Lisbon is a great city for a short visit. Compact and rich with history and cultural heritage, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few days.

During your stay in your Lisbon accommodation, there are a few things that it would be a real shame to miss. The city has some picturesque vistas, stunning ancient relics and outstanding cultural sights that will make your trip to Lisbon really special.

No matter how long you spend, make sure you take the time to see these attractions on your trip.

Elevador Santa Justa

With its foot in the Baixa and head poking up in the Bairro Alto, “Elevador Santa Justa” is a stunning gothic landmark in the heart of Lisbon. The fancy ironwork architecture of the tower houses an elevator originally powered by steam when it was first opened at the turn of the 20^th century, now run with electricity. The vast majority of the original fixtures remain, including the lift gear operated with a lever by a skilled attendant who ensures the lift lands precisely at the platform.

Once at the top of the lift, you can walk up the steep filigree staircase to the viewing platform at the top for stunning panoramas of the city. It’s pretty during the day, but if you have the chance it’s even better after dark when you can see the castle and Sé cathedral beautifully lit on the other side of the valley.

Jeronimos Monastery

One aspect of Lisbon that visitors will notice about Lisbon is that the name Vasco da Gama crops up everywhere. The most famous son of Lisbon, da Gama crossed the seas to India where he established trade routes and a colony on the Western coastal state of Goa.

Panorama of Jeronimos Monastery

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JeronimosLisbon.jpg

The monastery is da Gama’s final resting place, built in honour of his voyage in 1502 on a grand scale. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the monastery is a triumph of gothic Manueline architecture, with the cloisters a particular feature. Each pillar in this area of the monastery has intricate carvings of coiled ropes, sea-monsters and other sea-faring motifs in celebration of da Gama’s successful voyage.

Belém Tower

Another World Heritage site, built in the same period and the same Manueline style as the Jeronimos Monastery, the Bélem Tower was built in the sixteenth century as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s busy harbour.

The architecture of the monument is spectacular in itself, but also affords stunning views across the estuary on which Lisbon sits. If you manage to visit on a clear day, you can see for miles around to the Monument to Christ, similar to the Christ the Redeemer monument in Brazil’s capital, Rio de Janeiro.

Restauradores Square

In the basin created by the two hills on which Lisbon is built, Restauradores Square is a flat, formal square built to commemorate liberation from 60 years of Spanish rule in 1640. The patterned paving surrounds a large obelisk bearing two bronze figures depicting Victory and Freedom.

There are lots of restaurants and cafes around the periphery of the square, and it’s a lovely place to spend a pleasant afternoon, watching people go by. Visitors are highly recommended to try and find an apartment near to Restauradores Square as this location is central and vibrates the atmosphere of the city.

The Number 28 Tram

Less a sight, more sight-seeing, the 28 Tram is a ready-made tour through the oldest parts of Lisbon on one of the oldest modes of transport. With 50 tram cars from the turn of the 20^th century decked out in wood with rattly old windows, this is probably the most picturesque way to see the narrow, steep streets leading up to the Basilica and Sé Cathedral. Pick it up on the Martim Moniz and stay on all the way around the circular route, or hop off for a wander and get on the next one as the fancy takes you.

Trams on the Number 28 line

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tram_28,_Lisbon,_20051011.jpg

With a Viva Viagem card, available from any Carris station, a trip on the number 28 tram is included. It will also get you a ride on the Elevador Santa Justa and any other mode of transport you need to get you to the main sights in Lisbon.

So why not give Lisbon a try, it’s a vibrant city full of history and culture. Visit these five attractions to maximise your enjoyment of a trip to Lisbon.

Portugal not only has lovely beaches especially in the southern Algarve area but also a beautiful wine region in the north including Vita Nova de Gaia where you can sample the country’s best port wines and the Douro Valley ,which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, that can be reached by a historic train ride or cruise. Portugal also has good weather, festivals all year long that feature dancing and feasting, many historical landmarks, excellent cuisine, horse riding, water sports including scuba diving and surfing, and more. The best part of all, for many, is that the prices are more affordable than in most other countries.

There are numerous interesting places to visit.

Peneda-Geres is the only national park in Portugal and is 170,000 acres of mountain scenery and old villages.

The Shrine at Fatima is an important pilgrimage for Roman Catholics since the Virgin Mary appeared to a children’s group in 1917.

One of the best views of the capital Lisbon is from the Castelo de Sao Jorge in the Alfama district. This was a castle and then a defensive position that was built over 1,000 years ago and where the beginnings of Lisbon were born. Destroyed along with much of the city in 1755, in 1938 the castle was restored.

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest quarter and is a village inside the city. It has narrow medieval lanes with taverns, hidden churches, small squares, steep staircases, and an old tram that goes through the streets.

The Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon features Egyptian sculptures, ancient paintings, and is free to visitors on Sundays.

The Tile Museum features a collection of decorative tiles and tile paintings that date back to the 15th century.

Less than two hours from Lisbon is the small village of Obidos which was given by King Dinis to his new wife, Isabel, as a wedding gift. The former Queen’s castle has been converted and, for an expensive amount of money, you can stay there. There is also an 18th century manor house located in the village.

Estoril, a short distance from Lisbon on the Atlantic coast, has a world famous car and motorcycle racetrack.

The Conimbriga Ruins is one of the country’s oldest attractions and takes you back to the Roman times with portrayals of Greek mythological characters and fascinating mosaics.

The Convent of Christ in Tomar’s superb buildings were occupied by the Knights Templar dating back to medieval times.