Touted as a modern metropolis to rival London and packed with places of interest, Lisbon is a city that is really going places. There is a plethora of history here, with tales of everything from Roman imperialists to exotic Berber pirates, Moorish builders to fierce Reconquista knights, all wrapped up in the grand palaces and heritage districts.
How to get to Lisbon
Airlines offering direct flights to Lisbon from UK and another cities in Europe, include British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair and TAP Air Portugal.
If you book well in advance, you can find cheap deals, although prices tend to rise in July and August and over Christmas. TAP Air Portugal and United operate direct flights from the USA. Flight times from London is 2 hours 40 minutes, from New York – 7 hours, Los Angeles – 14 hours (including stopover), Toronto – 8 hours, Sydney – 25 hours (including stopovers).
Where to stay in Lisbon
It may have taken a little while to catch up with its continental contemporaries, but Lisbon has finally upped its accommodation options by adding swish boutique hotels to its chain stays and aging guesthouses and new hotels are openning all the time.
If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife, stay in the Baixa-Chiado and Bairro Alto districts, else head to Avenida de Liberdade for the international chain hotels.
For a quieter slice of life, try west Lisbon or Belem, a 20 minute tram ride from the city center.
I highly reccommend to stay at Madalena by The Beautique Hotels right in the heart of Lisbon, close to Figueira Square and just 1 km away from Rossio Square. Combining lavish interiors and comfort it´s the perfect place to enjoy the Portugues Capital. You can book your stay here: http://www.booking.com/Share-7r2zbml
For those who is looking for accommodation closer to the ocean, Costa da Caparica is a perfect area to stay. It´s only 20 km away from Lisbon and offers the best beaches in Lisbon area. This region has from fantastic four star hotels to economic housing where you might stay with your family or friends.
My favourite beach in this area is Fonte da Telha beach. As a beach Fonte da Telha is quite stunning; the golden sand meets the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean whist the backdrop is one of high, sculpted sandstone cliffs and a verdant landscape beyond.
I definitely reccommend to stay at gorgeous hotel Evidencia Belvedere, which is located only 2 km from Fonte da Telha beach.
The 4-star Evidencia Belverde Hotel provides indoor & outdoor pool, jacuzzi and Turkish Bath. This hotel stands out for its modern architecture and refined design with the most varied pieces of decoration that create a detailed, intimate and sensorial environment.
I absolutely loved the unique decoration, the service, the dining and spa experience – all five-stars! You can book your stay here through the link below:
http://www.booking.com/Share-1Ysmox
What to do & see
• Torre de Belém. Soaring high above the seafront of the Lisbon quays, this great tower displays a veritable fusion of architectural styles.
• Ride Tram 28. Lisbon is a city famed for its historic, rattling tram lines. None are more iconic than Tram 28 which has been working for decades.
• Get lost in the Alfama District. As you stroll, great cathedrals like the Lisbon Cathedral and tile-fronted chapels reveal themselves on the corners.
• St George’s Castle is unquestionably the most visible landmark of Lisbon’s historic center.
• Trace glorious history in the Monastery of Jerónimos. Now part of a Unesco World Heritage site, the monastery is a visual feast, with intricately trought stonework, plaited arches and twisted turrets in the cloisters.
• Find your inner explorer at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
• Carmo Convent. With the arches and pillars of its nave open to the sky, the enigmatic ruins of this Gothic convent catch your eye as you wander Lisbon’s smart Chiado district.
• Sé Cathedral. It is one of the city’s greatest icons. It was built high and mighty above the ruins of a mosque by Portugal’s first king.
• Try the best portuguese food at Time Out Market Lisboa. What is it? More than 40 spaces with the leading representatives in all the food categories that help make Lisbon what it is – and tastes – all together under one roof. You definitely won´t be dissapointed!
Hope this will help you to plan your next trip to Lisboa!
For more Portugal travel/hotel stay inspiration check out my posts here:Â https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/portugal/
Your sincerely,
Anny