City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
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The 9 Best Things to Do in Central Portugal, Portugal
Central Portugal in Portugal, from Europe region, is best know for Castles. Discover best things to do in Central Portugal with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Central Portugal
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and Gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California
Predating 1697, this intricately adorned palace of Carvalho Monteiro, received the loving craftsmanship of architect Luigi Manini, whose works include Milan's La Scala. Monteiro, a highly educated scientific capitalist, who graduated Law from University of Combria, was born in Rio de Janeiro, and of Portuguese decent. It was this philanthropist's concept for the "mysterious iconographical program" of this highly unusual property, with loving attention spanning from 1898-1912. The Palace reflects Romanticism of the time, and is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The expansive Gardens are intimate in their layout with unusual and hidden meanings, while the chapel bares Masonic markings. We walked to the Palace from town without much difficulty, although it was a distance. Strolling gives you an intimate peek at what lies ahead, as you pass by the detailed grounds and the ornate Gothic façade comes into view. The Palace was undergoing renovation to the 2nd floor, but the first floor offered such remarkable workmanship in stone and wood that we were altogether satisfied. Having served as the family's summer residence, the Palace was also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire". This is a highlight and must-see of Sintra!
2. Lisbon Oceanarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Opened in 1998, the Oceanário was the centerpiece of the XXth Century's last World Fair, themed "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future", and eternally binds Lisbon to the Oceans.MissionThe Oceanário’s Mission is to promote knowledge of the oceans and bring up the public about the duty of protecting natural heritage, through changing their daily habits.While walking through impressive and unforgettable exhibits, visitors are encouraged to learn fascinating things about the oceans and, more importantly, how to make decisions in their daily lives that actively promote the conservation of nature.
Reviewed By 28kath60 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Loved it, especially the Penguins. Made up for disappointment,net of not seeing any at the Zoo. Money well spent
3. Alfama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
4. Jeronimos Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
No expense was spared when they built this masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture in 1502, which was inspired by Vasco da Gama who is buried here with other great navigators of the past.
Reviewed By happy_in_paris_10 - Atlanta, Georgia
Downtown, on the waterfront in Lisbon is the beautiful massive historic monastery, Jeronimos Monastery. Built as a thank you by King Manual to celebrate maritime discoveries, it houses the ornate limestone tomb of Vasco De Gama This was my first encounter with Manualine architecture and decor, with twisted rope carved into many walls and above each archway. The decor also includes carved tropical fruit and animals. Afterwards, I looked for this style of decor in many churches and public buildings and found it! Interesting intellectually, stunning visually, and well worth a visit! Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds...
5. Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Reviewed By VWriter - Los Gatos, California
Long ago there used to be a famous landmark (Royal Rebeira Palace) on this site but it came tumbling down in the devastating 1755 earthquake. Lisbon began rebuilding its city immediately and designated this site as a commercial downtown center in the shape of a large U. The new center is near the banks of the wide, wide Tagus River and is one of Lisbon's great landmarks.
We were taken here and walked a lot, enjoying the classical architecture and beauty of this public space.
6. Bairro Alto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Maxim123153 - Nuneaton, United Kingdom
Take the Elevador de Gloria unless you like walking up steep hills. Very vibrant area - great area for shopping and cafe during the day and very lively restaurant and bar scene at night.
7. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California
Pina Palace, the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, presides over Sintra, and is visible from Lisbon on a clear day. Cleverly built into its hilltop perch and one of the world's finest examples of 19th Century Romanticism, it is easy to see why this Palace is considered one of Portugal's "Seven Wonders". Containing Moorish and Manueline style features, Pina Palace was the vision of King Ferdinand II. The furnished Palace abounds with the use of numerous creative bass-relief tiles, intricate plaster, carved stone, a bold exterior palate, forest and distant views, interior pastel plaster walls, and details too numerous to list. This is a masterpiece which should not be missed. Time permitting, the grounds should be explored as well.
A café is located within the Palace above the gift shop; a welcome feature due to the unexpected delay in ultimately reaching this historic destination. Rightfully so, this is an extremely popular attraction. Give yourself ample time for the tourist bus commute up and back; wait-lines are long. Tip: try to visit early in the morning, before the tour buses start arriving. I would recommend an overnight stay to appreciate all that Sintra has to offer.
8. Castelo de S. Jorge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 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 Cafe 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 robww - London, United Kingdom
The castle is in a great spot, with commanding views of the city (no surprise there!) However the queue to enter it is long and the locality nearby is very interesting with small bars, viewing areas and hill climbing trams- so your time might be better spent exploring the area than waiting in a queue. (Perhaps queue jump tickets prebooked are available)
9. Torre de Belem
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
A 16th-century tower which serves as a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery on both land and sea.
Reviewed By happy_in_paris_10 - Atlanta, Georgia
To be fair, we visited in a downpour, with high winds whipping needles of cold rain in our faces. As a result, this was a very short visit. On a clear day, or if you are really interested in Lisbon's history, you should stop here...
