Give Lisbon a whirl on a weekend break
WHY LISBON?
MAGNIFICENT churches, quirky museums, labyrinthine medieval neighbourhoods — Lisbon is a catch.
The charmingly old-world Portuguese capital is sun-soaked and inexpensive. With vibrant night-life, new galleries, restaurants and bars, it feels like a city on the up.
WEEKEND WONDERS
TO AVOID snaking queues, visit the Jeronimos monastery first thing or early evening. The 16th-century monument is the best example of the Portuguese gothic style known as Manueline.
The nearby market is a mix of souvenirs, second-hand antiques, traditional tiles and shoes.
For spectacular views, head to the top of the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, a shipshaped monument jutting over the river Tagus, which celebrates Portugal’s global exploration and once vast trade empire.
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is a treasure trove of European art, while the coach and tile museums are worth a visit. The Botanical gardens, the Jardim da Estrela and the Castle of St George, at its best at sunset, offer romantic respite.
AND BEYOND?
ENCHANTING Sintra, the erstwhile summer retreat of the Portuguese kings in the hills north-west of Lisbon, is a 45-minute train journey. Wander around a Moorish castle, fairy-tale palace and lush gardens.
FINE DINING
LISBON’S staples — grilled fish and red wine — are affordable and delicious.
The food court next to the city’s biggest market, Mercado da Ribeira, sells everything from Thai dumplings to regional hams and cheeses. Round that off with ice cream from the Santini stall.
Even if you’re not staying at the Four Seasons, it’s worth trying their all-youcan-eat Sunday brunch. From oysters and octopus ceviche to endless desserts, this feast is deservedly famous.
In the evenings, Mini Bar has a trendy clientele and fun, Heston Blumenthal fare at a fraction of UK prices.
SeaMe, a seafood restaurant in the downtown Chiado district, is buzzy. The best custard tarts ( pastel-de-nata, a Lisbon speciality) in town are from Pasteis de Belem.
DID YOU KNOW . . .
THE 18th-century English novelist Henry Fielding was buried in Lisbon. Seek out his tomb in the secluded English Cemetery in the smart Estrela district.
SPLASH OUT
FIVE-STAR Ritz Four Seasons (00351 213 811400, fourseasons.com/lisbon), which offers faultless service, spacious rooms, superb food and a spa. Double rooms from £266 a night.
TIGHTEN YOUR BELT
COMFORTABLE and affordable and central Horizonte has double rooms from £35 a night, (00351 213 539526, hotelhorizonte. com).
HOW TO GET THERE
EASYJET ( easyjet.com), Ryanair ( ryanair. com) and British Airways ( ba.com) serve Lisbon’s Portela airport from around the UK. A 15-minute taxi to the city centre is £10.