Have you arrived in Lisbon yet? Are you ready to start classes at CATÓLICA-LISBON in September? If so, welcome! Take this opportunity to discover the most beautiful corners of the Portuguese capital.
It's August. The vacation month par excellence, when the days are longer, the conviviality does not diminish, and 1001 plans can be made - especially before classes begin. CATÓLICA-LISBON has compiled, for all the students who are starting a new stage of their studies in September, some places to visit in August that will turn your vacation into a moment of conviviality, relaxation and recharging your batteries for the tasks ahead.
Travel with us through Lisbon and enjoy the best that the Portuguese capital has to offer.
Castelo de São Jorge
Located at the highest point of the city, the Castelo de São Jorge, a historical landmark in the heart of Lisbon, fulfills its role as protector of the city. Open seven days a week, it is a place where you can learn more about the history of the city, enjoy a drink on the terrace, admire one of the best views of Lisbon or participate in the various leisure activities that are part of the cultural program.
Miradouro do Adamastor
When it's hot, there's nothing better than relaxing on a terrace with a cool drink in front of you and a breathtaking view of the Rio Tejo. That's exactly what you can experience at this vantage point near Bairro Alto. On summer afternoons, several groups of young people typically gather here, taking advantage of the good weather and the vacation to chat as the sun goes down.
Bairro de Alfama
They say that to really feel Lisbon, you should definitely visit one of its most traditional neighborhoods: Alfama. With its cobbled streets and traditional houses where neighbors have known each other since time immemorial, Alfama shows its visitors the true essence of Lisbon.
Jardins de Belém
Belém: another destination full of culture and stories. A walk through the gardens, museums and monuments of Belém must be on the list of those who want to know Lisbon. A bonus: a beautiful view of the Rio Tejo that washes the city. Long walks, an ice cream and a cold drink are always welcome in this typical place.
Oceanário e Jardim Zoológico
And for those who like to surround themselves with animals and nature, there is nothing better than a visit to the Oceanarium or the Zoo. The Oceanarium at Parque das Nações was voted "Best Aquarium in the World" by TripAdvisor users in 2018. Its 5 million liters of salt water are inhabited by a great variety of fish and mammals. The visit is magical! The Lisbon Zoo, located in Sete Rios and very close to CATÓLICA-LISBON, offers us an experience where the wild animals of the jungle offer us magical colors and sounds, reminiscent of a trip to the jungle.
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
In the heart of Avenidas Novas, near Praça de Espanha and not far from CATÓLICA-LISBON, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is located in one of the most central areas of Lisbon. Besides the peaceful atmosphere of its gardens, where there is a lake inhabited by fish, geese and ducks, there is also an open-air amphitheater where various events are held during the summer. The foundation also offers several temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as great classical music concerts. A real oasis in the city center, where you can watch baby ducks learning to swim, read a book lying on the grass or see the exhibitions offered during these months.
Chiado e Rossio
The streets of Chiado, a place that has inspired several songs, are a must for those who want to know Lisbon and lose themselves in its charm. This is undoubtedly one of the places that never go out of fashion. Chiado is one of the most posh neighborhoods in the city, where you will find some of the best restaurants in town, countless stores and some of the most mythical places like Café A Brasileira. If you go down a bit further, be sure to visit Rossio and its beautiful square. A square full of centuries-old buildings, it is known as a real historic city center. Here you will find numerous restaurants, cafes, street stores and historic buildings such as the Rossio train station, the National Theater D. Maria II and the Santa Justa elevator that will take you directly to the Chiado area.
Avenida da Liberdade
The descent from Praça Marquês de Pombal to Rossio is made by Avenida da Liberdade, one of the classiest avenues in the city. If you are looking for restaurants, hotels and luxury stores, you will find them here.
Bairro Alto
Of course, Bairro Alto is not to be missed! When it comes to nightlife in Lisbon, it's impossible not to mention Bairro Alto. Its narrow, cobbled streets are filled with hundreds of people on weekends, taking a tour of the various bars and restaurants that can be found here. Here, people mostly party in the streets, which is typical of Lisbon's culture.
Tell us about it: how many of these places have you visited or do you plan to visit before school starts?