Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country. With over 2.5 million inhabitants, it is the westernmost of all European capitals. The city is on the Atlantic coast, next to the Tagus River. This Portuguese pearl will enchant you with its churches, castles, medieval streets, and museums.
Its coastline stretches from the Tagus River to the beaches of the Alentejo region. From modern urban architecture to picturesque fishing villages. The Lisbon coast is on the southwest coast of the Pyrenees peninsula. Rich in natural monuments and has a mild climate that attracts tourists.
Those visiting Lisbon for the first time will see much more than they expected. No single book can describe the country, where different traditions and cultural identities coexist. Over the course of the 15th century, not only residents but also traders and travellers from India, Japan, and Africa. Brought their customs to Lisbon.
The city’s historic center stands on seven hills. So Lisbon has an abundance of steep slopes that make it difficult for cars and buses to pass some streets. But the city has funiculars and elevators, which are quite a sight. No wonder this area has long attracted romantic and business executives. Much has changed since the first settlers appeared in the territory, but the face of the city remains impressive.
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Lisbon
All of this, plus Lisbon’s relaxed, unrestrained vibe and mix of different architectural styles. You’ll find yourself in one of the most pleasant cities in the world. Just staying in Lisbon won’t cost you a fortune. The city is cheap.
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The centre of Lisbon is full of wide avenues, tree-lined, modernist buildings, mosaic decorations, and many cafes. Lisbon is like an impressionist painting of small houses painted in pastel colours, the domes, and towers of local churches. A local attraction is the 10-square-kilometer Monsanto Forest Park, one of the largest in Europe.
The city has now been reborn and renewed. After years of stagnation and passivity. Today, its modern, lively, dynamic, and cosmopolitan atmosphere reminds us of the days when Lisbon was a commercial center. The starting point for many maritime adventures.
The urban transformation began in the 1990s, during which they constructed here many new buildings. This is the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which connects the city’s airport with the national highway. The Oriente Train Station transport hub (built by the project of the award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava). Which connects Lisbon with the rest of Europe.
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Portugal
But these aren’t just new projects that tourists love. The city will captivate you with its old-fashioned charm and rustic vibe. St. George’s Castle is a magnificent medieval quarter. Old wooden trams ran through the streets. Art déco cafes, and mosaic-adorned sidewalks will help you feel the atmosphere of the city. It destroyed many historic sites in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. But many remain and are now as popular with tourists as modern buildings such as the Lisbon Oceanarium.
Near the city, tourists can enjoy several sandy beaches. Costa da Caparica, Estoril and Cascais, the forests of Sintra, and the wonderful MAFRA Monastery. Lisbon is full of a relaxed, lively, confident, fresh, and modern spirit.
Housed in an 18th-century semi-detached house, next to the National Museum of Ancient Art. This romantic boutique hotel. Will be home and inspiration for the famous “Ramalhete” in Eça de Queiróz’s literary work “Os Maias”. Who is said to live there?
Read, talk, and watch the Blue Line of the Tagus from the library terrace. Drink tea in an indoor garden highlighted by a cast-iron spiral staircase, nibbled by ancient climbing plants. This is your choice. Just like at a friend’s house, they dedicated all the spaces at As Janelas Verdes to our guests.
In spring, the song of the birds shakes the mood, and you can have breakfast in the garden, anytime, anywhere. Inside, the water from the fountain that decorates the central shaft rises. Sunlight uninvited into the room decorated in pastel shades of coral and wool. Alluring!
Portugal Beaches
Lisbon is best known for its colonial history, ornate architecture, and fado music tradition. But some of its best features are in everyday life. Spectacular views from the top of Alfama or the Castle of St. George. A year-round of pleasant weather and friendly people.
Is Lisbon, Portugal, worth visiting?
Yes, Lisbon is worth a visit. It’s a trendy young city and one of the best options for digital nomads. But you need a little time to see it. There are other places in Portugal worth spending more time. If you are travelling to Portugal, I would still allocate some time to Lisbon.
To enjoy more of Lisbon’s charm, it’s best to stay for around 3 or 4 days. This means you can get to most of what Lisbon is famous for. Or even dive into Sintra or Cascais for a day trip.
The best time to visit Lisbon is from March to May or September to October, as the weather still warm. Hotels are cheaper and there are fewer people than in the summer. During those seasons, you can also spend a few days at the beach.
These are the Oeiras-Estoril-Cascais coastline, the Serra de Sintra coastline, the Costa da Caparica, and the Serra da Arrábida. How far are these beaches from Lisbon? Lisbon is about 15 miles from the sea. So these beaches are easy to reach if you book a nearby resort.
What To Eat in Lisbon
- Pastéis de Nata. Eat Pastel de Nata in Lisbon when you can eat two?
- Bifana sandwiches. Eating Bifana is a must unless you are a vegetarian.
- Bakarhau. We shared this dish at Bacalhau a Bras in Lisbon.
- Sardinhas (Sardines).
- Caldo Verde.
- Piri Piri Chicken.
- Chouriço.
- Alheira.
Photo by Marin Barisic on Unsplash
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