A Timeless Oceanside Beauty

Lisbon, a beautiful city built on seven hills, is one of the warmest, friendliest and safest European capitals. In the 18th century, it was hit by a massive earthquake and was almost completely destroyed, today, however, it is a modern city that is constantly expanding and growing, while maintaining a sense of nostalgia. Stretching across several hills, Lisbon has numerous viewpoints – the so-called miradouros – that boast stunning views of the city itself, the river Tagus (Rio Tejo) and other landmarks. One of the most beautiful panoramic views can be enjoyed from the São Jorge Castle. It takes a short uphill walk to get to it, but you'll be rewarded by rich history and views of the beautiful vista.

The city is an attractive destination for just about everyone – it is popular with architecture and cultural heritage enthusiasts, surfers and lovers of sandy beaches, and owing to its relaxed vibe also with hedonists and foodies. Lisbon's cuisine is a chapter in it own right. As a coastal town, Lisbon offers an abundance of fresh seafood, which is a staple ingredient for many popular Portuguese dishes and specialities from other parts of the world. There is no shortage of cafés, where you can enjoy a cup of good coffee and delicious custard tart pastries called pastéis de nata.

Lisbon's cuisine is a chapter in it own right. As as a coastal town, Lisbon offers an abundance of fresh seafood, which is a staple ingredient for many popular Portuguese dishes and specialities from other parts of the world.

A must-see part of the city is the district of Belém, where you can go up to the top of the Belém Tower to enjoy the wonderful views. Belém is also home to the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery with remains of the great explorer Vasco da Gama. To get a feel for the authentic Portuguese spirit, head to Bairro Alto, Lisbon's old town district, where quiet streets turn into a bustling and noisy social life centre in the evenings. And while you are there, the traditional fado houses are a must to experience heartfelt emotions while listening to fado, the melancholic traditional Portuguese music, or find any other kind of fun and entertainment to your liking. This shouldn't be a problem as there are all sorts of bars and clubs to choose from.