The magnificent and state-of-the-art stadium located in the heart of the city replaced the older stadium that was in the same spot in 2003. It hosted UEFA Euro 2004 (including the final of the same competition), while the Portugal national football team has used several times as its”home”. The capacity is 64,642 spectators and it is a football “temple”, which awes every visitor.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ESTADIO DA LUZ
*** BUS: 3, 64, 101, 128, 142, 163, 210, 703, 726, 729, 750, 765, 767, 768, 799
*** SUBWAY: BLUE LINE TO COLEGIO MILITAR/LUZ
LISBON, THE “PRINCESS” OF THE ATLANTIC
Its cultural heritage, its unique architecture, its fascinating history and the aura of seafarers and poets of the past, create a great combination to love the city. The way in which the past is connected with the modern era and its legendary nightlife, results in Lisbon being a city where you would stay forever!
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +351
Nearest airports from city center: Lisbon Airport (6km), Faro Airport (278km) and Porto Airport (323km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** CASTELO DE SAO JORGE (Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisbon)
It is located on the highest hill in Lisbon and was the royal residence until the end of the 15th century. It dates from the 8th century BC. and was built by the Visigoths. In 1910 it was declared a national monument. Visit it and enjoy a panoramic view of its city.
*** TORRE DE BELEM (Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon)
It is one of the most famous sights of the Portuguese capital and perhaps the most photographed monument in the country. It was built in 1515 to protect the port, providing strategic defense during the period of Portugal’s naval supremacy in the 16th century. See the famous 18th century Virgem da Boa Viagem statue. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
*** MOSTEIRO DOS JERONIMOS (Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon)
It was built in the 16th century and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built to honor Vasco Da Gama for discovering the sea route to India. In fact, the monastery is the cemetery of the Portuguese sailor and poet Luis de Camoes.
*** MUSEU CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN ( Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisbon)
In this museum you will find over 6,000 exhibits of Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
*** MUSEU NACIONAL DO AZULEJO (Rua Madre Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon)
Enjoy the impressive collection of characteristic Portuguese tiles (azulejos) from the 15th to the 20th century. There you will also see a huge painting depicting what Lisbon was like before it was severely damaged by the great earthquake of 1755. It is located in the Convent of the Madre de Deus which was built in the early 16th century
*** MUSEU NACIONAL DE ARTE ANTIGA (Rua das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisbon)
Visit the impressive 17th-century palace-turned-museum and see Portugal’s ‘national treasures’. Over 40,000 works of art from Europe, Africa and the Far East have their place in the museum.
*** MUSEU NACIONAL DOS COCHES (Avenida da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisbon)
It is not one of the most advertised museums in the city, but if you have time you must visit it and you will be impressed. Here you will find a unique collection of royal carriages from the 17th to the 19th century. You will also see uniforms of the drivers, musical instruments from the Royal Orchestra and many paintings from the monarchs of the Braganza dynasty.
*** OCEANARIO DE LISBOA (Esplanada Dom Carlos I, 1990-005 Lisbon)
It is one of the top attractions of the city. It is the largest aquarium in Europe with over 25 thousand fish and mammals. See penguins, sharks and other sea creatures in a spectacular setting.
*** ELEVADOR DE SANTA JUSTO (Rua do Ouro)
The iron train lift built in 1902 in neo-gothic style is one of the most important sights of the city and connects the historic center of Baixa with the Upper Town (Bairro Alto).
*** MUSEU ARQUEOLOGICO DO CARMO (Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisbon)
The church was built in the 14th century and was largely destroyed in 1755, but without being rebuilt. The ruins of the church in the Lower Town remain impressive. This particular church belonged to the Carmelite order.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you want to visit a separate museum then go to MAAT which is mainly about electricity and technology.
*** Also, two good options are Maritime Museum and Berardo Museum.
*** The Padrão dos Descobrimento (Monument to the Discoveries) is a concrete monument to seafarers and the truth is that it is quite photogenic.
*** The city’s Cathedral (Se de Lisboa) was built in the mid-12th century and belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. It’s worth a visit.
*** If you have time visit the Igreja de Sao Roque. The Jesuit church dating back to the 16th century has one of the world’s most expensive chapels, that of St. John the Baptist which was built in Rome in the 18th century.
*** The 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) is impressive. Just as impressive is the Sanctuary of Christ the King.
*** If you have a car, then we would recommend that you cross the Vasco Da Gama Bridge which is the longest bridge in Europe (17.2 km).
*** The Rua Gusta Arch is perfect for taking your photos.
*** The Águas Livres aqueduct, which is 18km long and actually extends over an area of 58km, is a historic aqueduct and is the pride of Portuguese engineering of the 18th century.
****** Commerce Square is a meeting place for the locals with… a view of the Tagus river that ends in the Atlantic.
FOOD AND DRINK
Lisbon combines traditional and modern cuisine. It is famous for its fish and seafood. Sardines, bacalhau, cozido a portuguesa, arroz de marisco, codfish, octopus, whole crab and chicken piri piri are traditional dishes. Especially with the polvo à la lagareiro you will be impressed. If you want something fast or street food you can eat bifana. Pasteis de Nata are the traditional sweets. It goes without saying that the drink that the Portuguese drink is wine and sangria.
WHERE TO STAY
Τhere are hotels in every neighborhood of the city for all budgets. Hotels are more expensive towards the city center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you like to walk in an oasis of green, then the most suitable place is Parque Eduardo VII.
*** It is worth taking a ride on the tram and especially passing by Tram 28.
*** In Jardim da Estrela you will find a tree-lined garden with a children’s playground.
*** For your shopping you can go to the historic center of Baixa centered on the pedestrianized Rue Augusta.
*** Also ideal areas for your shopping, but with slightly more expensive prices, are Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade.
*** Centro Comercial Colombo, Centro Comercial Amoreiras and Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama (Parque Expo) are also very good options for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by tram or by subway.
CITIES NEAR LISBON
Major cities close to Lisbon are Coibra (202km), Faro (277km), Porto (313km), Braga (363km), Huelva (375km), Sevilla (463km)
