Queluz Palace is known as the Portuguese Versailles and has wonderful gardens. Most of the money for its construction came from Brazilian gold.
Sometimes when you’re abroad it can be hard to find where to post your postcards. You won’t have this problem in Lisbon, as they’re just like in the UK; big and red.
Take a 45 minute ride of the no 28 antique tram through the city.
You can find out about the history of Portuguese tiles at the city’s Tile Museum. There are audio guides in English which are included in the entry price of 5 Euro.
I didn’t have time to go to the Belem district of Lisbon to try the famous tarts, but my hotel As Janelas Verdes, had some pretty good custard tarts as part of the breakfast buffet. The Portuguese seem to love their cakes and pastries so temptation will be everywhere.
This 16th century church was one of the first Jesuit churches in Portugal and only slightly damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Its 18th century Chapel of St John the Baptist was made in Rome and then shipped to Lisbon.
There are plenty of cool, shady spots in Lisbon’s Estrela Park, including the cafe by the pond. There’s an animal themed play area which kids will love.
The National Museum of Antique Art has lots of interesting displays. I thought that the oriental screens were really beautiful.
Image credits: Bernt Rostad, europe a’la carte, Meg Zimbeck, Sergio Calleja
Posted : Monday, May 28th, 2012 at 10:00
As well as writing about travel, Karen Bryan offers tips on saving money, frugal living and how to live well on less, on her site Help Me To Save