DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Lisbon

Clockwise from top:Neptune and Amphitrite in a Chariot, Museu Nacional do Azulejo; tower at Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra; vaulted ceiling, Mosteiro dos Jernimos; Torre de So Loureno, Castelo de So Jorge; view from Castelo de So Jorge; Guincho beach; Portas do Sol viewpoint

Lisbon is a city of superlatives: the most westerly capital in mainland Europe, one of the sunniest, one of the least expensive and, draped over a series of hills facing the Tejo estuary, surely one of the most impressively located. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Lisbon, its yours to explore.

Lisbons position just inland from the Atlantic helped it become the centre of a historic maritime empire that stretched from Brazil to Indonesia. The legacy is a flamboyant architecture typified by the Manueline structures of the riverside Torre de Belmand the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jernimos. Theres also an older, Moorish aspect to the warren of streets of the Alfamadistrict, below the stunning hilltop Castelo de So Jorgeand the medieval S. Lisbons museums are equally diverse, from the historic works of art in the Museu Nacional de Arte Antigato the panoply of international masterpieces in the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

Lisbon oozes history and tradition, but it is anything but staid. Nights out in the Bairro Altoor Cais do Sodrdistricts are memorable and theres a vibrancy to the citys street cafs and restaurants thats hard to match. Among the quaint old trams and cobbled streets, youll also find some eye-catching modern architecture, typified by the futuristic Parque das Naes, which contains one of Europes largest oceanariums.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together everything the city has to offer, from the coolest clubs to the best nearby beaches. There are tips throughout, from finding out whats free to uncovering the citys best beaches, plus eight easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to cover a range of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Lisbon.

Exploring Lisbon

Its great fun travelling around Lisbon, especially by tram or bus, which will take you to most of the citys historical buildings, parks and museums. Whether youre coming for a weekend, or want to get to know the city better, these two- and four-day itineraries will help you to make the most of your visit.

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Two Days in Lisbon

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Day 1

Morning

From the Baixa district, take the famous tram 28 to the , a Moorish castle offering fantastic views over the city.

The views from the Castelo de So Jorgeare some of Lisbons finest.

Afternoon

Head north to the . Housed in a modern cultural centre in attractive grounds, the museum displays an astonishing array of art from ancient times to the 20th century.

Day 2

Morning

Head west along the riverfront to the . Set in a former palace, the museum contains paintings, furniture and other works of decorative art.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antigadisplays an exquisite collection of Portuguese art.

Afternoon