Overview to Lisbon: Travel Guide and Tourist Information

  The City from St. George's Castle

Few cities in Europe can match the mysterious beauty and variety of Lisbon’s historic quarters. And, year after year, more and more travelers are waking up to the infinite possibilities of the striking Portuguese capital.

Lisbon is, first and foremost, a city of districts. The Alfama is the city’s most ancient and atmospheric quarter; its medieval alleyways, courtyards and terraced layout survived (for the most part) both the large earthquake that hit the city in 1755 and the years since.

The area (and the city, generally) is crowned by the hulking St George’s Castle. This extensive structure – one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be found in the city – dominates Lisbon's skyline. It’s particularly dramatic lit up against the night sky.

Between the Alfama and the neighboring district of Baixa, a pronounced Moorish influence can be felt in the quarter of Mouraria. Here, narrow streets wind their way through an assortment of semi-dilapidated houses, crisscrossed by washing lines.

No less charming is the Bairro Alto, where just a little of the medieval feel carries through. During the day, the area has some of the city’s best independent shops while after dark it heats up significantly, converting itself into the home of the best of the city’s nightlife.

The district of Baixa (whose roots stretch back to the 18th century) is the ‘newer’ part of the old city. Grand pedestrianized shopping boulevards run between the squares of Praca Dom Pedro IV (or Rossio, as it’s generally known) and Praca do Comercio.

Culturally, too, Lisbon is outstanding and countless churches and religious buildings dot the city. Of these, the Igreja de Sao Roque (in the Bairro Alto) and the Igreja de Santa Antonio (in the Alfama) are both well worth a visit.

Art-lovers, meanwhile, should head to the north of the city to the district of Sao Sebastiao. Here, the Centro de Arte Moderna houses an impressive array of modern works, while the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is a mishmash of ancient artifacts and contemporary masterpieces.

Outside the city, there’s no let-up in the number of potential sights and activities for the traveler. The 16th century Tower of Belem – one of the most recognizable monuments in the world - sits handsomely at the entrance to the city from the River Tagus.

Two huge palaces also demand attention: Pena Palace is a truly stunning blend of Gothic, Romantic and Manueline styles, while the Palacio Nacional de Mafra (a former hunting lodge of the Portuguese royal family) was historically one of the largest buildings in Europe.

After a few sweltering days in the city, the beaches of Cascais (particularly Praia da Duqesa, Praia da Ribeira and Praia da Rainha) are excellent. And the way it so effortlessly combines city break with seaside holiday is perhaps what makes Lisbon such a truly great destination.

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