Lisbon, The first capital of the global village

Lisbon is reawakening. The words "new" and "cool" haven't really been associated with this city since the 16th century when it ruled over the world's first global empire, extending from Brazil to India. Vasco da Gama's expedition to the East brought it cultures and a touch of the exotic that Europe had never seen before -- spices (cinnamon, pepper, ginger), foods (potatoes, pineapples, tea) and animals such as the elephant and rhinoceros that paraded by the city's waterfront. When the glory days of trade and discovery were over, Lisbon fell victim to one of the most destructive earthquakes ever recorded, and remained dormant ever since. The kiss that awoke the "princess by the Tagus" came during Expo 98, the last world fair of the 20th century. The Expo site became a new neighborhood with futuristic architecture, riverfront warehouses were converted into clubs and restaurants, its narrow cobbled lanes were invaded by caipirinha-holding young crowds enjoying a typically-warm night out, new boutique hotels and contemporary-design hostels opened in renovated old buildings, and an energized artistic scene brought it a renewed sense of confidence. 

 But what hasn't changed are the breathtaking views from its hills which arguably make Lisbon Europe's most scenic capital. Add its trademark mosaic pavements, dilapidated pastel-colored or tile-covered buildings, iconic turn-of-the-century trams, melancholic Fado music, and you also have one of the world's most soulful cities. In fact, Lisbon's unpolished appearance actually provides a seductive atmosphere all of its own, and prevents it from ever being just another bland old city.

 

1. Jeronimos Monastery's cloisters and Vasco da Gama tomb.
2. Belem Tower and views of the Tagus River from its loggia.
3. Gulbenkian Museum's art and gardens.
4. Berardo Museum's modern art.
5. Oceanarium and surrounding PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES architecture.
6. ST. GEORGE'S CASTLE and nearby views over medieval ALFAMA.
7. BAIRRO ALTO bar-hop and clubbing by the river.
8. Treasures from the Age of Discovery and European masterpieces at the Ancient Art Museum.
9. A late-afternoon drink or snack at a riverfront cafe or restaurant, or at the docks warehouses under 25 DE ABRIL BRIDGE.
10. A daytrip to the palaces of SINTRA.

Look for the hotel or hostel that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. Here you can guarantee a room but you do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the hotel and there are no booking fees. Most hotels allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email.  

Dinner time in Lisbon is always after 8PM and often after 9 or 10PM on weekends. Eating out is quite cheap when compared to other Western European capitals, and a wide range of restaurants are clustered in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Tourist-friendly options with local and international cuisine are found in the pedestrian Rua das Portas de Santo Antão downtown, and by the marina Docas de Santo Amaro with tables outside with wonderful views.

Check if the international luxury brands have any special offerings in their Lisbon shops down Avenida da Liberdade and Rua Garrett. Go for something different at the trendy and funky boutiques with retro and urban wear in Rua do Norte, and look for the sophisticated independent shops down Rua Dom Pedro V in the Principe Real neighborhood. Finally, find some extraordinary old shops filled with charm in Chiado and get some design ideas in Santos.

 

 

Azores, Portugal

A remote location—about a thousand miles west of continental Portugal—has helped limit tourist traffic and development in this unspoiled North Atlantic archipelago. The nine major islands—connected by ferry service in summer, are home to green volcanic mountains, mineral hot springs, hydrangea-covered hills, rambling vineyards, white-washed seaside towns, cobblestone lanes, and traditional Flemish and Moorish windmills. May to September is the island-wide festival season with numerous religious processions and cultural events celebrating patron saints, the sea, and the local whaling heritage.

Algarve Portugal

The Algarve's 200 kilometre stretch of southern shoreline is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. The region has attracted visitors since the time of the Phoenicians, but today it caters for millions of tourists a year with its stunning coastline, excellent golf courses and pleasant year round climate. Bordered on two sides by the Atlantic, the Algarve is divided from the rest of Portugal by a series of low lying mountains. In the east, the Guadiana River forms a scenic border with neighbouring Spain. The region's capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour at the edge of a wide lagoon. Its main attractions include a maritime museum and a 13th century cathedral. Along the coast to the east stands one of Europe's most luxurious resorts, Quinta do Lago, where visitors can play golf or explore the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Equally famous is the resort town of Vilamoura located in the centre of the Algarve. The 1,600 hectare development comprises several high quality hotels, restaurants and an impressive range of sports facilities. Albufeira to the west is the region's largest holiday resort, alive with tourist activity right through the year. 

Porto Portugal

Known worldwide for its rich brand of wine, port, which is drunk internationally with high quality cheeses, as well as Europe-wide for the fast-paced attacking play of the local football team (who also go by the name Porto), Porto’s industrial center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, though undoubtedly not one of the prettier ones. The locals are known throughout Portugal as ‘tripe eaters’ - due to meat rationing for the supply of local ships – while the city is widely considered within the country to be a tad crass, with many people from other regions seeing Porto as a different country altogether from the rest of Portugal.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is like a city on display, draped across the hillsides above the Rio Tejo, and a beautiful display it is, too. Dig deeper into Portugal’s capital, though, and you’ll quickly find that it’s unpretentious about its beauty; welcoming and lively, yet still hiding sumptuous corners unchanged since the 1930s, and brimming with the kind of charm that had you traveling in the first place. It might have tinges of the old and antiquated – and alluring ones at that – but parts of Lisbon are extremely up to the minute. The MUDE Fashion and Design museum will take fashionistas through the latest of the minute styles, while there’s plenty in the way of modern art, art deco and gorgeous fusion cuisine to track down, too.

 The old parts of the city, though, are very much as they’ve always been, with tables set out on cobbled back streets serving olives and local wine, and the same rustic, about-to-break trams winding through the streets that have been their for decades. The historical sights haven’t changed much, either. Most of them sit at the top of the many hills, giving spectacular views from the undulating peaks down to the shimmering coastline. The Belem Tower is the city’s iconic sight, a towering seaside turret that from certain angles looks like it’s disconnected from the shore altogether. The Jeronimos Monastery was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vaso De Gama’s departure for India, and is now a world heritage monument coated in sculpture and hosting the explorer’s tomb. Look up, and you can hardly miss the Castle of St. George, which dates back in parts to the 6th century, and – though very peaceful now – still hosts cannons, a guarding moat and a full on multimedia exhibition to help you understand it all.