What else to do in Lisbon

Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular, but it still keeps its charm and it is not yet ruined by mass tourism. The biggest attraction is the city itself, best enjoyed by walking on the various districts of the city center, entering in the occasional church, museum, or pastelaria (serving both savoury and sweet snacks and coffee).

June is the official month of Lisbon. There are several festivities along the month, including street events and concerts, popular and religious events and lots of sardine and cheap wine served on the streets of the old districts. The peak of the celebrations is on the 12-13th. During the conference it also takes place the book festival, outdoors in Parque Eduardo VII among the blooming Jacarandás.

Below there follows a summary description of the city neighborhoods, including interesting sights for reference. Detailed information can be searched on guidebooks or online, e.g. http://www.visitlisboa.com. Also notice that many museums and monuments will be free on june 5th (first Sunday of the month).

• Baixa: late 18th century planned town,Rossio square, Santa Justa lift to Chiado, Terreiro do Paço square and riverfront walk to Cais do Sodré.
• Chiado: cafes, theaters, shops, bookshops (including Bertrand, established on 1732), Carmo church ruins (archeological museum).
• Bairro Alto / Principe Real: bars, designer shops, viewpoint (São Pedro de Alcantara), cable car to Avenida, Museum of natural history and science, university botanical garden.
• Ribeira: Cais do Sodré ferries, market hall and food hall, cable car to Bairro Alto, clubs.
• Castelo: castle, viewpoint (Santa Luzia), Sé (cathedral).

• Alfama: street maze, fado restaurants, Museum of fado, viewpoint (Portas do Sol). São Vicente: major monastery, Feira da Ladra (flea market tuesdays and saturdays).
• Graça: viewpoints (Graça and Monte), 19th century working class planned neighborhood.
• Estrela/Lapa: Jardim da Estrela (romantic garden), Basilica da estrela (church and nativity), Museu nacional de arte antiga (main art museum).
• Avenida: Avenida da Liberdade boulevard (upscale shopping), São Jorge cinema (film festivals), cinematheque, Parque Eduardo VII (hosting the book festival in early june), Marquês de Pombal square.

• Alcântara: LX factory (hipster shops and restaurants, Ler Devagar bookshop), Astronomy Observatory of Lisbon (built 1861)
• Riverfront: Doca de Santo Amaro (restaurants), rivefront walkway (3.5 Kms from the bridge to Belém tower), Cordoaria exhibition hall
• Belém: see venue.

• Xabregas: East Lisbon riverfront is a working port and former industrial area. The main sight is the Museum of Azulejo (museum of tiles) in a former monastery.
• Parque das Nações: at the northeast end of Lisbon’s riverfront (subway stop Oriente) these are the former grounds of Expo 98 and include modern architecture buildings and the oceanarium.

Avenidas Novas
This is the modern city center (from mid 20th century onwards) and includes all central area north of Marquês de Pombal square. Most hotels are located here, shops, cinemas, the University, as well as a few major sights, including Museum Gulbenkian (Praça de Espanha), City museum (Campo Grande), bullfight arena (Campo Pequeno), Benfica and Sporting football stadiums.