Lisbon, Portugal- Eurapart Travel Guide

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Lisbon / Lisboa, Portugal

It’s difficult not to be impressed by Lisbon’s tenacity. This is a city that dates back to pre-Roman times, has survived Moorish invasions, a massive earthquake in 1755 that flattened much of the city, and much government instability. It replaced Coimbra as the capital in the mid-13th Century and with its introduction to the EU in 1986 and role as host in Euro 2004, Lisbon has finally started to establish itself as a major player in the tourism industry.

Lisbon rooftops

As far as European cities go, Lisbon is relatively inexpensive, making it an ideal holiday destination for those seeking the major attractions of a city on a tight budget. Most of the cheaper accommodation can be found in the Baixa and Rossio. While Lisbon lacks the glamour of other capitals like, say, Paris, it more than makes up for it with plenty of old-world charm. The Baixa’s wide shop-lined avenues and art nouveau buildings, which rise steadily up from the port, beautifully complement the medieval cobblestone streets of the Alfama. The Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife, with plenty of good bars and clubs, as well as places where you can see fado (traditional Portuguese blues). During the day it is a delightful area to explore, and the steep hills more than warrant a regular break for a coffee or beer at one of the hundreds of cafes and restaurants that are tucked away.

Tourist Information
Tourist Office

Rua do Arsenal, 15

1100-038

Lisboa

Tel:+351 210 312700

Fax:+351 210 312899

Where to stay
Lisbon Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group - Lisbon Hotels - Click here

Holiday Inn Hotels - Lisbon-Continental - Click here

Holiday Inn Express Hotels - Lisbon-Oeiras - Click here

Holiday Inn Hotels - Lisbon - Click here

Another alternative way of exploring the city is on the many trams that wind their way through the streets. Funiculars will take you to the top of the more challenging hills. A good way to get a different perspective of Lisbon is by visiting the Christo Rei in Cacilhas. This popular monument is a smaller version of Brazil’s giant Jesus, and the views of the city’s red-tiled roofs from the top are spectacular. For another bird’s-eye view, and a serene atmosphere, be sure to visit the roman ruin, Castelo de Sao Jorge, which crowns the Alfama. The Portuguese have always been seafaring folk, and this legacy is evident throughout the capital. Sculptures of King Neptune and fountains featuring mermaids are found everywhere from the massive shopping centres dotted on the outskirts to the giant, spacious squares in Lisbon’s heart.
Lisbon Praco D Pedro IV

The seafood served in restaurants is fresh, cheap and delicious and the giant aquarium, one of Lisbon’s newer attractions and only a short train ride from the city centre, features fish and sea creatures from all over the world. Lisbon is unique in that it has all the facilities and attractions of a major European city, yet remains extraordinarily friendly to both people and pockets. It is a city that is still exploring itself, and if recent economic and cultural growth-spurts are anything to go by, its future looks very bright indeed.
Christine Flatley

Cheap flights to Lisbon

Air Berlin
Berlin, Cologne / Bonn, Dortmund, Frankfurt
Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart
London Stansted
Palma de Mallorca
Salzburg, Vienna
Germanwings
Cologne / Bonn, Stuttgart, Warsaw (Centralwings)

Vueling
Barcelona
Virgin Express
Brussels
Transavia
Amsterdam

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