Lisbon

São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest structures in Lisbon. This was once a fortress (taken from the Moors in 1147), and now a must-see landmark with a fantastic view of the city. Peacocks and peahens a plenty around the grounds. Humans have been living on the castle hill since at least the 8th century BC, while the first fortifications date from the 1st century BC. Truly a historic place!

The area where Expo 98 was held has been successfully transformed into a centre for exhibitions, leisure and culture. The extensive amount of building since the Expo almost overshadows pearls such as Siza Vieira’s Portugal pavilion and Santiago Calatrava’s adjacent Oriente Station. Green park spaces with public art link landmark contemporary buildings like the Camões Theatre and the Lisbon Oceanarium. Trendy waterfront restaurants, the glass-roofed Centro Vasco da Gama mall with shops and cinemas — everything you need for a fun weekend. Kid-friendly exhibits attract families to the Knowledge Pavilion, while the Telecabine Lisboa cable car offers sweeping views with a touch of adventure.

Take a break from city life and catch some Atlantic waves. One of the surfing companies located in the city is Get Stoked, which holds courses for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Lisbon trams have transported people through the city since 1873. Even if today trams compete with the metro, they are still the perfect way to see the city and to get an overview. Tram number 28 is an old-fashioned vehicle that goes around town and you can hop on and off during your trip.

Don't be fooled by the exterior — the Church of São Roque is one of the world’s most decadent and expensive churches, covered in gemstones, marble, mosaics, gold, silver and bronze. It took 130 Roman artists to create this masterpiece — one of the first Jesuit churches in the world. After being blessed by the pope, it was transported to Lisbon in 1574. Within the same complex, you'll find the São Roque museum that offers a sizeable collection of Portuguese sacred art.

To get a panoramic view of the city you can take the Gloria Elevator from Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara up to the garden, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Here you can take a stroll between sculptures and busts of heroes and gods from Greco-Roman mythology.

The Pavilion of Knowledge science centre is one of the extant gems of the 1998 World Expo. It was first built to focus on the mysteries of the oceans, but today it provides permanent exhibitions on chemistry, physics and other science subjects, mainly for the younger crowd.

This Renaissance palace, still inhabited by the 12th Marquis of Fronteira, is shown to the public through guided tours. It was built as a hunting pavilion in 1670 for the first Marquis of Fronteira — one of the most powerful families in Portugal.

With inspiration from the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro, this 28 metre high Jesus Christ statue was built in 1959. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy a stunning view of the city.

Visit the Lisboa Story Centre to get an engaging crash course into Lisbon's urban history. The whole story takes 60 minutes, so it is easy to make time for it.

The much-lauded Museum of the Orient displays a rich collection of Asian artefacts, mainly from Macau but also from Japan, East Timor and India. The area dedicated to Chinese opera is just amazing with an incredible set of authentic Chinese masks and costumes.

The Tower of Belém, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, was built on the banks of the Tagus between 1515 and 1521 by King Manuel I of Portugal to guard the entrance to the port of Lisbon. Through the centuries it has served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, as well as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. In 1983 the tower was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the Jerónimos Monastery.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city — this forest area on and around the Monsanto Hill is home to the Monsanto Ecological Park, established to provide visitors with insight into the diverse natural and geographic environment of the area. Don't miss the Panorâmico de Monsanto — the graffitied, abandoned Brutalist building of a former high-end restaurant that's now a popular spot for panoramic views over Lisbon.

Sintra is a charming town located in the lush hills of the Serra de Sintra amidst an evergreen pine forest known for its whimsical villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. The main attractions include the vibrancy-coloured yellow Palácio Nacional de Pena, the Neo-Gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira and the medieval Palácio Nacional de Sintra. The town's entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some day tours to Sintra will also include a visit to Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point in Europe, as well as a stop in the Cascais bay area.

Gain a new perspective on Lisbon by taking a Tagus River cruise at sunset, when the city's architecture and topology look especially magical in the golden rays of the sun. You will manage to see all of Lisbon's major waterfront attractions in one fell swoop: the Belém Tower, the Lisbon Cathedral, the St. George’s Castle, as well as pass under the magnificent 25 de Abril Bridge.

The southern region of Setubal is famed for the production of sweet and fortified wines, mostly using the Muscat grape — Moscatel de Setubal. Tantalise your taste buds on a private guided day trip that will take you to multiple wineries. You will have an opportunity to sample various varietals paired with artisanal cheeses of this beautiful region. As a bonus, admire the surrounding topography and explore the green rolling hills.