Lisbon: Things To Do

Café a Brasileira Get a caffeine fix at this Art Nouveau café, Lisbon’s legendary rendezvous spot for writers and artists since 1905. Chiado; Rua Garrett 120; 011-351-21-346-9541
architecture | culture | history | cafe

Castelo de São Jorge For scenic views of the river and the Alfama below, walk along the ramparts of the castle that belonged to Portugal’s first king; learn the city’s history at the multimedia exhibit or relax amidst peacocks and swans in the en-suite gardens. Alfama; Rua da Costa do Castelo; 011-351-21-880-0620; www.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt
architecture | culture | history

Cathedral (Sé Lisboa) Erected by Portugal's first king in 1150, this austere cathedral is said to be Lisbon’s oldest building; highlights include a Gothic chapel, 14th-century cloisters, and a sacristy guarding Lisbon’s patron saint, St. Vincent, inside a mother-of-pearl safe. Alfama; Largo da Sé; 011-351-21-887-6628; www.ippar.pt
architecture | culture | history

Elevador de Santa Justa A quick ride on the elevator of this Neo-Gothic tower whisks you from Baixa in Lisbon’s lower town up to Chiado, where panoramic city vistas await and a walkway leads to Largo do Carmo square. Baixa; Rua 1º de Maio; 011-351-21-361-3000; www.carris.pt
architecture | culture | history

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos Elaborate carvings and maritime motifs are hallmarks of this superb example of 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance fusion built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyages of discovery; the explorer is said to be buried in its tombs. Belém; Praça do Império; 011-351-21-362-0034; www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
architecture | culture | history

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Explore this stellar private collection founded by an Armenian oil mogul; its display runs the gamut from Egyptian, Greco-Roman, and Mesopotamian works to Far Eastern and European art. Also look for free concerts and film screenings. Ave. de Berna 45A; 011-351-21-782-3000; www.museu.gulbenkian.pt
architecture | culture | art

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga A rich array of ancient art is housed in this 17th-century palace, including a Bosch triptych, 16th-century Japanese screens, Afro-Portuguese carved tusks, and even Chinese porcelain. Lapa; Rua das Janelas Verdes, 9; 011-351-21-391-2800; www.mnarteantiga-ipmuseus.pt
architecture | culture | history | art

Oceanário de Lisboa Inspect the hi-tech waters of Europe’s largest aquarium, where ocean habitats span the Atlantic to Antarctic; the central tank is the size of four Olympic pools and home to 100 species of fish, seabirds, and mammals. Parque das Nações; Esplanada D. Carlos I; Doca dos Olivais; 011-351-21-891-7002; www.oceanario.pt
family | aquarium | wildlife

Torre de Belém Pay homage to the illustrious Age of Discovery by climbing this iconic 16th-century tower on the Tagus River, built as a monument to Portugal's military and naval past on the spot where the ships once set out across the sea. Belém; Ave. de Brasília; 011-351-21-362-0034; www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
architecture | history