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The sky is not completely dark at night. Were the sky absolutely dark, one would not be able to see the silhouette of an object against the sky.
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Jardim Botânico Tropical
The Jardim Botânico Tropical is a lush and tranquil botanical garden located in the Belém district of Lisbon, near famous landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Established in 1906, this garden spans around 7 hectares and was originally designed to support agricultural research for Portugal’s overseas colonies. Today, it serves as both a research facility and a peaceful green retreat for visitors.
As you wander through the Jardim Botânico Tropical, you’ll find over 500 species of exotic plants from former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Macau. Towering palm trees, tropical flowers, cacti, and bamboo groves create a serene, jungle-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city. The garden’s ornamental ponds, statues, and tiled pavilions add a historical and artistic charm to the landscape.
One of the highlights is the 18th-century baroque greenhouse, which houses delicate tropical species and adds a touch of elegance to the garden’s natural beauty. The garden also features architectural structures with Asian and African influences, reflecting Portugal’s colonial past.
For nature enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone looking for a peaceful break from sightseeing, the Jardim Botânico Tropical offers a refreshing, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s an especially good stop if you’re already exploring the Belém area, providing a calm, shaded environment perfect for a relaxing stroll.
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Convento dos Cardaes
The Convento dos Cardaes in Lisbon is a hidden gem that offers visitors a rare glimpse into 17th-century Portuguese Baroque art and architecture. Built in 1681, this convent miraculously survived the 1755 earthquake, preserving its original azulejo tile panels, gilded woodwork, and intricate stucco ceilings. The convent was originally founded by Dona Luísa de Távora…
Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara
The Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara in Lisbon is a peaceful and historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s religious and artistic heritage. Founded in the 17th century by the Franciscan Order, this convent is best known for its beautiful church, which features stunning azulejo tile panels, intricate gilded woodwork, and impressive…
Glória Funicular
The Glória Funicular is one of Lisbon’s most famous and historic funiculars, transporting passengers between the bustling Praça dos Restauradores and the scenic Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto district. Opened in 1885, it’s the oldest of Lisbon’s funiculars and a charming relic of the city’s effort to make its steep…
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of Lisbon’s most stunning viewpoints, offering a panoramic view over the city’s historic center. Located in the Bairro Alto district, this elegant terrace garden is the perfect place to take in breathtaking sights of São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, the Baixa district, and the rooftops…
Other Sights
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Palácio da Fronteira
The Palácio da Fronteira, also known as the Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, is a stunning and lesser-known gem located in the Benfica district of Lisbon, on the edge of the Monsanto Forest Park. Built in 1671 as a hunting pavilion for João de Mascarenhas, the 1st Marquis of Fronteira, this 17th-century palace is renowned for its opulent architecture, magnificent gardens, and intricate tilework that showcases the height of Portuguese Baroque and Mannerist art.
The palace’s exterior and interior are richly decorated with azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting battle scenes, allegories, and hunting motifs. Some of the most impressive tile panels are found in the Gallery of the Arts and the Battle Room, both featuring intricate and colorful depictions of historical and mythological scenes.
The gardens are truly enchanting and offer one of the most beautiful and serene spots in Lisbon. Designed in a formal style, they include fountains, manicured hedges, reflecting pools, and classical statues. The Garden of Kings is particularly famous for its 17 busts of Portuguese kings lining the terrace, set against vibrant blue and white tiles that shimmer in the sunlight.
Visitors can take guided tours to explore the interiors, including richly decorated rooms with period furniture, paintings, and exquisite tiles. While the palace remains a private residence, much of it is accessible to the public, especially the gardens, which are open for visitors to wander and enjoy.
The Palácio da Fronteira offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur of Portugal’s aristocratic past and the exquisite artistry of its decorative arts. It’s an ideal visit for those who appreciate architecture, history, and peaceful garden settings away from the city’s more crowded attractions.
If you’d like to read an extremely in-depth description of the tiles found in the palace, I discovered this interesting paper. You can bet I’ll be referencing it during my visit to the palace.
Visit Notes
We visited the gardens here, which were beautiful. We did not go inside because pictures aren’t allowed. I don’t love paying to go into places that don’t allow pictures.
Anyway, the gardens were worth a visit all on their own. I particularly enjoyed the black swan, who seemed to have an interesting relationship with a gardener. The gardener would walk by and the swan would swim over and bite at his gloved hand and pant leg. I can only assume that the gardener sometimes feeds the swan.
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Other Sights
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Praça do Comércio
The Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic and grand public squares, situated right on the banks of the Tagus River. This vast, elegant square is framed by classical 18th-century yellow buildings with grand arcades, which house government offices, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Its open layout and riverside location make it a vibrant and scenic spot to visit.
Historically, the Praça do Comércio was the site of the Ribeira Palace, the royal residence until it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The square was rebuilt as part of the city’s broader reconstruction efforts under the guidance of the Marquis of Pombal, following a symmetrical, neoclassical design that emphasized grandeur and order.
