Lisbon · Things to do

The two UNESCO-listed Manueline monuments at Belém, run together by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal and open Tuesday to Sunday 09:30–17:30, closed Mondays. Book ahead: the monastery cloister queue is the longest in the city, and the tower's narrow spiral stair is metered by a one-in-one-out system.

The hilltop castle at Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, run by EGEAC, giving the widest view over the Baixa and the Tagus. The walk up through Alfama is steep; tram 28 and the 737 bus both get close if you would rather not climb.

Carris's route 28 runs the old Remodelado trams up through Alfama, Graça and out to Campo de Ourique. Board at an end stop rather than mid-route if you want a seat, and use a rechargeable Navegante card — buying on board costs several times more.

The Mercado da Ribeira hall at Avenida 24 de Julho in Cais do Sodré, where about 26 kitchens and eight bars share communal tables. Open 10:00 to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and to 02:00 Thursday to Saturday; there is no table service, you queue at each stall.

The aquarium at Doca dos Olivais in Parque das Nações, built around a single large central tank, open daily 10:00–20:00 with last entry at 19:00. Tickets start at €25 and it is about fifteen minutes out from the centre on the metro to Oriente.