Things to see in Lisbon

Perched on the highest of Lisbon's seven hills, above the old Moorish quarter, the Castle of St George was the royal residence until the late 15th century. Originally built by the Visigoths and later named after King Joao I, the castle, along with much of Lisbon, was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake in 1755. The castle was declared a National Monument in 1910, with rebuilding work starting in 1940 restoring the site to its former state of luxury.

During summer, there are frequent festivals in the castle grounds. There is also a small restaurant and cafe. Perhaps the greatest attraction is the panoramic view from the well-preserved ramparts, as well as beautiful gardens. There is also a giant periscope in the Torre de Ulisses (Tower of Ulysses-Camera Obscura), from where visitors can see spectacular, live images of Lisbon below, reflected onto a large screen.

With its seven hills, Lisbon has a number of places not only to see but also to see from. The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Rua São Pedro de Alcântara, at the top of the Elevador de Glória funicular, offers views over the Baixa and across to the Castelo de São Jorge. Sightseers are urged to hop off tram 28 to see the view over the Alfama and the River Tagus from the Miradouro Santa Luzia, Largo Santa Luzia, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Largo Portas do Sol. Further along tram 28's route, up the hill, is the Miradouro da Graça, Largo Graça, which overlooks the Mouraria and the Castelo. All are free and open 24 hours.The Elevador de Santa Justa is another great vantage point, located at the end of Rua Santa Justa.

This treasure house of art, covering almost every significant epoch, benefited greatly from a major revamp at the start of the new millennium. Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic and Oriental art comprise half the exhibition rooms and the remainder is devoted to European art from medieval times to the early 20th century. The sequence continues with the foundation's Centro de Arte Moderna, which is part of the same complex.

Located in the Convent of Madre de Deus, which was built in 1509, this museum catalogues the history of the decoration that makes Lisbon so unique, with examples of azulejos (glazed tiles) from the 15th century to the present.

The former Expo 98 site has been converted into a leisure oasis, with a shopping centre, a string of attractions, concert halls, bars, restaurants and a walkway along the River Tagus. In summer, especially at weekends, the park can be uncomfortably busy. A three-day cartão do parque (park card) entitles visitors to discounted admission to many of the park's attractions, as well as discounts in shops, restaurants and car parks.

The Torre Vasco da Gama (the site's landmark tower and Lisbon's tallest building) situated inside the park has an observation platform and restaurant, two-thirds of the way up.

Completed in 1515, the Tower of Belém is one of Lisbon's most famous sights. Built under the instruction of the architect Francisco de Arruda, who was greatly influenced by the style of fortifications in Morocco, the tower was intended to provide strategic defence to the River Tagus during Portugal's naval ascendancy in the 16th century. Symbolically, it was also the last sight seen by seafarers leaving the city.

The tower has a famous 18th-century statue of Virgin and Child, Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, built into the terrace of the bastion, as well as sentry posts on each corner.

Access to a very average museum  inside is over a gangway; there is also a drawbridge and bulwark, as well as a terrace that offers superb views across the river and of the western part of Lisbon.