Lisbon Local History

Legend has it that Ulysses founded the city of Lisbon, and in the early years it was a constant battle ground between the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthagians. The Romans began their two century reign in Lisbon in 205 BC. Lisbon replaced Coimbra as Porogals capital in the mid-13th century and the city rapidly expanded.

An incredible wealth come to Lisbon after Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India in 1497. After many years of authoritarian rule and a revolution in 1974, Portogal joined the European Union in 1986 and this brought a much needed cash injection to Lisbon restoring its title as a great European centre of culture.

Lisbon Attractions

Top Attractions

Lisbon Shopping

Feira de São Pedro - On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month a large flea market, which dates back to the time of the Christian Reconquest, is held in the township of São Pedro de Sintra. At this popular market you'll find local many antiques and handicrafts for sale. Traffic can be quite bad so be prepared.

Lisbon Activities

Oceanario de Lisbon - Espalanada D Carlos 1. Inhabited by over 15 000 animals and plants it is Europes largest Oceanarium. Open 10am-8pm summer and 10am-7pm winter.

Jardim Zoologico de Lisbon - Estrada de Benfica 158. The wonderful zoologic garden has a peaceful park, the best dolphinarium in Europe and a cable car. Open 10am-6pm winter and 10am-8pm summer.

Reserva Natural das Berlengas - Av. Mariano Calado 55. Walking paths wind around the Nature Reserve which features a recreational reserve, marine reserve, lighthouse and a colony of lizards.

Lisbon Parks & Gardens

Parque Ecologico de Monsanto - Estrada do Barcal. 1000 hectares of woodland, the largest green area in Lisbon.

Calhau Urban Park - Estrada do Bacal. Situated inside the main Park, this is a free access area where one can take a stroll or have a picnic or play a game of football.

Lisbon Beaches

Praia da Legua - located at Alcobaca this beautiful beach is EEC Blue Flag accredited and has a restaurant and coffee-house at the beach.

Praia da Pedra do Ouro - located at Pataias another beautiful beach with average water tempreatures of 13°C to 18°C. It is EEC Blue Flag accredited and features a coffee-house and canvas beach huts.

Lisbon Restaurants and Bars

The food in Lisbon is rich and diverse in flavour and variety. Lisbons geographical position surrounded by the ocean, means that there is a fantastic variety of seafood on offer.

The city's rich diversity also ows much to the many different peoples that have occupied Lisbon over the centuries. The rich spices used in Portoguese cuisine such as pepper; chilli; cayenne and cinnamon were brought across from North Africa and the Far East by the explorers and make dishes hot and spicy.

Lisbon Restaurants

Cervejaria Alema - Rua do Alecrim 23/25. This restaurant was founded in 1927, located in the heart of Lisbon, offers panoramic views and serves the best German and Portoguese specialities. Closed Sundays.

Cervejaria Trindade - Rua Nova da Trindade 200. The oldest and most beautiful beerhouse in Portugal. Decorated with splendid tiles, it opened in 1836 and was declared part of Lisbon's cultural heritage.

Pastelaria Pasteis de Belem - Rua de Balem 84-88. A visit to Lisbon would not be complete without trying Belem Pastries, these famous cream cakes made from puff pastry filled with milk, cream and vanilla are so popular that 10 000 are sold daily. Enjoy in the traditional way with cinnamon and sugar.

Celeiro - Rua 1 de Dezembro 65. The cafeteria-style restaurant located beneath a health food store serves fresh salads, souffles and sandwiches to hungry vegetarians.

Cafe A Brasileira - Rua Garrett 120. A meeting place for locals from all walks of life serving fantastic Brazilian coffee.

Lisbon Bars & Clubs

Portas Largas - Rua da Atalaia 105. Rub shoulders with the locals at this bar where you can express your artistic talents on the walls. Open 10am-2:30am.

Os Tres Pastorinhos - Rua da Barroca 111-113. Playing a varied mix of music from funk, pop, soul to disco. Open Tue-Sun 11pm-4am.

Memorial - Rua Gustavo de Matos Sequeira 42a. Playing Euro-pop this is a hip gay and lesbian venue. The fun really starts after midnight. Open Tue-Sun 10pm-4am.

Termas D'Atalaia Bar - Rua da Atalaia 108. One of the hottest bars in Lisbon. A waterfall flows down the front window and some of their legendery drinks include Orgasmo and Blood of Gods. Open Mon-Sat 10pm-3:30am.

Pe Sujo - Largo de st Martinho 6-7. This is the best place to salsa to the sounds of live Brazilian music nightly 11:30pm-2am.

Lisbon Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Lisbon for a weekend.

• Torre De Belem (Tower of Belem)
• Castelo De Sao Jorge (Castle of St George)
• Bairro Alto
• Sintra
• Ajuda Botanical Gardens

More

Lisbon Tours

Looking for organised tours in Lisbon?

• Lisbon tour
• Sintra & Estoril Coast
• Fatima & Batalha & Nazare & Alcobaca & Obidos

More Lisbon Tours