Five Tourist Hotspots In Lisbon, Portugal

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Portugal’s capital, Lisbon is a city renowned for its art and architecture. Culture and history come together in this city which has been the country’s capital since 1147. Currently, Lisbon is the largest city in the country with a population of over 2 million people. Lisbon has a relatively mild climate throughout the year compared to other parts of Europe. This is a great reason for those freezing to death in Europe during the harsh winters to head here to enjoy the bearable and pleasant weather. Here we bring you a list of Lisbon’s most pulsating places which you need to know before finalizing your trip.

Belem Tower

Belem is easily Lisbon’s most renowned tourist spot and features on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tower is located at the riverfront and is a construction of the time when the Portuguese were the world’s prominent sea explorers. It was initially built as a defense mechanism to keep an eye on the sea, today the Tower is Lisbon’s most recognizable attraction.

St. George’s Castle

Perched atop the highest hill of Lisbon, this castle is a photographer’s delight due to the breathtaking views of the city it provides. The castle is visible from all parts of the city because of its elevated position. With parts of it dating back to as early at the 6^th century, the castle used to be the royal residence of the Moors. Later on it was dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of England.

Oceanarium

Lisbon boasts Europe’s largest Oceanarium which was built in 1996. It has an outstanding design and is reached by a footbridge crossing over the river. Visitors are in for an unique and enthralling experience as it provides all the thrills of an underwater diving experience sans the risks. Upto 20,000 varieties of animals and plants are housed at the Oceanarium. Another interesting fact about the Oceanarium is that it’s four towers each replicate the flora and fauna of four oceans – Pacific, Arctic, Indian, Atlantic.

Gulbenkian Museum

This museum is a result of the private art collection of an Armenian oil tycoon Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, one of the richest men of the 20^th century. The museum houses unseen art treasures from across the world. Paintings of some of Europe’s renowned artists such as Rembrandt hang on its walls and so do other exquisite masterpieces from other cultures. For example, the Egyptian section displays precious items such as bronze cats, a gold Egyptian mummy mask. The world’s art lovers will forever be indebted to Mr. Gulbenkian for his penchant for collecting artistic treasures.

Alfama

Alfama is not just a place to visit. It is an experience to enjoy. Tourists visit Alfama for its sights, sounds, and culture. Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon and is characterized by narrow, winding streets and the remains of the Roman and Arab civilizations which used to reign over Portugal centuries ago. It provides a glimpse into the lives on the locals and the best way for any tourist to enjoy their visit here would be to immerse oneself in the beauty of the place. Alfama provides photographers with an opportunity to capture the historical and timeless beauty of this city.

Cheers!

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