Location: Lisbon
Top Things to do in Lisbon
Top 5 Castles in Lisbon, Central Portugal
The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. The Maritime Museum is perfect for kids (and grown-ups!) who adore all things nautical, while the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves is a hidden gem of colorful artwork. To fully appreciate the city’s dramatic stone architecture you can take a guided walking tour, or customize your own tour, making sure to visit the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, and the UNESCO World Heritage site the Torre de Belem.
Restaurants in Lisbon
1. Palacio Nacional da Ajuda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,295 reviews
This is a collection of decorative arts including furniture, tapestries and statues in an unfinished palace.
Reviewed By nobukof347 - Yao, Japan
This palace is about 10-15 minute walk from Mosteiro dos jeronimos. There were a few tourists in the palace when I visited it. Although it is still used, visitors can see inside the palace and are allowed to take pictures. The inside of the palace is gorgeous and can imagine how royal family or people in high classes lived. This palace is on the uphill but not so steep. It is interesting to look around the buildings with tile walls. A Botanical Garden is nearby the palace.
2. Palacio dos Marqueses de Fronteira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Seventeenth Century Palace placed in an ancient Quinta de Recreio (recreation farm) which includes a formal garden, an informal garden and woods. The exterior and interiors of the Palace are decorated with the largest and best collection of Portuguese seventeenth-century "azulejos" (decorative tiles) still in their original location known today. The gardens are decorated with fountains, statues and other constructions from the seventeenth century, which are refreshing and make the walk through the premises a continuous delight. Although this is an inhabited Palace still today, visitors are welcome to take guided tours of the inside and enjoy visiting some of the most beautiful rooms, the Library, the terrace with "azulejo" panels representing the Liberal Arts, and the Chapel. The fact that this is an inhabited living space is part of its very special atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a souvenir shop managed by the Association of the Friends of the Fronteira Palace.
Reviewed By eddg2019
Since it is located in the district of Benfica, some distance from central Lisbon, it can be a bit daunting to reach the Palácio. It is possible to take the blue line Metro and get off at the Jardim Zoológico stop and then walk a mile. However, it is much easier to take a taxi or, better yet, an Uber. The palace is located at Largo São Domingos de Benfica. Note: Even with GPS, drivers sometimes have difficulty finding the Palácio Fronteira. Do not get out of the vehicle unless you actually see the palace. It is well worth the effort to reach Palácio da Fronteira. The gardens contain incredible examples of Portuguese tiles, as well as statues, topiaries, a wide variety of plants, and a pool with ducks and black swans. The interiors of the palace are decorated with the largest and best collection of Portuguese seventeenth-century decorative tiles still in their original location. The gardens can be visited on one’s own, but the palace can only be seen on a guided tour, which should be booked in advance. If you are lucky (as I was) you may be accompanied on your tour by one of the palace’s six cats. That is assuming one of them deigns to honor you with its presence. There seems to be conflicting information concerning times for tours so it is best to have your hotel call for you in advance and make a reservation. Get the combination ticket that includes both the palace and the gardens. Allow yourself time to linger in the gardens. You won’t regret it.
3. Castelo de S. Jorge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29,700 reviews
Open 7 days a week, Castelo de S. Jorge is now a place where you can enjoy our heritage, get to know a little about Lisboa’s History at the Permanent Exhibition, explore the traces of the Moorish neighbourhood dating back from the 11th century at the Archaeological Site, discover yet unseen sights over the city on the Camera Obscura, stroll across the gardens and the belvederes, take a break at the Café do Castelo, participate of the guided tours or other didactical activities, or simply be enchanted by music, theatre, dancing and the talk shops on heritage that liven up your days at this remarkable Monument in Lisboa.
Reviewed By rushtonc
After walking up the narrow streets and sampling natas along the way, the views from Castelo de S. Jorge doesn’t disappoint! It is 10 euros to get in but for the experience it is worth it.. gorgeous scenery surrounding the castle and lots to explore inside the castle, you can experience an architectural area within the castle and walk along the top of the castle walls..
4. Palacio de Belem
5. St George Castle lisbon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By dsmith31 - Halifax, Canada
This is a must see when visiting Lisbon. It is a short walk from the tram 28 stop at the foot of the hill. The views of the city are well worth the effort. My husband has some balance issues due to ear surgery and had no problem with the walk. There is not much to see at the castle itself and we would not have bothered with the castle if the look offs were accessible otherwise. However the 10 euro admission was a small price to contribute to the upkeep of this landmark.
