Lisbon for Americans

10 Attractions That Americans Should See or Do in Lisbon

Few Americans travel abroad, and those who cross the Atlantic to Europe tend to concentrate on the big three destinations (London, Paris, Rome). Despite being the closest European capital to the United States, Lisbon has only recently received a significant number of American visitors, but it rises every year.
There are now several direct flights (from New York/JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco), and word of mouth tells of a city with an authentic charm, fascinating history and scenic beauty, as well as attractions with a particular appeal to Americans (including those who are not among the 1.5 million with Portuguese ancestry, which include names like television host Meredith Vieira, singer Katy Perry, actor James Franco, actor Tom Hanks, chef Emeril Lagasse, author Danielle Steele, author Daniel Silva and actress Daniela Ruah).
In addition to seeing all of the city's top attractions, visitors from the United States may want to visit the following:

1 | The Statue of Queen Catherine

In the Parque das Nações district is the smaller version of a colossal statue by American artist Audrey Flack, that was to be placed by New York's Hudson River. Instead, it faces the Lisbon waterfront, as it represents the Portuguese princess who became the Queen of England.
African-Americans protested the statue's placement in New York due to the involvement of Catherine's family in the slave trade, although the monument was meant to remind of the fact that the borough of Queens was named in her honor by her husband, King Charles II.

3 | Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art »

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has an impressive collection of international art, and is particularly strong on American Pop Art. It includes works by Jeff Koons, Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol (including a famous portrait of Judy Garland).

4 | MUDE - Design and Fashion Museum »

American designers like Charles and Ray Eames are represented in Lisbon's acclaimed museum of design and fashion. American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger has also donated a dress to the permanent collection.
Outside the museum you'll see a triumphal arch leading to the grand Comercio Square. It was a backdrop of the miniseries "Gulliver's Travels" (starring Ted Danson as Gulliver), which also featured other locations in and around Lisbon, like the Ajuda Palace and the palace of Queluz.

5 | 25 de Abril Bridge »

Lisbon's trams make many Americans feel like they've woken up in a "Twilight Zone" episode where San Francisco is transplanted in old Europe. But what really makes Lisbon a reminder of the American city is the 25 de Abril Bridge. It is indeed an American construction, and although it's a suspension bridge looking very much like the Golden Gate, it is actually modelled after the Bay Bridge and built by the same company (American Bridge Company). The best place to admire it from is the marina at the docks.

6 | Cais do Sodré »

Cais do Sodré is the former red light district where sailors disembarking on the port of Lisbon used to go out drinking and looking for the company of females. It was therefore a place that mixed nationalities and different personalities, one of them being the infamous James Earl Grey, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., who had fled to Europe. Today the district is still rather shabby but has become quite trendy, and the people you're likely to mingle with are local bohemians and young tourists.

7 | The Pavements

As you walk around Lisbon you'll notice the pavements made of cobblestone designs. This local tradition may remind you of one of New York's most iconic images, the "Imagine" memorial to John Lennon in Central Park. Although it was a gift from the city of Naples, it has origins in Lisbon, using Portuguese craftsmanship and a technique that started in Rossio Square.

8 | Sintra »

No one should leave Lisbon without also spending some time in the fairy tale town of Sintra, just 40 minutes away. It's a fantasy land of extravagant palaces, that together create a Disneyesque setting. And it has in fact already caught Hollywood's attention -- Chalet Biester was a backdrop in the movie "The Ninth Gate" starring Johnny Depp.
Another palace, Seteais Palace, was turned into a hotel in the 1950s and has accommodated famous international personalities, like former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
Yet another famous hotel in town is Lawrence's, the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula and home to Lord Byron during his stay in Portugal.

9 | The Coast

If you prefer some time by the beach, head to Cascais where you'll find the restaurant Porto de Santa Maria facing the Atlantic. It has attracted a number of well-known personalities over the years, including President Bill Clinton who raved about its sea bass. A beachfront boardwalk and promenade connects Cascais to Estoril, another resort town, known as the birthplace of James Bond. During WWII, Palacio Estoril Hotel was home to Ian Fleming and to several other famous names, who also spent a lot of their time at Casino Estoril. It's the largest casino in Europe, but don't expect an ostentatious Asian or American-style, Trump-like building.

10 | Tavares Restaurant

If you're looking for a place to eat surrounded by history and character, head to Tavares, the city's oldest restaurant. Among the illustrious personalities who dined here are U.S. President Eisenhower, author Ernest Hemingway, and actor Cary Grant.
Another restaurant with links to an American celebrity is the John Malkovich-owned Bica do Sapato.

Did you know?...

-There are 24 cities or towns in the United States named "Lisbon" or "New Lisbon."
-Portugal was the first country to recognize the United States following the Revolutionary War.
-America's Declaration of Independence was toasted with Portuguese wine from Madeira (a favorite of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington).

Hotels Popular with Americans