Most likely founded by the Phoenicians, styled by the Moors and certainly enriched by the spice trade in the golden age of its over sea connections – Lisbon is a historic capital, a potpourri of unusual character and charm. An amalgam of 800 years of cultural influences mingle with modern trends and life style creating intricate and spectacular contrasts. Spread across seven hills always opening a window towards the majestic Tagus river. Richly captivating, Lisbon invites you.
The seventh most visited city in Southern Europe, Lisbon is famous for the sky above it and its radiating light, and for the Tagus. The Tagus River always in the background. It is under this basking light that Lisbon enchants, captivates and grows, and has become one of continental Europe’s main economic hubs. The streets and traditional alleys are intertwined and teeming with life, scents and music, reflecting the various cultures that inhabit the city. There is no shortage of jacaranda trees, vibrant colours, buildings covered in vintage tiles and, of course, the Tagus.
And going hand in hand, is the modern and luxurious: avenues adorned by stunning century-old elms, sycamores and nettle trees, lined with luxury stores, outdoor cafés and bars, theatres; modern quarters with futuristic architecture, art galleries, streets and motorways that connect it to the world. Lisbon it is Portugal’s political capital and from where all the conquerors set sail to navigate uncharted waters. Lisbon is castles, palaces, squares, and also beaches, shopping centres, conference centres, universities, airports and the Tagus. The Tagus River always in the background.
Climate is mild all year around – never too hot in the summer and lots of warm sunshine in the winter.
Lisbon is an indispensable sheltering port for those who travel in search of new discoveries. The Belém district, with the Belém Tower and the Monastery of the Hieronymites, built in the Manueline style. Both of these buildings have been classified by Unesco as part of the heritage of humanity; the Royal Coaches Musem, the Navy Museum, the Belem Palace and the Ajuda Palace.
The Downtown Lisbon (Baixa Pombalina), the Praça do Comércio, the Sé Catedral, the Basílica da Estrela, the S. Vicente de Fora Church and the S. Roque Church.
The medieval Castelo São Jorge is a must-see in the visit to Lisbon. The castle is located in the Alfama district, on the very steep São Jorge hill and it offers the Lisbon’s best view.
Among the city’s museums and their precious collections, also should be seen the Museu do Azulejo (Tiles museum), the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (Ancient Art museum), and the Calouste Gulbenkian museum.
The old historical quarters of Alfama and Bairro Alto… At night, the city’s old quarters come alive with the sound of Fado singing and portuguese guitar-playing, the musical expression of the soul of Lisbons’ inhabitants. Check by yourself… no other guitar cries like the Portuguese Guitar.
And yet, down the hill, at the open-air cafés, bars and discothèques at the “Docas”, near the the calm waters of the River Tagus.
To the east, the city shows to visitors its other face, clearly expressed by modern architecture, at the site that housed EXPO’98, the last world exhibition of the twentieth century, which is today the Park of Nations. Here we can see the Oceanarium and the Casino de Lisboa.
A series of excellent golf courses
Estoril and Cascais, seaside villages
The romantic town of Sintra, classified as World Heritage
The cosmopolitan seaside resort of Cascais
The Arrábida hills and their nature reserve
The historic Castles of Palmela and Setúbal
The fishing village of Sesimbra
Óbidos, medieval village all surounded by walls
The World Heritage white city of Evora
Mafra and its Palace-Convent
The Queluz Palace, a sophisticated example of the Rococo style
Due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon has pleasant climate throughout the year. The agreeable temperatures in the summer months are an open invitation for a walk by the river, or to spend an afternoon in one of the many street cafes to be found all over the city. Although the temperatures may fall somewhat in the autumn and winter months, sunshine is almost always a constant feature.
Lisbon is located only a few hours flight away from rest of Europe. 2-3 hours from most major European cities and 6-8 hours from the Americas.
Value for money is another strong point of argumentation. Cost of living is lower than in most Europe and Lisbon is placed among the European major cities with most competitive accommodation rates. Especially taking in consideration the relation rate-quality.
Considered one of the safest capitals in the world and in addition a very tolerant one thanks to centuries of enjoying/experiencing cross culture influences from across the oceans. Everyone feels at home!
With an unique triangle, Lisbon is the only European capital with sandy beaches 20 minutes away from the cobbled stone city centre and a luxuriously green holy mountain around the corner. Estoril, a cosmopolitan resort with a Victorian-era charm and Sintra an oasis of luxurious parks spotted with hide away fairytale palaces.
It is a short flight away from most European cities, and is just easily accessible by road, railway or sea.