As European capital cities go Lisbon is as understated as it is elegant. Should a beauty contest of European cities ever be held, the Portuguese capital would be assured of its place on the podium. Built on many more hills than Rome along one bank of the River Tagus and with the Atlantic Ocean firmly in its sights, the combination of mountain, ocean and city makes Lisbon holidays immediately likeable and enchantingly attractive.
Although a modern cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon likes to wear its heritage on its sleeve creating an entertaining marriage of past and present. The catastrophic earthquake of 1755 might well have denied the city a plethora of world class palaces, churches and monuments, but this is more than compensated for by a graceful charm and easygoing friendliness. Alfama is the city’s bustling medieval quarter, Belem the cultural heart and museum district and Bairro da Lapa it’s most elegant residential neighbourhood and for those looking for something more classical on Lisbon holidays, this area is well worth a visit. Baixa is the area in which to shop and the Parque das Nacoes houses a high-tech entertainment park and the world’s largest and finest aquarium, Oceanario de Lisboa. City breaks to Lisbon or for a longer stay this fascinating and elegant destination has plenty to offer.
Fantastic by both day and night holidays to Lisbon can be filled with sightseeing or lounging at a cafe or dining at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, or what we highly recommend is a combination of them all. Visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge located at the top at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill, with fabulous gardens and wonderful views it is a perfect place to visit on Lisbon holidays. Equally for those seeking more classical Lisbon, the districts of Alfama and Belem are ideal places to visit with their medieval architecture and cobbled winding streets, it is a wonderful place to explore and discover hidden gems on city breaks to Lisbon. Baxia boasts bustling squares and is the centre for shopping in Lisbon and the neighbouring district of Bairro Alto is the centre of the city’s nightlife.
Cuisine
From city-chic restaurant menu to humble fishermen’s home-cooking, you’ll find a huge variety of dishes. With a surfeit of fresh fish and shellfish, lovers of sea-food with find themselves amply catered for. Pork, lamb and steak dishes are not an uncommon sight on menus taking their side alongside dishes influenced by former African, Aisin and Oriental colonies, which might tempt the more adventurous palate. Holidays in Lisbon are ideal for those looking for fine dining and discovering fantastic traditional Portuguese restaurants, whilst ambling around the city’s meandering streets. Portuguese ports and wines are eminently drinkable and a very varied selection of fresh fruit and vegetables complete a diverse culinary picture. Pastry-lovers must not leave without sampling Pasteis do Belem, delicious flaky tartlets filled with custard like cream.