, daily newspapers in several languages, a library, free Internet, free private parking, a full English breakfast served in the dining room or (if you request) in your bedroom and friendly staff

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Jeronimos 8

The first boutique hotel in that area of Lisbon, Jeronimos 8 goes for the top in style with designer decorative touches. Boasting 61 rooms and 4 suites, all are furnished with the furniture of Wengé – a type of exotic wood. The rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar, personal safe, Wi-Fi, work desks and direct telephones; bathrooms have showers, bathrobes and slippers. Hotel facilities include: a computer rental service, 2 meeting rooms for business needs or events (audiovisual material provided upon request), parking and children’s chairs, baby cots and menu.

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Casa de Sao Mamede

Moderate Hotels

A lot more of an intimate setting is on offer here at this 18th century, family run villa. There are 28 large, quiet rooms with the hotel being a short stroll from Barrio Alto and the city’s botanical gardens.

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Se Guesthouse

This 5 room establishment is centrally located, being only a 2 minute walk from Tram 28 and only 5 minute walk from the shops. The bright, eclectically furnished rooms here have bathrooms little balconies facing the Se with some coming with an ensuite, others sharing the 2 clean bathrooms within this establishment. There is also a cafe next door but breakfast is included in the price. Other facilities are car rental, 24hr reception, concierge/booking service and laundry service.

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Lounge Hostel

Budget Hotels

While the 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms of this hotel are immaculate this is a party hostel which makes full use of its surroundings in Baixa. The fun staff regularly organises events like Portuguese dinners with wine for good prices and there’s a fully equipped kitchen and lounge room on each floor. Other facilities include free breakfast, mini bar, free internet, Wi-Fi, laundry, open kitchen, 24hr reception, towels and a public phone.

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Pensao Luar

A warm welcome is given here with 10 simply decorated rooms, distributed over 1 floor. There is also a small living room and a mini-bar in the lobby. No breakfasts are served but a laundry service is available.

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Residencial Alegria

Overlooking Praça da Alegria, this cheery hotel offers 35 soundproofed rooms with full amenities including: air conditioning, cable TV, heating and a personal safe; bathtubs are installed in all but three rooms. Hotel facilities are: bar/lounge, breakfast, car rental, city tour bookings, a laundry service, luggage storage and a 24hr reception.

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Residencial Florcente

A 2 minute walk from Rossio, the Residêncial Florescente is located on a particularly great location on a popular pedestrian street near the Restauradores metro stop. All rooms are comfy with private bathrooms; rooms on the upper floors are quieter and have their own private balconies. There is a big list of facilities here including: breakfast, car rental, Wi-Fi/Internet, a laundry service, luggage storage, parking and a 24hr reception. Leisure services include a gift shop, hair salon and tourist information.