Lisbon Holidays

Where is Lisbon?
Portugal’s capital city - the most westerly in Europe - lies on the north side of the River Tagus’s large estuary, not far from where it meets the Atlantic Ocean about a third of the way up the country. Our best time to visit guide can help you decide when to travel to Lisbon.

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Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, and its steep maze of narrow cobbled lanes and small squares - miraculous survivors of the 1755 earthquake that destroyed so much of the city - are a fascinating place to wander. The little shops, neighbourhood cafés and unpretentious seafood restaurants are as much of a must-see as the area’s grander sights. These include the medieval Castelo de São Jorge, which overlooks the whole area; the magnificent cathedral, whose mix of architectural styles is a history lesson in itself; and a clutch of charming museums dedicated to everything from the decorative arts to the soulful sound of Fado, the area’s soulful soundtrack on many evenings.

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Baixa
On an altogether grander scale, Baixa - the elegant central district - was rebuilt after 1755 on a grid pattern, with tree-lined boulevards and vast open spaces. One of the largest of these is Praça do Comércio (also known as Terreiro do Paço), which looks out over the old harbour. It’s framed by neoclassical arcaded buildings where you’ll find inviting cafés - including the city’s oldest, founded in 1782. Get a complete overview from the viewing platform at the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-gothic iron lift built more than 100 years ago.

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Chiado
There are more historic stores and luxury boutiques in neighbouring Chiado, where the locals come to buy everything from books to porcelain, or just meet friends in one of its old-style cafés such as A Brasileira. This is where you’ll find theatres, the opera house and several museums, including the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea housed in a former convent.

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Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto, a picturesque tangle of streets that’s long been a favourite haunt of artists, writers and other creative types. Nowadays, it’s known for its lively nightlife, with a multitude of bars and clubs. During the day, it’s altogether quieter - perfect for visiting sights such as the church of São Roque, whose unadorned facade hides a fabulously ornate baroque interior. Also at its best in daylight hours is the panoramic vista from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a small formal garden.

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UNESCO-listed Lisbon
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without a stop in Belém to the west of the historic centre, from where most of the famous Portuguese explorers set off on their voyages of discovery around the world in the 15th and 16th centuries. The much-photographed Torre de Belém, a fortified lighthouse constructed in the 1500s in ornate Manueline style and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is practically the symbol of the city. From around the same time, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is the district’s other UNESCO-listed site, and its fabulous interior is well worth queueing for.

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Beaches
Originally a fishing village, and later a summer retreat for Portugal’s aristocrats, Cascais remains a charming and cosmopolitan seaside resort - and it’s just a short hop from Lisbon. Many are drawn here by the fabulous beaches, complete with stylish toes-in-the-sand bars, but there’s also an atmospheric old town whose winding lanes are lined with chic restaurants, cafés and boutiques. Follow the promenade, which hugs the coastline, to glamorous Estoril, known for its golf courses and its casino, set in lush gardens.

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Getting around
Lisbon’s picturesque streets are made for exploring on foot. If you’re staying centrally, you’ll probably only use the metro if you’re in a hurry or to reach newer areas such as Parque das Nações. Otherwise, there’s an extensive network of buses complemented by historic tram routes and funiculars, the last of which make zipping between the hilltop and lower-level neighbourhoods a breeze. For trips further out, such as to Cascais, options include the Linha de Cascais urban train and taxis (which are reasonably priced).

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