At the center of the square stands the impressive equestrian statue of King José I, unveiled in 1775. The statue depicts the king mounted on his horse, trampling serpents—symbolizing the triumph over adversity after the earthquake. Another highlight is the Arco da Rua Augusta, a magnificent triumphal arch leading from the square into Lisbon’s bustling Baixa district. Visitors can even ascend to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the square, the river, and the city.
The Praça do Comércio is not only an architectural marvel but also a lively gathering place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the river views, street performances, and occasional cultural events. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, enjoying a coffee at one of the elegant cafés, or simply soaking in the grandeur of this historic square.
Visit Notes
The square is a beautiful stop on your walk around historic Lisbon. It is a vast space that, believe it or not, used to be a parking lot in the 1960’s. The Tagus River borders one side of the square with arcaded buildings on the other three sides of the square. While we were visiting, there were vendor stalls set up along the outskirts of the square, selling all manner of handmade souvenirs.
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Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta is a vibrant and iconic street located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It stretches from the majestic Praça do Comércio to the lively Rossio Square, making it a central hub for both locals and tourists alike. If you’re considering visiting Lisbon, Rua Augusta is definitely a must-see destination. As you step onto…
Arco da Rua Augusta
The Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch) is a magnificent architectural landmark located in Lisbon, Portugal, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re considering exploring the city. Situated in the lively neighborhood of Baixa, this iconic triumphal arch stands at the end of Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon’s most famous and bustling pedestrian…
Museu do Dinheiro
The Museu do Dinheiro (Money Museum) in Lisbon offers a fascinating and interactive exploration of the history and cultural significance of money, from its earliest forms to modern digital transactions. Housed in the beautifully restored former Church of São Julião, near the Praça do Comércio, the museum combines historical architecture with sleek, contemporary design. Visitors…
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LX Factory
LX Factory is a vibrant and trendy cultural hub located in the Alcântara district of Lisbon, housed within a sprawling 19th-century industrial complex beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge. Once a textile manufacturing site, it has been transformed into a bustling space filled with creative businesses, art studios, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Visitors are drawn to LX Factory for its artsy, bohemian atmosphere, where street art covers walls and quirky installations pop up around every corner. The area is perfect for those who love exploring unique boutiques selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing and home decor. It’s also home to the famous Ler Devagar bookstore, which is worth a visit for its whimsical decor featuring books suspended mid-air and its towering shelves that invite browsing.
Foodies will find plenty to enjoy, with a wide selection of eateries offering cuisines from around the world, as well as trendy cafés perfect for brunch or a casual coffee. On Sundays, LX Factory hosts a lively market featuring antiques, handmade crafts, and gourmet treats.
In the evenings, the area becomes a social hotspot, with bars and restaurants filling up with locals and tourists alike, offering live music and a buzzing nightlife. The blend of urban creativity and industrial charm makes LX Factory a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience Lisbon’s modern cultural scene.
Visit Notes
I wish I had more time to explore LX Factory, but it was my birthday and I had a sunset sail to get to. I came here to get some chocolate cake from Landeau to celebrate my day and boy, it did not disappoint. I highly recommend it.
The rest of the complex was cute, with random street art and interesting shops to explore.
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Praça da Figueira
The Praça da Figueira is a lively and historic square in the heart of Lisbon’s Baixa district, offering a mix of local charm, history, and city life. Once the site of Lisbon’s main hospital, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, the square was later transformed into a bustling marketplace and today serves as a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors.
At the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of King John I (Dom João I), a key figure in Portugal’s history who ruled in the 14th century. The square is surrounded by traditional Pombaline-style buildings, many of which house hotels, cafés, bakeries, and shops, making it a great place to stop for a coffee or a famous Pastel de Nata from Confeitaria Nacional, one of Lisbon’s oldest pastry shops.
Praça da Figueira is also well-connected, with tram and bus stops nearby, making it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby attractions like Rossio Square, the Santa Justa Lift, and the historic Alfama district. Whether you’re here to relax, people-watch, or soak in the city’s history, Praça da Figueira offers an authentic taste of Lisbon’s vibrant atmosphere.
Visit Notes
If you’re in Lisbon, you’ll probably pass through here at least once. It happened to be near the hotel where I was staying so I spent a good amount of time walking around here. The Confeitaria Nacional has some great Pasteis de Nata as well as other tasty goodies, so I recommend stopping in and sitting at one of their outside tables, people watching.
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Dom Pedro IV Square
Also known as Rossio Square, the square is named after Dom Pedro IV, who was both the king of Portugal and the first emperor of Brazil. It has a rich historical significance and has been a central hub of activity for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a significant meeting point and a witness…
Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta is a vibrant and iconic street located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It stretches from the majestic Praça do Comércio to the lively Rossio Square, making it a central hub for both locals and tourists alike. If you’re considering visiting Lisbon, Rua Augusta is definitely a must-see destination. As you step onto…
Igreja de São Domingos
The Igreja de São Domingos in Lisbon is a church unlike any other, with a dramatic and haunting interior that tells a story of survival through centuries of disasters. Located near Rossio Square, this historic church was once one of the most important in Lisbon, serving as the site of royal weddings and significant events.…
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