Baixa, Chiado

From 1911, the year in which it was founded, the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado was based in the former convent of São Francisco da Cidade, a complex that had been severely damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. However, following a fire that tore through the area in 1988, the museum was renovated and extended under the direction of the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, and re-inaugurated in 1994. The MNAC is a must-see for those wanting to learn about and enjoy Portuguese romantic, naturalist, modern and contemporary art, in the form of seminal pieces from the leading art movements from the second half of the 19th century to the present day. The temporary exhibitions programme forms an important part of the museum’s activity, which also includes guided tours, conferences, seminars and concerts alongside learning projects developed by the education service.

The Elevador de Santa Justa is one of the city’s most famous sights.

Designed by Mesnier du Ponsard, it was originally called the Ascensor Ouro-Carmo.

It connects Rua do Ouro to Largo do Carmo via a neogothic-style structure completely unlike any of the other elevadores in the city.

The lifts themselves, made of wood elegantly decorated with brass, evoke a journey in time as they ascend and descend towards the most exclusive areas of the city.

At the top of the tower is one of the best viewing points in the city, providing a splendid panorama of Baixa, Castelo, the Tagus and also the impressive ruins of the church of the Convento do Carmo.

It’s worth a ride to feel a surge of emotion at the view which extends before your eyes.

This triumphal arch in Rua Augusta has always impressed those roaming Lisbon’s busiest pedestrianised street.

But now you can visit the top of this unique structure for a truly singular and impressive view of Baixa and the river. It symbolises the rebirth of a new Lisbon after the tragedy of the earthquake, fire and tsunami in 1755 that razed what stood before.

And it affirms, in Latin, “The Virtues of the Greatest”: the strength, resilience and achievements of the Portuguese people.

At the top stand the sculptures by Célestin Anatole Calmels of Glory crowning Genius and Valour. You can’t help but be inspired by these values as you admire the 360º view of the best Lisbon has to offer.

Discover the history of this arch in the exhibition in the Clock Room for a sense of what it stands for.

Lisbon cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and its most important church. Supposedly erected on a mosque after the Christian reconquest, work on it was completed at the beginning of the 13th century. It is predominantly Romanesque in style, but Gothic and Baroque elements can also be seen in a church that has been altered over the centuries. It is impossible not to come across the cathedral during a stay in Lisbon. Whether climbing up to the castle, catching the no. 28 tram, crossing the river or admiring the city from the various viewing points, its shape marks the oldest part of the city. Discover the eras and styles that have decorated the various chapels and cloister, as well as the impressive tombs inside it. Discover one of Lisbon’s most iconic buildings.

The no. 28 is a little treasure on rails.

The small yellow trams beg to be photographed as they travel through the prettiest historic and residential quarters of the city.

Opening the windows and letting the parade of buildings covered in azulejos pass you by, glimpsing the sudden ascents and marvelling at the winding route between hills, miradouros and squares that take your breath away, is one of the things you have to do while in the city.

The no. 28 shuttles between Graça and Prazeres, on a route that slips between historic bairros, passed palaces, visits the cathedral, crosses Baixa, climbs up to Chiado and Estrela and ends in Campo de Ourique.

The comforting sound of its bell ensures that, even if you get off to see the attractions along the way, the no. 28 will always return to take you home.