The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is its most gorgeous city. The city stands above the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque view in itself gives tourists exactly what they need when site-seeing.
The city is perched on seven hills and therefore, the rugged terrain coupled with the water underneath gives rise to the beautiful scenery along with narrow streets and tangled stairways. The reason why tourists love these places so much is because of their rustic beauty and the antique look that they bring along with it.
Take family and friends along. A vacation in this city is ultimately perfect when you need to take some time off and enjoy.
Climatic of Lisbon
The climate is perfect and you can feel the salty air revitalizing your being. You can experience rapidly changing weather, so it is wise to keep that in mind while booking your tickets. Moreover, since the city is so close to the ocean, you might want to know that it can get humid during the summers.
However, the winters are kind and you can enjoy a good, cold gush of rainfall at the time. But, you can imagine that a day at Lisbon’s Oceanside can be the best you’ve ever experienced. Don’t forget to take a camera with you since these will be the memories you would want to cherish forever.
A Memorable Stay
For hotels, visit, Odisseo, Pensão Londrina and Ibis Lisboa Saldanha if you want to live in the center of city happenings. For an older town feel, the best hotels are in Bairro Alto such as House4 Bairro Alto and Oasis Backpackers’ Mansion. Baixa also boasts Yes Hotel, a hotel for tourists raving for more.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious vacation, then go for Mercy Hotel – Boutique Hotel Lisbon, Hotel Avenida Palace, Lapa Palace, Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa, and Pestana Palace. These hotels are nothing short of glamour and you will love the insight into the lives of Lisbon’s elite.
Attractions and Travel
Lisbon also has one of the most beautiful sites in the world. As a tourist, you need to have a map with you at all times. The airport where you land will help you with the details of locations. However, it would be better if you hired a tour guide to go along with you since they know the place better than you do and experimentation can only get you so far. Moreover, carry a pocket translator book with you at all times, since getting around the city can be tough if you don’t know the native language.
Having your smartphone with you all the time loaded with handy tracking apps like an Instagram tracker is always a good idea. Besides, instead of buying a bicycle or renting a car to drive by yourself; it would be better if you take the metro train or bus, or hire a taxi because you will have a native guiding you at every step of the way. Given the crime scene in Lisbon, you would not want to get lost in a shady area. However, even while traveling on public transport, you will need to be with a certified tour guide at all times.
Moreover, withdraw all the cash you need at once during broad daylight, because mugging is common near ATMs during the night. Moreover, exchange small amounts of currency. Another piece of advice would be to never get your currency exchanged from airports since the tax rates are extremely high. A good idea would be to find local shops to exchange your currency for you.
Locations, Clubs, Malls
A common enjoyment plan when touring Lisbon is going through its clubs. They are known for their exclusive drinks, brilliant DJs and the ambiance in general. Places such as Bairro Alto, Lux, and Fragil give you the time of your life. However, if you’re looking for something more enchanting, it would be great if you go to Alfama.
Its historical location and architecture leave tourists mesmerized and you can see Portugal’s culture right in the place, which is called the heart of the country itself. If you’re a nature lover, visit the Lisbon Botanical Gardens, Ajuda Botanical Gardens, Oceanarium, and Jardim Zoologico. These places may be a bit expensive to visit but the experience is entirely worth it. Try having picnics at the botanical gardens; this will be your best trip insofar if you’re traveling with family.
However, since Lisbon is the best place to visit for history lovers, you must go to Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga if you’re an art lover. Visit Fundação Arpad Szenes and Museu do Azulejo if you like Portugal’s national history. Go to Museu da Marinha if you like the aquatic attachment of Lisbon with the Atlantic. And lastly, go to see the Lisbon Metro if you enjoy contemporary art. Nonetheless, it will be a waste of time if you don’t take an eagle’s eye view of the city. Armazéns do Chiado is the perfect shopping mall for you to feel like you’re looking at Lisbon from the top of the world. Apart from that, you can find great ethnic clothes and accessories from this mall coupled with amazing rates and discounts.
Shop Till You Drop!
When one comes to dining and shopping, it is imperative to find great places because these inherently form the kind of vacation you will have. For shopping, you must visit Baixa for a more ethnic feel and Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade for a more international and contemporary feel.
However, as for the malls, you should consider going to Centro Comercial Colombo, Centro Comercial Amoreiras, El Corte Inglés, Dolce Vita Teja and Ramos & Silva. These are all a bit pricey but you will find that their architecture and shops are heartwarming and will make your stay truly memorable. Yet, if you’re looking for something extremely cheap and still beautiful, then you should go for Feira da Ladra; the local flea market.
Dine at the best
As for the food, you must really visit Rua das Portas de Santo Antão – the best seafood restaurant in town-, Parque das Nações, Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Doca de Santo Amaro and Doca de Jardim de Tabaco. However, if you’re looking for more high priced food, then go to Lapa.
For a more at-home feel, you can always go to restaurants in Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere then try the likes of Mestiço, Rosa da Rua Restaurant, Mamma Rosa Ristorante Pizzeria, and Café Buenos Aires, where you can always find a helpful staff and a homely mix of Lisbon’s culture.