Top Things to do in Lisbon District
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Things to do in Lisbon District, Central Portugal: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Lisbon District, Portugal including Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo de Alenquer, Park and National Palace of Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Palacio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, Palacio Nacional da Ajuda, Fortaleza de Sao Juliao Da Barra, Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz, Palacio Cidadela Cascais, Palacio Seixas.
Restaurants in Lisbon District
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,313 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 richardb552016 - London, United Kingdom
This palace is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. Within easy reach by train and bus, the gardens are a delight with many follies, chapels, delightful views and what is called an Initiation Well which is an absolute must including stepping stones and looking through a waterfall amongst other attractions. The cafe affords a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the palace and gardens. The architecture of all of the buildings are magical in appearance. Allow at least 2 hours. The walk to the top of the garden area is fairly steep but worthwhile. Then it is all downhill from there!
2. Castelo de Alenquer
3. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,360 reviews
Reviewed By bluecarrot - Los Angeles, United States
While not as old as so many other sights in Portugal, this palace and its surrounding grounds are truly awe-inspiring! If youre able, plan to go on a day with good weather and spend the day hiking around the stunning grounds and through the hundreds of paths and trails that wind all through the wooded area at the base of the palace! Seeing the palace itself is also quite interesting, but, for me, the outside of it is more amazing than the inside. The remaining furniture inside comes from a number of different styles and periods and the detail and craftsmanship are some of the finest Ive ever seen but try to go through the inside of the palace before it gets crowded if you want to see anything at all! Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon and this palace and its grounds are the gem of that trip, its absolutely worth the time!!
4. Castelo dos Mouros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,492 reviews
The Moorish Castle is a military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region, and was probably constructed between the eighth and ninth centuries and later expanded after the Reconquista. Overlooking the town of Sintra, it served as a watchtower, guaranteeing the protection of Lisbon and its surroundings.
Reviewed By howardform
Everyone comes to Sintra for Pena Palace and frankly I liked the Moorish Castle alot more, its really cool. Be aware there is alot of walking up stairs and hill climbing , so you have to be in shape The views are amazing, you can get the best photos of the castle from the castle and you can also get great photos of Pena Palace from here as well It is less crowded than Pena Palace
5. Palacio dos Marqueses de Fronteira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Seventeenth Century Palace placed in an ancient Quinta de Recreio (recreation farm) which includes a formal garden, an informal garden and woods. The exterior and interiors of the Palace are decorated with the largest and best collection of Portuguese seventeenth-century "azulejos" (decorative tiles) still in their original location known today. The gardens are decorated with fountains, statues and other constructions from the seventeenth century, which are refreshing and make the walk through the premises a continuous delight. Although this is an inhabited Palace still today, visitors are welcome to take guided tours of the inside and enjoy visiting some of the most beautiful rooms, the Library, the terrace with "azulejo" panels representing the Liberal Arts, and the Chapel. The fact that this is an inhabited living space is part of its very special atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a souvenir shop managed by the Association of the Friends of the Fronteira Palace.
Reviewed By eddg2019
Since it is located in the district of Benfica, some distance from central Lisbon, it can be a bit daunting to reach the Palácio. It is possible to take the blue line Metro and get off at the Jardim Zoológico stop and then walk a mile. However, it is much easier to take a taxi or, better yet, an Uber. The palace is located at Largo São Domingos de Benfica. Note: Even with GPS, drivers sometimes have difficulty finding the Palácio Fronteira. Do not get out of the vehicle unless you actually see the palace. It is well worth the effort to reach Palácio da Fronteira. The gardens contain incredible examples of Portuguese tiles, as well as statues, topiaries, a wide variety of plants, and a pool with ducks and black swans. The interiors of the palace are decorated with the largest and best collection of Portuguese seventeenth-century decorative tiles still in their original location. The gardens can be visited on one’s own, but the palace can only be seen on a guided tour, which should be booked in advance. If you are lucky (as I was) you may be accompanied on your tour by one of the palace’s six cats. That is assuming one of them deigns to honor you with its presence. There seems to be conflicting information concerning times for tours so it is best to have your hotel call for you in advance and make a reservation. Get the combination ticket that includes both the palace and the gardens. Allow yourself time to linger in the gardens. You won’t regret it.
6. Palacio Nacional da Ajuda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,295 reviews
This is a collection of decorative arts including furniture, tapestries and statues in an unfinished palace.
Reviewed By nobukof347 - Yao, Japan
This palace is about 10-15 minute walk from Mosteiro dos jeronimos. There were a few tourists in the palace when I visited it. Although it is still used, visitors can see inside the palace and are allowed to take pictures. The inside of the palace is gorgeous and can imagine how royal family or people in high classes lived. This palace is on the uphill but not so steep. It is interesting to look around the buildings with tile walls. A Botanical Garden is nearby the palace.
7. Fortaleza de Sao Juliao Da Barra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
8. Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
The palace is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. A beautiful palace located between Lisbon and Sintra. Built in 1747 by the future D. Pedro III, spouse of D. Maria I, the Queluz Palace was initially conceived as a summer residence, becoming a privileged place of rest and entertainment for the royal family, which permanently settled in 1794 until his departure to Brazil in 1807 after the French invasions. Very rich interiors. Inside, there are important art collections that reflect the style of the court from the 17th to the 19th century, in baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles. A place of undeniable beauty and historical value. You can take pictures and film inside. An attraction not much appreciated . We were alone in some parts of the palace. Huge space and wonderful atmosphere. Beautiful gardens that allow a very pleasant walk. Peace and quiet above all, no crowds. A must visit, impressive.
9. Palacio Cidadela Cascais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By MicheleParis - Paris, France
It was my 10th trips to Cascais and this time I finally found the time to visit this jewel. What an amazing place. It was first a military complex they became the holiday residence of King Dom Luis I and Queen D. Maria Pia.The king was passionate about oceanography and was a close friend to Prince Albert I of Monacao. The King Dom Luis I died in one the room facing the sea. They were sharing the same pasison for ocean. After almost 50 years in complete abandon and a complete restoration from 2004 to 2011, today it is a Presidency residence. You can only visit the Palacio with a guided tour. 11h30 from Wednesday to Sunday (but it depends if the President is there) with some additional visit. We were only 4 visitors and our guide Maria Ana was really great. We visited the Chapel of Our Lady of Victory. It is a small church and full of details. The altar and the wooden arched ceiling is just beautiful. We then entered in the Royal Palace of the Citadel itself. There is an entrance hall and a room on the left where porcelain dishes are on display. Then we went on the first floor where there are several rooms and the hightlight is the huge covered balcony facing the Bay of Cascais. It is adjacent to the beautiful dinning room. On the second floor are the bedrooms for guests. We also saw the gorgeous King's bathroom and many other living rooms, billiard room. This place is really beautiful and it is a succession of rooms each more beautiful than the next. I wish I could have visited the Palace before. A must see when in Cascais.
10. Palacio Seixas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By lennietravels
This palace has all the feel of a fairytale castle, set on the edge of a beautiful garden - which you can walk around escorted by families of ducks, chickens and cockerels! although you can't go inside, the outside is worthy of photographs especially from the sea-side where the sea flows in under the bridge at high tide creating a moat around the base of the castle. When the tide is out you can walk up to the base of the castle via a set of steps down from the road. Spend some time in the garden - take a picnic - there are a wide variety of flowers and plants, gum trees and pink peppercorn trees, as well as a children's play area - a great place for exploration and relaxing. There is also a cafe on site in the park area.
