Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, or Lisboa to locals, is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is the country’s global hub for finance, commerce, education, media, entertainment, and tourism. Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe and one of the oldest cities in the world. Sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the entire capital has the stunning views of the water which makes its nickname, Rainha do Mar or Queen of the Sea, very fitting. The locals enjoy subtropical-Mediterranean climate and the pleasant weather makes it possible for tourists to roam Lisbon all year round.

Aeroporto da Portela, Portugal’s largest airport, services the airlines that fly to Lisbon including TAP Portugal, Star Alliance, British Airways, US Airways and Emirates to name some. Tourists from nearby regions arrive through train, bus, or boat. When you arrive in Lisbon, it is best to use the bus or the metro train system to get into your destination. While there are taxis around, travelers are often warned about the drivers’ dishonesty.  Lisbon has a very impressive transport system that touring the city will never be your problem. 7 Colinas is the way to pay for public transport and it can be conveniently loaded in ticketing machines found in every train or metro station. If you are planning to enjoy Lisbon for one week or longer, you should buy the “unlimited pass.”

Because Lisbon is such an enchanting and huge city, a short tour of this scenic capital is not enough. With varying facilities, amenities, and budgets, finding the best place to serve as your temporary home will not disappoint. From the modest yet decent and tastefully-designed Lisbon Lounge Hostel to the upscale, luxurious 5-star Olissippo Lapa Palace, you will achieve the kind of relaxation, rest, and sleep you need after a tiring day of touring the city.

From local cuisine to international cuisines, the dining scene in Lisbon is a paradise for food lovers. The district of Barrio Aldo has an impressive line-up of good restaurants such as Pap’Açorda and 100 Maneiras.  Superb views alongside sumptuous food are what Chapitô, Tágide, and Via Graça is known for. If you are lucky, you can catch the Lisbon Restaurant Week, a much-awaited event that allows locals and tourists to experience the finest cuisines at a very minimal cost.

Because the entire city has easy access to the water, going to Lisbon’s pristine beaches, like Portinho da Arrábida beach, is always a part of the itinerary. If you love ancient architecture and classic art, your eyes will surely feast when you see Portugal’s National Gallery, Sao Roque Church and Museum, and the monument-packed neighborhood called Belem. And if you fancy shopping as anyone else, you will be thrilled with Lisbon Shopping Card, a discount card that entitles you of up to 20% in almost 200 establishments found in the shopping district of Baixa, Chiado and Av. Liberdade. When you are done touring the city, you can rest and relax in Lisbon Botanical Garden. These are only some of the long list of the capital’s attractions, and with so much to discover and explore, Lisbon promises a travel experience like no other.