Lisbon Off The Beaten Path Tips by sue_stone

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos Belém sightseeing Review

If you make it to Belem make sure you pay a visit to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. This stunning monastery is an example of Manueline style. Work commenced in 1502 but was not completed until towards the end of the 16th-century.

The building is decorated with a large number of ornaments and it if you stand a look around you will see more and more designs...from bunches of grapes to sea shells.

The highlight of the visit for me was the church, which is quite magnificent inside - fabulous patterned columns and a dignified air made it particularly special to me.

It is free to visit the church, and on Sundays it is also free to visit the monastery.

Located on Praca do Imperio
Catch no. 15 tram from Praca de Figueira or Praca do Comercio

Phone: 21 362 0034

Museu do Design Belém sightseeing Review

Located in Belem (6km west of Rossio) is the excellent Design Museum. You will find it as part of the architecturally interesting Centro Cultural de Belem complex.

Opened in 1999, the museum has a fabulous collection of 20th-century design - plenty of quirky furniture and stylish vases and various other items.

There are some one-off designs along with some mass-produced items such as the stylish Eames lounge. Some of the crazier things we saw included a chair made from bubble wrap!

You can also check out some modern art exhibitions while you are there.

To get to Belem, you can catch the number 15 tram from Praca de Figueira or Praca do Comercio, or the train from Cais do Sodre. Buses will also get you there. We opted for the tram.

Centro Cultural de Belem, Praca do Imperio

Phone: 21 361 29 34

Belem Belém sightseeing Review

The pretty district of Belem spreads west along the River Tagus, around 6km from the centre of Lisbon. It is a quiet place that is home to several historic monuments and some great museums. Perhaps more importantly, it is home to one of the oldest cafes in Lisbon, serving up a mean custard tart!

To get to Belem, you can catch the number 15 tram from Praca de Figueira or Praca do Comercio; or the number 14 bus from Praca de Figueira. There is also a train from Cais do Sodre to Belem (Oeiras).

Belem is home to the Torre de Belem, which is one of its most photographed monuments. Built in 1515 to defend the river mouth, the tower sits just offshore and is an intriguing mixture of a few architectural styles. Unfortunately we did not get to visit it as when we were in Belem it was pouring with rain.

Also of interest is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries ). This huge limestone monument stands by the river, paying homage to the Age of the Discoveries. Due to the rain, we only got the chance to view this impressive monument from a distance, as you can see from the photo.

Other must see attractions are the fabulous Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the if you are into it, the Design Museum or the Maritime Museum. There are also some really pretty gardens.

Catch no. 15 tram from Praca de Figueira or Praca do Comercio

Parque das Nacoes

If you are looking for something a little different during your stay in Lisbon, why not jump on the metro and head out to the Parque das Nacoes area. This is the old Expo 98 site, and the area is filled with interesting modern architecture.

Jump on the red metro line to Oriente, the last stop. When you arrive you will find yourself at the large Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, with plenty of shops for all plus a large food hall.

The best idea is to by-pass the shops and go for a walk first along the river towards the stunning Torre de Vasco da Gama. The 140 metre high tower is the tallest building in Lisbon, and offers fabulous views from the top. It also has a panoramic restaurant, but unfortunately the Tower was closed when we were there.

One thing you can't miss is the Ponte Vasco da Gama. This is one of the longest bridges in Europe, stretching for 17.2km across the river. You would never imagine that it is that long - I found it quite amazing.

If you need a break from walking, you can catch the cable car for more great views.

There are loads of restaurants and bars in the Expo building that stretches along the river....I am sure these are very popular in warmer weather, but they were pretty deserted when we were there in winter.

Also in the Parque das Nacoes area is the Interactive Science Museum and an Oceanarium. As you walk about you will also see some impressive modern buildings.

Make sure you check out the impressive entrance to the metro station on your way back in and there is some other interesting architecture within the station complex.

Nearest metro: Oriente

Website: http://www.parquedasnacoes.pt