disembark our cruise ship on June 18 and fly out the 21st. Not much time so what should we not miss? Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
75 posts
Hi bcbogart,
There is much to see in Lisbon and the city itself is so interesting that simply wandering the streets (especially the Alfama but also the modern center) is worthwhile. My top sites: the Castillo San George and the Gulbenkian Collection. The former will give you a taste of the medieval past and will position you above the city. From there you can head to the Alfama and explore its charms. The Gulbenkian collection, surprisingly, does not always make the list of top sites. This is a remarkable collection of just about everything (ivories, rugs, ceramics, manuscripts, paintings) well-displayed in a garden like setting. We traveled via public transportation (can't remember how) but it was well worth it. I would also mention: the Archaeological Museum which is set in the ruins of a Gothic building (destroyed during the earthquake), the old Romanesque church (perfect specimen of this architectural period) and the National Museum where you can see Bosch's Temptation of St Anthony. These are all within the city. Enjoy!! With only two days, I would not bother to travel to Belem, Cascais, or Sintra. Enjoy!!
Posted by
Massachusetts
845 posts
Here is the list of suggestions from Rick Steves. You can decide which of these are "not miss" for you.
In Lisbon
▲▲▲ Alfama Stroll and the Castle Tangled medieval streets topped by São Jorge Castle.
▲▲▲ Baixa Stroll The lower town — Lisbon's historic downtown — gridded with streets and dotted with major squares.
▲▲▲ Bairro Alto and Chiado Stroll The high town's views, churches, and Chiado fashion district.
▲▲ Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon's best museum, featuring an art collection spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to Impressionism to Art Nouveau.
▲▲ Museum of Ancient Art Portuguese paintings from the 15th- and 16th-century glory days.
▲▲ Parque das Nações Inviting waterfront park with a long promenade, a modern mall, and the Expo '98 fairgrounds.
▲ Fado Museum The story of Portuguese folk music.
▲ São Roque Church and Museum Fine 16th-century Jesuit church with false dome ceiling, chapel made of precious stones, and a less interesting museum.
▲ Lisbon Cathedral From the outside, an impressive Romanesque fortress of God; inside, not much.
▲ Aljube Museum of Resistance and Freedom Exhibits documenting fascist António Salazar's rise to power, housed in a former prison building.
▲ Mouraria District Historic Moorish quarter turned buzzing international zone with inviting eateries.
▲ National Tile Museum Tons of artistic tiles, including a panorama of pre-earthquake Lisbon.
São Jorge Castle Originally an eighth-century bastion, first built by the Moors, with kingly views at the highest point in town.
Museum and School of Portuguese Decorative Arts Aristocratic household richly decorated in 15th- to 18th-century styles.
Elevador de Santa Justa 150-foot-tall iron elevator offering a glittering city vista.
In Belém
▲▲▲ Monastery of Jerónimos King Manuel's giant 16th-century, white limestone church and monastery, with remarkable cloister and the explorer Vasco da Gama's tomb.
▲▲ National Coach Museum Dozens of carriages, from simple to opulent, displaying the evolution of coaches from 1600 on.
▲ Casa Pastéis de Belém Sprawling café and bakery where you can enjoy Lisbon's famous custard tarts where they were first created.
▲ Maritime Museum Salty selection of exhibits on the ships and navigational tools of the Age of Discovery.
▲ Monument to the Discoveries Giant riverside monument honoring the explorers who brought Portugal great power and riches centuries ago.
▲ Belém Tower Consummate Manueline building with a worthwhile view up 120 steps.