A Guide to Lisbon for Tourists
A Guide to Lisbon for Tourists
Lisbon sits at the estuary of the Tagus River on the Atlantic Coast and is the most westerly capital in Europe. The Portuguese capital is one of the top tourist destinations in Southern Europe with an estimated two million visitors making a trip to the city every year and potentially staying at one of Lisbon's excellent hotels.
Whether you are visiting Lisbon for a long weekend or a two week holiday you will need somewhere to rest your head when the day is through and Lisbon has plenty of quality hotels and apartments that will cater for all needs and budgets. The Inspira Santa Marta Hotel has been open since 2009 and has acquired a reputation for its friendly, helpful staff and spacious, contemporary suites - all at reasonable prices. It is in a prime location a short walk away from the historic city centre and close to transport links for the rest of the city.
Lisbon has been a settlement since Neolithic times and is one of the oldest cities in Europe still in existence. It has survived as a major merchant port throughout countless invasions and rulers - this rich mixture of influences is still omnipresent today in the city's beautiful architecture. Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Post-Modern buildings can be found all over the city divided by great monument-lined boulevards - especially in the affluent upper districts.
Barrio Alto district is home to city's vibrant nightlife offering a wide selection of musical styles and sub-cultures for those who enjoy dancing till dawn. It also functions as Lisbon's the main retail area along with the Chiado, a more traditional area that mixes old and more commercial establishments and possesses some famous cafes like A Brasileira the perfect to place relax with a latte after a hard days shopping.
Lisbon has an abundance of fantastic museums for the culture-vultures amongst us including several ancient and modern art galleries such as theMuseu Nacional de Arte Antiga and the second largest oceanarium in the world the Oceanrio de Lisboa. The Teatro Nacional de So Carlos hosts an active cultural agenda during the autumn and winter months and the oldest district of the City, Alfama, is home to two of the cities castles and the Lisbon Cathedral as well as some excellent restaurants that serve delicious food accompanied by traditional Portuguese Fado music.
Lisbon also has a long sporting history. It was one of the host cities for the UEFA Euro 2004 Championship and provided the starting point for the 2006 and 2007 Dakar Rally. Two of Portugal's top football teams - Benfica and Sporting Lisbon - reside in the capital and their stadiums, the 65,000 capacity Estdio da Luz (Stadium of Light) and 50,000 capacity Estdio Jos Alvalade, are surely the best place to soak up Portugal's rich sporting heritage.
Among all of the cities in Europe, Lisbon has the warmest average temperature during the winter at 15 degrees centigrade - so if youre looking for some winter warmth then look no further. During the summer months there are average highs of 28 degrees making it the perfect destination for sun worshippers. Are You Searching For the Best Vegas Pools to Party at This Summer? Allegan, Michigan: A Bed and Breakfast Destination That Rejuvenates Guests The French Press Halloween around the world Mauritius Travel Advice For Those Who Desire The Tropics Solo Travel Has It's Benefits How To Keep Christmas Well In Your Heart Throughout The Year Worth Visits on Manali Tours Travel Tips for Staying in Hotels San Miguel de Allende Biosphere Technological innovation for the Revival of Paradise The Australian Academy of Hypnosis does not significantly agree with the tenets of NLP and/or its many claims The River Kwai - Kanchanaburi Travel Guide Bali Villas: Easy Comfort And Fun Galore