Eight Reasons Why You’ll Love Lisbon!
As if you need more reasons to visit Portugal’s charming capital – the ultimate place for culture on a budget
1 SUN AND SAVINGS
The world’s second oldest capital city is so much cheaper than other venues. Last year Lisbon was one of the top 10 western best value sunshine cities. There are no costly airport transfers required here – pop on the Metro direct from Portela airport to take you to the heart of your delightful destination. A ticket costs a mere €0.45 for the 30-minute journey. Savour the glow of sunlit terracotta roofs as you arrive in Europe’s warmest capital.
2 BEACH LIFE
Tired of sightseeing? Soak up the sun and the best waters of the coast at Portinho da Arrábida. Portinho is a tiny fishing village just 45 minutes from the city. Chill on the white sands with their exquisite backdrop of limestone mountains which are part of the Arrábida National Park with its twisting mountain roads, lush forests and ancient monasteries.
3 FABULOUS FOOD
Lisbon is a foodie’s paradise. The Bacalhau (salted cod) is amazing! Seafood lovers who visit for All Saints’ week in June will relish the St Antony Festival when the streetstreets close to traffic and residents have a huge party. Everyone eats delicious grilled sardines on local bread. Visit a traditional restaurant offering a set dinner menu. Ask for a basic (and cheap) steak, cooked in garlic and butter with fries, rice, salad and the Portugese favourite, fried egg. Yum!
4 PORT – SAÚDE!
Red, white or tawny, you must partake of a port or two. Even meandering through the numerous wine shops with their dusty old bottles is a marvellous pastime. Spend a lazy afternoon at Lisbon winery in Rua da Barrocca where you can taste a vintage port, opened by the traditional method of heating the stem. Stay for dinner and revel in the intimate atmosphere as the sun sets over the city of seven hills.
5 TAKE THE TRAM
Taking the tram is such an experience. Gorgeous old vehicles transport you through the cobbled streets. Pop on the famous yellow 28 tram – its vintage wooden cars wind through the town’s most historic areas. Buy a €6.15 ticket in a metro station and you can go literally anywhere by bus, tram or metro for 24 hours.