Belém Tower, Lisbon - Belém Tower, known as Lisbon's icon and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland. Built in the Manueline style, it incorporates many stonework motifs of Belem Tower the Discoveries, sculptures portraying historical figures such as St. Vincent and an exotic rhinoceros that inspired Dürer's drawing of the beast. Belém tower is an ancient symbol of Portugal and definitely worth visiting.
Lisbon's Oceanarium, Lisbon - Lisbon's Oceanarium is one of the world's biggest aquariums. With about 25,000 fish, seabirds, and mammals in an enormous central tank, visitors can look into it from various levels for close-ups of the different creatures, including many species of sharks. It is the first aquarium ever to incorporate world ocean habitats within a single environment, with extraordinary recreations of various ocean ecosystems such as the Antarctic tank containing penguins, and the Pacific tank with otters playing in rock pools. All separated from the main tank by invisible acrylic walls, giving the impression that all the creatures are swimming in the same space.
MUDE - Design and Fashion Museum, Lisbon - Lisbon's extraordinary Design Museum is one of the world's leading museums of 20th century design and several critics see its collection as the best in Europe. It opened in 1999 in the Belem Cultural Center and includes Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo's fashion collection consisting of 1200 couture pieces, including a famous Jean Desses gown that Renee Zellweger wore to the 2001 Oscars and Christian Dior's landmark 1947 New Look. All fashion lovers should take a look at this inspiring museum.
Bairro Alto & Chiado, Lisbon - Known as Lisbon's cultural and bohemian heart; nightlife and shopping mecca Bairro Alto is a picturesque working class quarter dating from the 16th century that has traditionally been the city's bohemian haunt of artists and writers. Quiet during the day, it's transformed at night into the city's vibrant nightlife quarter. Behind colorful and graffiti-ridden façades is a multitude of excellent traditional and international restaurants, tourist-packed Fado Houses, and a multitude of sleek bars and stylish fashion shops that stay open until late at night. Perfect for a good night out while in Lisbon.
