Why go to Lisbon? As a historic, vibrant metropolis with a lot to see, it’s the proper vacation spot for a European weekend break. Right here’s all the things that you must find out about a weekend within the capital of Portugal…
Well-known for its slender, cobblestone streets, colourfully-tiled buildings and haunting Fado music, Lisbon is jam-packed with historical past and custom. Nevertheless it’s not all historic fortresses and cathedrals – the Portuguese capital boasts trendy artwork areas, tech start-ups and edgy music scenes too.
I nearly moved there as soon as. Kinda want I had TBH. It’s such a cool metropolis with a lot to do and see, and very easy to get to from the UK too.
The mix of outdated and new offers the town a novel really feel, and is among the important explanation why everybody ought to go to Lisbon no less than as soon as of their lives. Want extra convincing? Learn on for journey recommendations on certainly one of Europe’s most stunning cities.
Why go to Lisbon?
Right here’s what makes the Portuguese capital a high vacation spot.
1. Climate in Lisbon
As a result of it’s blessed with a Mediterranean local weather, Lisbon enjoys nice climate nearly year-round. Winters are pretty gentle, with temperatures not often dipping under 10°C, whereas summers are heat with temperatures ranging between 25 to 30°C. It will get loads of sunshine, which actually provides to the town’s appeal.
2. Nice journey hyperlinks
One more reason why Lisbon is such an excellent vacation spot is that it’s straightforward to get to. Humberto Delgado Airport has flight connections throughout world and is only a few kilometres outdoors the town. When you’ve landed, the metro system is a speedy method to get round; trams, funiculars and the historic Santa Justa Elevate provide extra scenic transport routes above floor.
We really took a taxi, which price round €25 if I keep in mind accurately, and made issues very straightforward.
3. Lisbon’s wealthy historical past
Based by the seafaring Phonecians round 1200 BC, Lisbon is regarded as one of many oldest cities on this planet. As you’d anticipate, it’s seen its fair proportion of drama down the years; it was a big outpost of the Roman Empire earlier than being conquered by the Moors within the eighth century.
Then, within the twelfth century, it was recaptured by the Christian Crusaders, which set the stage for Lisbon’s golden age – often known as the ‘Age of Discoveries’.
The town suffered a large earthquake in 1755, which killed greater than a 3rd of its inhabitants. A lot of its historic buildings survived although, permitting guests a glimpse into its assorted previous.
4. Gorgeous structure
Strolling round Lisbon usually feels such as you’ve stepped into an architectural artwork gallery. A few of the most placing buildings embrace the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, each UNESCO World Heritage Websites discovered within the historic Belem district of the town.
You’ll additionally wish to try the pastel-coloured Pombaline buildings of Baixa district, and you’ll’t miss the town’s iconic azulejo tiles, which beautify all the things from church buildings to metro stations.
5. Superb views
Should you plan on doing plenty of strolling whenever you go to Lisbon, you’ll discover that daily is leg day – it’s a hilly metropolis!
You’ll be rewarded with some excellent views in your efforts although, with notable lookout factors together with Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the town’s highest spot, or Miradouro da Graça, which gives breathtaking views of the citadel and the Tagus River.
For a extra relaxed method to taking within the cityscape, journey up the Santa Justa Elevate to get an Instagram-worthy view of Lisbon’s historic district, together with Rossio Sq. and the Carmo Convent ruins.
6. Numerous neighbourhoods
One of many coolest issues about Lisbon, and one of many solutions to the query of why go to Lisbon, is the distinctive character of its neighbourhoods.
Stroll by the steep streets of Alfama, the town’s oldest district with slender alleys and Fado bars. Discover fashionable Bairro Alto, recognized for its vibrant nightlife, or the subtle Chiado, with its boutiques and cafes. Parque das Nações is on the extra trendy finish of the spectrum, boasting modern structure and a swanky waterfront.
I cherished simply wandering round after I visited Lisbon.
7. Gateway to Portugal
Should you’re planning to discover extra of what Portugal has to supply, Lisbon is a superb place to begin. For a simple day journey, try the romantic palaces of Sintra, the sunny seashores of Cascais, or the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
What’s Lisbon well-known for?
Listed below are only a few of the issues that make the capital of Portugal so particular…
8. Lisbon meals
While you land in Lisbon, you’d higher be sure you’ve labored up an urge for food as a result of the meals is difficult to withstand. First, there’s the seafood and Bacalhau à Brás – shredded cod with eggs and potatoes – is a dish you simply must attempt. Carnivores will love the Bifanas, that are succulent meat sandwiches, whereas these with a candy tooth ought to make a beeline for the Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s well-known egg custard tart. The reply to ‘why go to Lisbon?’ may simply be ‘for the meals’.
9. Fado music
Even in the event you don’t perceive the lyrics, Lisbon’s well-known Fado music will nearly actually tug on the heartstrings. Originating within the 1820s, these mournful tunes are all about feeling ‘saudade’ or a way of longing, they usually’re an emblematic a part of the town’s cultural id.
10. Tram 28
Hop on Tram 28 and also you’re in for a deal with. First working within the Thirties, this iconic yellow tram is a journey again in time, trundling by Lisbon’s outdated quarters like Alfama, Baixa, and Graça. It’s the basic picture of Lisbon and one of the simplest ways to navigate the town’s steep, winding streets whereas catching a glimpse of its key landmarks.
11. The seven hills
Because the locals will let you know, Lisbon’s seven hills aren’t simply geographical options, they’re the town’s soul. São Jorge, São Roque, São Vicente, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Sant’Ana every gives their very own view over terracotta rooftops, the historic quarters and the Tagus. Climb all of them in a day and also you’ll actually deserve a glass of one thing celebratory.
Uncommon issues to do in Lisbon
Whereas the well-trodden paths of Lisbon provide lots to admire, there are some stuff you simply can’t do anyplace else…
12. Go to Christ the King
This imposing determine is impressed by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and stands over 100 metres tall. There’s an statement deck in its base which gives unimaginable views of the town.
13. Drink ginginha
Should you’re within the temper for a tipple, give Lisbon’s conventional cherry liqueur a go. Usually served in a chocolate cup, it’s like a pudding and a digestif multi functional.
14. Have a drink at a brothel
Lisbon is understood for its excellent nightlife. One of many extra uncommon locations to seize a drink is the Pensão do Amor (which interprets because the ‘Love Pension’), a former brothel on the central Cais do Sodré district. Anticipate raunchy decor, eyebrow-raising artefacts and, importantly, tasty cocktails.
15. Hang around at LXFactory
Lisbon has a critically fashionable aspect to it, and nowhere encapsulates that higher than this transformed Nineteenth-century industrial complicated in Alcântara. It’s a hive of creativity, internet hosting an eclectic mixture of artists’ studios, unbiased outlets, and hip eateries.
16. Head for a few of Europe’s greatest seashores
You don’t must journey too removed from the Portuguese capital to seek out some unimaginable seashores. Hop on a practice from the principle terminal in Cais do Sodré and discover the sands of Oeiras, Estoril and Cascais.
Is Lisbon price visiting? Brief reply: sure
Now that you simply’ve learn this information, hopefully it’s clear that the query isn’t ‘Is Lisbon price visiting?’ however moderately ‘How quickly are you able to go to Lisbon?’ It’s a metropolis with a wealthy historical past, numerous neighbourhoods, and a vibrant tradition. And there are many uncommon issues to do in Lisbon, too. So pack your baggage and prepare to fall in love with with the Portuguese capital!
