The capital city of Portugal is an illuminated city that boasts springtime temperatures during winter and cool summers. Sunshine is a constant and the river Tagus is like a mirror reflecting thousands of colours and highlighting its unique design and beautiful cityscape. This is one of the few cities in Europe with both a river and a coast line- this is actually where the river meets the ocean.
Walking around Lisbon is taking a tour through history: The city is divided into quarters each one still maintaining their old traditions and streets are filled with ancient monuments and local architecture.
The quarter of Belem is an excellent start point for a visit to Lisbon. There you can find monuments that recall the glorious past of the Portuguese sea adventures and discoveries throughout the world during the 15th and 16th century. Some really imposing examples are the tower of Belem, the “Padrão dos Descobrimentos” and the Monastery of the Hieronymites.
The picturesque quarters of Alfama and Mouraria are also a surprise to the ones visiting Lisbon for the first time. The narrow, paved streets with clothes hanging from the windows of the tall buildings, recall the old Moorish cities that in this case have remained untouched. From there you can easily reach the castle which is a focal point in the city’s heart. The 12th century building overlooks the city and is only a few steps away from the Baixa Pombalina, the busy and trendy downtown where everything happens. Walking along the river you will easily find the modern complex of Parque das Nações, a contemporary public park built for the 1998 world exhibition dedicated to theme of the oceans and the seafaring discoveries.
To end the day perfectly, go to a Fado House. Fado is the national Portuguese song, made out of melancholic tunes and beautiful love stories. Almost all Fado Houses serve some traditional appetizers and good quality Portuguese wine.
You will be surprised with the variety this city has to offer.
Food
This is a favourite subject in Lisbon. The Portuguese are always ready for a nice meal with friends or just a mid morning snack out in one of the numerous terraces and plazas of the city.
Fresh grilled sardines or dry salted cod cooked in various ways are well known as national dishes but in Lisbon they seem to taste even better. Fish and meat stews such as “caldeirada” or “cozido à portuguesa” are good examples of the hearty, comfort food served in Portuguese restaurants that will leave a smile on your face.
If you have rather a sweet tooth you should go for some “pasteis de nata”: A kind of round custard tart in a filo pastry case sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar. Best served warm, if possible buy in Belem at the factory of “Pastéis de Belém“. One will never be enough.
Sports and Outdoor activities
Visiting Lisbon means long walks along the city’s 7 hills or taking the tram and exploring the city like a local would. The Tagus riverfront is totally dedicated to the outdoors and leisure activities stretching from the historical Belem to the contemporary Parque das Naçoes. Hiring a bike, a segway or even a scooter can be an excellent way to move around. On the other hand Sintra and Cascais are just a short drive (or train journey) away. Golf and tennis courses, the beaches where you can go surfing or kite surfing or even mountaineering or trekking are available all year round in and around Lisbon.
