PARKS

Quinta das Conchas,

The most commonly used name for a park that includes Quinta das Conchas, Mata (the woods) and Quinta dos Lilases (a 16th-century mansion) is 24 hectares, making it the third-biggest park in the country – Monsanto is the largest and Parque da Bela Vista the second-largest. Whether you feel like having a picnic, napping under a tree, reading Time Out in a café or letting the kids run loose to guarantee yourself a good night’s sleep, you can do it here. There are tables and benches under the eucalyptus, a playground for toddlers, a café and a restaurant.

Tropical Botanic Garden

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it started out as a study location for agronomy and veterinary students that went there to find tropical
 and subtropical species of Portuguese colonies. With over 500 species, the garden is also home to several freshwater turtles, herons and peach-fronted parakeets.

MARKETS

Feira da Ladra

This is the Lisbon equivalent to Madrid’s El Rastro or London’s Portobello Market. Feira da Ladra started in the 13th century and moved around town, from São Jorge Castle to Rossio through Campo de Santana, before setting up camp at its current Campo de Santa Clara location in 1903. Get there early to snatch the best deals on new or second-hand objects. With clothes, books, vinyls and antiques, there’s a bit of everything.

MUSEUMS

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Why not visit one of Europe’s most amazing art collections with pieces dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Donated to the city by Calouste Gulbenkian, this collection took over 40 years to build and contains relics from numerous countries, cultures and eras. A unique attraction blending historical and contemporary art, the musuem  is currently hosting a temporary exhibit from Portuguese artist José de Almada Negreiros.

Berardo Museum

Another collection worth visiting is at the Berardo Museum, which showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art. Located in the Belém Cultural Centre, this impressive collection features work from several different movements, such as surrealism, pop art, hyper-realism, minimalism and conceptual art.

The National Museum of Ancient Art

While modern and contemporary art attract many visitors, some enthusiasts prefer pieces from a bygone era. The National Museum of Ancient Art holds the most valuable national collection in Portugal, with the 40,000 pieces of artwork from across Europe and around the world.