It seems unthinkable that in the pantheon of articles done here over the course of time, not one has dealt exclusively with the fine capital of Portugal. Time to remedy the obvious omission with a list of ten must-see attractions in the phenomenal city of Lisbon.

10. Belém Tower

If Lisbon is the veritable heart of Portugal, the Belém Tower is the undisputed symbol of the capital city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the late 16th century to honor the exploratory exploits of of Vasco da Gama.

9. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was a famous businessman and philanthropist from Armenia with a ferocious appetite for art. Upon his death in 1955, a foundation was set up to disperse a large share of his fortune and vast art collection. One of the results was the world class Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

8. Jerónimos Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery is the most successful interpretation of the Manueline, or Portuguese Late Gothic style. Construction of the magnificent monument took over half a century and today, the brilliant complex symbolizes the Age of Discovery in Portugal.

7. Castelo de Sao Jorge

For brilliant views of Lisbon and the Tejo River, the medieval citadel that overlooks the city is a must. Castelo Sao Jorge, in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a glorious relic of the Middle Ages.

6. Estadio da Luz

The Stadium of Light, or Estadio da Luz, is the ultimate theater of football in Portugal and one of the best in Europe. The UEFA Elite Stadium holds over 65,000 fans and is the home of legendary Benfica. Built for UEFA Euro 2004, the facility features a polycarbonate roof and superb pitch.

5. Chiado

Between the Lisbon neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado is the name of a square and area of the city. A wonderful mix of old and new, Chiado has some notable landmarks to discover. The monument to national poet António Ribeiro for one, in addition to the A Brasileira café, Santa Justa Lift and Carmo Convent.

4. Alfama

The most historic neighborhood of Lisbon connects the Castelo of Sao Jorge with the shores of the Tejo River below. As such, Alfama has a lot to offer, with scores of nooks and narrow streets to explore. The area is popular today for restaurants, nightlife and Fado bars and teems with tourists and locals on warm summer nights. Great attractions in Alfama include the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora and spectacular Church of Santa Engrácia.

3. Baixa

Baixa, or Pombaline Lower Town, is a wonderful section of central Lisbon built for the most part, after the destructive earthquake of 1755. Look for the district to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the near future.

2. Sé de Lisboa

Though in Alfama, we have to single out the Lisbon Cathedral on our must-see list. Construction on the Sé began in 1147, with subsequent restorations in the wake of fires, earthquakes and general wear and tear. Despite a change in appearance since the medieval era, the cathedral is incredible to behold, with tons of interior gems to admire. The Gothic cloister is particularly cool.

1. Bairro Alto

Another fine area of central Lisbon is the Bairro Alto. Though historic, the neighborhood has undergone a period of epic transformation over the past two decades. Now completely pedestrian, the Bairro has become a pulse point for counterculture, live music and nightlife in Lisbon. Though problems with drugs, vandals, petty theft and graffiti persist, if you want to party in Lisbon, the Bairro is the place to be.

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