Parks

Best architecture:

Parque das Nações

Get a taste of modern Lisbon by heading off to the Parque das Nações where the world Expo was held in 1998. Developed on formerly industrial land, it boasts some of the most outlandish and space-age architecture anywhere in the world. Don’t miss the fabulous Oceanarium or the chance to take a leisurely cable car ride along the water front where you can admire Europe’s second longest bridge.

Where: Parque das Nações, Av. Dom João II, Lisbon, Tel: +351 218919898, Metro: Oriente.

Website: www.golisbon.com

Best places to have a picnic:

Jardim das Ondas, Jardim da Estrela and Gulbenkian gardens

Picnics are all the rage in Lisbon these days, ever since the Mega Picnic, including farm animals, was set up along the city’s Avenida da Liberdade in June. The city boasts three parks that are beautiful places to relax and enjoy an al-fresco picnic without sheep and cows. Jardim das Ondas is a gently landscaped green open area that’s perfect for enjoying a spot of lunch and taking a siesta. Alternatively, the 160-year-old Jardim da Estrela, with its ornamental lakes, shading trees, bicycle paths and children’s play area, is the best option for a picnic with the kids. Finally, explore the exquisite Gulbenkian gardens, with its exotic shrubs, after taking in the world-famous art collection within its grounds.

Where: Jardim das Ondas, situated at the Parque das Nações between the River Tejo and the Oceanarium. Jardim da Estrela, opposite Rua da Estrela. Gulbenkian gardens, Avenida de Berna 45-A

Skyline

Best Lisbon skylines:

Hotel Tivoli's Sky Bar and Entretanto Bar at the Chiado Hotel

While Lisbon has a myriad of belvederes from which to admire the city, there are two bars in town where the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. The latest, Hotel Tivoli's Sky Bar, offers fantastic views over the city's Avenida da Liberdade, down to Rossio, and as far as the river. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an early brunch or cooling drink at the end of the day on its terrace. Alternatively, stunning views over the old part of Lisbon and St. Jorge’s Castle are to be had from the terrace of the Entretanto Bar at the Chiado Hotel. This luxurious bar, open from midday to 11pm and featuring sumptuous sofas, is located in the heart of the Chiado and adjoining Bairro Alto districts.

Where: Tivoli Sky Bar, Avenida da Liberdade, 185; Tel: +35 121 3198832; Chiado Hotel Entretanto Bar, Rua Nova do Almada 114; Tel: +35 1213256100

Website: www.tivolihotels.com; www.hotelchiado.pt

Bars

Best drinks:

Orchata or Lemonade

For something really different, why not have a cool, refreshing drink at one of Lisbon’s quaint and recently restored 19th century kiosks. With nostalgia and retro making a comeback in the capital, try Orchata, a creamy, almond-flavoured drink or classic glass of lemonade made from a secret traditional recipe.

Where: Praça das Flores, Rua de São Marçal, Lisbon; Praça de Luís Camões, Baixa Chiado, Lisbon; Praça do Principe Real, Rua Dom Pedro V, Lisbon.

Best new venue:

On Stage

On Stage is not strictly a bar or an art gallery – it’s a combination of the two and more besides. At this multi-purpose space in Lisbon’s trendy Bairro Alto you’re just as likely to browse around a handicraft fair, enjoy some stand-up comedy or see a photographic exhibition as to dance to top local DJ grooves. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm, it's a place to have an afternoon coffee and toasty, take a beer and use the free Wi-Fi facilities. The evenings have programmes of concerts, debates, theatre productions and design shows. Overall, the Bairro Alto has some of the best boutique shops, bars and restaurants in the city. In the summer months locals and tourists alike pour out onto its narrow streets to soak up the atmosphere well into the small hours.

Where: Rua Luz Soriano, 18. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 4pm-2am

Tel. +351913188889

Day trip

Best day trip:

Sintra

It’s all been said before, but there’s really nothing to surpass a day trip to Sintra, a lush and romantic 19th century Italianate paradise for Portugal’s royals in bygone times. With its botanical gardens, colourful fairytale palace and imposing Moorish castle enveloped by gothic mists, there isn’t a better way to spend an afternoon.

Where: Sintra, 28km northwest of Lisbon, take the IC19 for 40 minutes, exit at Sintra - Centro Historico. Hourly trains from Rossio Station. Metro: Rossio.

Website: www.cm-sintra.pt/