Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you'd expect of Portugal's star attraction. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape.
As bright yellow trans wind their way through curvy tree-lined streets, Lisboetas stroll through the old quarters, much as they've done for centuries. Village life gossip in old Alfama is exchanged at the public baths or over fresh bread and wine at tiny, patio restaurants as fadistas (proponents of fado, Portugals traditional melancholic singing). perform in the background.
In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets with jazz, reggae, electronica and fado as revellers party untill dawn.
BEST NIGHTLIFE OF EUROPE
- LISBON HAS A GREAT NIGHTLIFE. CHECK OUT THE BAIRO ALTO AND THE WATERFRONT BETWEEN ALCANTARA AND SANTA APOLONIA KNOWN AS DOCAS.
- OFTEN PEOPLE GO OUT TO EAT AT AROUND 9 PM AT ONE OF THE GREAT BARRIO ALTO RESTAURANTS OR IN THE CHIADO OR AVENIDAS AREAS. THEN, THEY HEAD TO THE SMALL BARS, SPILLING OUT ONTO THE NARROW STREETS TO CHAT, DRINK AND DANCE.
- AFTER HEADING TO THE DISCOS TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY, THE PARTY ENDS WITH A PORTUGUESE BREAKFAST.
The Lisbon experience encompasses many things from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a leafy plaza, window-shopping in elegant Chiado to mingling with Lisboetas at a neighbourhood festival and watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
Just outside Lisbon, there's more to explore the magical setting of Sintra; glorious beaches and traditional fishing. Speaking about Portuguese culture. Sintra is based on a past that dates from prehistoric times into the eras of the Roman and Moorish invasion.
Throughout history, Portugal's art has been enriched with foreign influences, including Flemish, French and Itallan. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to Oriental influences and the shipping home of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the Baroque flame of decoration. Throughout the city you will find gardens, monuments and an events where local culture comes to life.
Lisbon is blend of the past and the contemporary.