The fashionable city of Lisbon / Wikicommons
The fashionable city of Lisbon / Wikicommons

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal known as the ‘City of Seven Hills’, is an up and coming European destination these days. Portugal is in fashion, and nowhere more so than Lisbon, so today idealista/news is running down the 10 things you absolutely cannot afford to miss while you’re there.

1. The 25 de Abril Bridge

Puente 25 de Abril / Wikipedia
Puente 25 de Abril / Wikipedia

This suspension bridge, often compared to the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco thanks to their similar colours and design, has stood as a landmark monument in the city since its inauguration in 1966 Its name commemorates the peaceful Carnation Revolution of 25th April 1974 which overthrew the fascist dictatorship in Portugal. You have to go over the bridge to first get into the city, but it's best crossed at sunset for an unforgettable experience with some fantastic views of the city and the river.

2. The Eduardo VII Park

Parque Eduardo VII / Wikipedia
Parque Eduardo VII / Wikipedia

Named after King Edward VII of England to strengthen ties between the two countries, the park is located next to the Marquês de Pombal square is a great starting point for any tour of the city. It is well worth a walk through its landscaped gardens and grounds, as well as its beautiful Estufa Fria greenhouse.

3. The Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade / Wikipedia
Avenida da Liberdade / Wikipedia

The main thoroughfare in the centre of Lisbon is the tree-lined ‘Liberty Avenue’, an unmissable stop on your visit. On this landmark street, luxury shopping outlets meet 19th-century palaces and Art Nouveau constructions all the way from the Praça Marquês de Pombal square to the Rossio.

4. The Praça do Comercio Square

Plaza del Comercio / Wikipedia
Plaza del Comercio / Wikipedia

From the Rossio, also known as the Pedro IV Square, make your way down to the Praça do Comercio, Lisbon’s main plaza where the royal palace once stood. Today, this impressive square is framed on one side by the estuary of the Tagus river and on another by the awesome Rua Augusta arch, with a statue of King Joseph I of Portugal standing proud in the middle.

5. The River Tagus

Río Tajo / Wikipedia
Río Tajo / Wikipedia

By the time it reaches Lisbon, the enormous Tagus estuary itself is already half sea, and sometimes you can even spot dolphins leaping through its waters. It is the very life of the city, where the people of Lisbon come to walk, fish, cycle and meet up to socialise. The 6-mile, 10-kilometre, walk from the Praça do Comercio to the Belém Tower is priceless and a great way to see the city.

6. The tram

Tranvía de Lisboa / Wikipedia
Tranvía de Lisboa / Wikipedia

After all that walking up and down central Lisbon, you might be tired. Luckily, the city bears a resemblance to San Francisco in more than just its bridge – it too has a network of beautiful, old trams to take you from one end of the spectacular city to the other via the steep slopes, wondering at the sights and sounds from the comfort of your seat. A particularly recommendable route is to go from Estrela Park in the direction of St. Jorge Castle.

7. The São Jorge Castle

Castilo de San Jorge / Wikipedia
Castilo de San Jorge / Wikipedia

The medieval castle of Saint George in Lisbon, standing halfway between the Rossio and the Praça do Comercio, provides a great 360-degree vantagepoint over the whole city from its Tower of Ulysses, plus the chance to walk through the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Morería.

8. The Alcântara viewpoint

Mirador San Pedro de Alcántara / Wikipedia
Mirador San Pedro de Alcántara / Wikipedia

Also near the Rossio, but on the opposite side from the castle, is the Miradouro Alcântara in the São Pedro Gardens. Go at any time of day to take in some unbeatable views from these beautiful and luxurious green spaces. Other recommendable viewpoints in the city include the Graça and the Senhora do Monte.

9. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Museo Fundación Gulbekian / Wikipedia
Museo Fundación Gulbekian / Wikipedia

Double back to this museum, just to the north of the Eduardo VII Park, which houses spacious and secluded gardens and is the perfect place for an outing with the children. The various museum spaces host ancient and modern works of art both indoors and out, and the auditorium always has something interesting to see or a new concert to listen to.

10. The Jerónimos Monastery

Monasterio de Los Jeronimos / Wikipedia

The monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon, near to the Belém Tower, is a great example of the Manueline architectural style. Instead of the usual crosses and saints, you can admire ropes, plants and navigational instruments intricately carved into the stonework of this calm and attractive monument in the city centre.