LISBON HOTEL DEALS

LISBON BREAKS

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, as well as being the most visited region in the country.

It has a population of around 550,000, but unlike other surrounding areas, Lisbon is extremely rich. No European city is located further to the west than Lisbon, and the River Tagus can be followed to Lands End where it meets the Atlantic Ocean in impressive fashion.

Tourists flock by the numbers for a taste of Portuguese culture, even if it’s just a couple of weeks on the sandy beaches. In terms of architectural achievement, very few destinations can compare to the staggering quality of the palaces and ancient buildings on show.

The Terreiro do Paço makes for a stunning greeting to Lisbon with marble steps leading to a spectacular arched gate. The area is known as Palace Square, although the palace which used to sit there was destroyed in an eighteenth century earthquake. As far as first impressions go, Terreiro do Paço tops them all.

Saint George Castle is another important tourist spot for those with an interest in the history of the city – or even those who simply appreciate stunning panoramic views from high in the hills. Lisbon is situated amongst seven significant hills making for a slightly uneven city, but you’ll be grateful if you reach the crowning top of the Saint George Castle. A beautiful view can be enjoyed of the River Tagus and if you happen to visit at sunset, the sight will live long in your memory.

For classic monuments, look no further than the Igreja do Carmo. With a museum situated around the location, it makes for a great day out, or even an afternoon stop gap between further travels. The gothic monument hosts some incredible arches and the museum is blessed with some interesting relics.

If museums are your thing, you really can’t go wrong in the Portuguese capital. The Belém Cultural Center, National Museum of Ancient Art and National Theatre Museum make up a few of many key destinations for the artistically inclined.

Bairro Alto provides some welcome variety for those looking to party the night away. With some of the city’s finest clubs, it can regularly be found seething with tourists. Unconventional themes are certainly a favourite for the area and it has a prominent following with punk, gay, reggae and even gothic scenes.

The locals are usually keen to interact with tourist parties so don’t expect to be shunned away from the traditional Portuguese life, especially in the Bairro Alto strip where anybody and everybody is welcome!

To get from A to B, there are quite a few options open to tourists. Trams and buses operate down the streets while a relatively effective metro system whisks commuters to the major destinations on the map. If you’re not in the mood to mix with the busy city life, feel free to take a ride down the River Tagus and soak up the summer sunshine with some breathtaking scenery. But don’t float too far or you’ll find yourself in the Atlantic!

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