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Jan
10
Lisbon Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Portugal
A trip to Lisbon
Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast alongside the River Tagus and is Europe’s westernmost capital. The city is a noted trading port and was the starting point for various legendary explorers. Lisbon has maintained its historical charm and ancient sites, and you can still stroll around and gaze at marvellous architectural landmarks or visit the city’s magnificent museums and galleries. This destination is also famous for its wine and mouth-watering seafood-based cuisine and can be easily accessed via Lisbon’s international airport.
Flights to Lisbon
Lisbon Portela International Airport (LIS) is Portugal’s largest airport handling over 10 million passengers through its single terminal yearly. Flights to Europe, the Americas, to domestic destinations and parts of the globe depart from the nation’s major air hub. One of the principal carriers is Air Portugal but there are numerous other international airlines operating out of Lisbon such as Air France, Air Luxor and Lufthansa. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Lisbon try Expedia. The airport is situated just eight kilometres to the north of the city centre and is well-served by public transport.
Several public bus services run between Lisbon airport and Lisbon city centre including the efficient AeroBus which takes just 20 minutes. Tickets are valid for any further trips on the city’s bus and tram network that day. An airport shuttle bus is also available that runs as far as Cascais and Estoril. Taxis are on hand directly outside the terminal round the clock. The close-by railway station links with the Portuguese rail network.
Lisbon
Sightseeing in Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is packed with historical and cultural attractions keeping its visitors fully entertained during their stay. A walking tour of Lisbon should start in the Alfama (old city) with its incredibly narrow twisting alleys where you can find the Patio das Flores and its typical Portuguese-style tiles. The famous number 28 vintage tram will take you to the Castle of St George which is perched on the tallest of the city’s seven hills and presents a historical tour from the Roman era to the 15th century royalties.
Another must-see is the Hieronimite Monastery, built in the 16th century and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Portugal’s first king erected the lovely Sé Cathedral in the 12th century which contains the remains of St Anthony, Lisbon’s patron saint. Among Lisbon’s several museums, don’t omit the Fado House and Portuguese Guitar Museum where you will learn about the legends of the country’s lugubrious fado music.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Lisbon offers a wide selection of dining places and visitors will easily locate delectable traditional Portuguese dishes or superb international cuisine at reasonable prices. The most renowned area for restaurants is close to the bottom of Praça dos Restauradores.
The Portuguese surely know how to party; traditional evening activities take place in the Bairro Alto district, while the Doca de Alcântara district has become a popular meeting place for the hip and trendy. Lisbon’s clubs vary their themes depending on the clientele but tend to play electronica and techno music.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Lisbon features a good mix of small traditional shops and modern shopping centres; the major shopping draw lies between Largo S Domingos and Praça do Comércio. A huge selection of well-priced goods can be discovered at Colombo, one of Europe’s biggest malls.
Daytrips
There are plenty of wonderful coastal destinations just outside Lisbon worth seeing. This is one city where renting a car is a good idea so that you can explore the scenery and historic sights along both the Tagus River and the neighbouring beach resorts and fishing villages. Seaside towns like Estoril and Cascais are popular for lounging on the beach and enjoying water sports. A massive casino is also on hand if you’re feeling lucky.
Head inland, and you can see the enormous arches of the ancient Águas Livres Aqueduct, one of Portugal’s national monuments and a wonder of architecture and engineering. The Sintra Mountains are also close by to provide you with all the hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding you could ask for. Duffers will also be happy to know that they’re some stellar golf courses along the Tagus River just outside of Lisbon.
Must-see attractions
The seven hills of Lisbon offer a lovely backdrop to this ancient city by the sea. To get the full timeline of its history, head up to the highest hill, where the Castle of St George provides the best historic tour (and views) in Lisbon. Getting to the castle via Tram 28 is a top excursion in itself, so enjoy the ride! The striking 16th-century Belem Tower is another Lisbon landmark you can’t miss. Its white stone walls were the last thing sailors departing Portugal would see.
Nations Park is a multifaceted site featuring shopping, dining, and a wonderful walking promenade. One of Europe’s largest aquariums is here, the Oceanário, which houses a vast array of marine life. Lisbon’s cathedrals are also testimony to its wealth and heritage, particularly the 12th-century Se Cathedral, which was built by Portugal’s first king and dedicated to the city’s patron saint Anthony.
But the city itself is arguably the greatest highlight of Lisbon. The Alfama Quarter, its oldest district, retains the atmosphere from the era of the Saracens. Narrow cobbled streets offer taverns, outdoor markets and an unbeatable ambience. The Upper City is just an engaging as Alfama. Dating to 1513, this is the place to seek out timeless fado music cafés in the evenings and enjoy the colourful markets and local tapestry of life during the daytime.
Best time to go
Lisbon is blessed with some of the finest weather on the planet. Influences from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean converge to create a temperate climate most of the year, averaging an idyllic 17°C. The peak months of summer, July and August, are hot, dry and sunny with temperatures regularly pushing 40°C. Winters are chilly and wet, as most of Lisbon’s rain falls between November and February when temperatures average 10°C.
Rainy day suggestions
The city’s museums are one of its main attractions regardless of the weather. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum covers a wide range of eras, displaying artwork from virtually every major civilisation of humanity. The National Museum of Ancient Art provides the best look at Portuguese artists, as well as myriad other ancient pieces of art. The Fado House and Portuguese Guitar Museum is essential for music lovers, while the Belém Cultural Centre is home to the Museum of Design, showcasing Portugal’s passion for style.
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