3 Reasons Why Lisbon, Portugal should be on your bucket list
Lisbon lit up at night.
It’s easy to forget that Portugal, a relatively small country, was once a vast and conquering nation. As the capital of this powerful Portuguese empire, Lisbon solidified its place in the echelons of history and today continues to fight to preserve the Portuguese culture.
If Lisbon has never been on your travel radar, it should, and below are a few reasons why.
1. It still has that Old World European charm.
Much of Europe has become so modern and commercialized that its cities have lost their original characters. Lisbon, however, is a different story.
Portugal’s neutrality during both World Wars spared Lisbon from much of the destruction that the rest of Europe faced and thus, the city’s grand boulevards, picturesque squares and gardens, majestic churches, charming neighborhoods, and historic monuments remain intact.
Lovers of art and architecture will be especially impressed by Lisbon. While the city’s various neighborhoods vary in terms of architectural style, unifying factors such as the city’s iconic red terracotta roofs give the city a harmonious feel.
Azulejo tile in Alfama.
The city’s oldest neighborhood, Alfama, was miraculously spared by a devastating 1755 earthquake and today offers a rare glimpse into Lisbon’s past. Wandering Alfama’s maze of cobblestone streets will lead you seemingly back in time past brightly colored buildings with distinctive azulejo tile-work waiting around every corner. Quaint mom-n-pop tavernas (restaurants) can be found throughout the city, but some of the most soulful can be found here.
Belém Tower.
Belém is best known for the 16th-century masterpieces of Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower which are both characterized by their Manuelian (Portuguese Gothic) style and ornate limestone carvings.
The Rossio or King Pedro IV Square in Baixia.
Baixia was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 and was later rebuilt in a very uniform, gridded, and simple style. Yet this is where you will find some of Lisbon’s most grand squares which are iconic for their uniquely designed cobblestone artwork.
Lisbon’s iconic trolley spotted in Chiado.
Located in the center of Lisbon, Chiado is elegant with a bohemian vibe and is often compared to the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris. While Alfama is regarded as the place where fado music began, many excellent Fado restaurants can be found in this area as can abundant shopping, museums, and theatres.
The view from one of the city’s famous mirraduros or viewpoints.
Nestled amongst rolling hills, Lisbon’s neighborhoods gaze over and rub shoulders with one another. The architecture and micro-culture of each neighborhood are distinct, yet each one just as charming as the next.
2. Location, Location, Location
With warm summers and short, mild winters, Lisbon is an accessible travel destination year-round. It’s also a good jumping off point to visit other parts of Europe or even Africa.
Lisbon is also surrounded by a very diverse environment which offers travelers a plethora of unique experiences. Nature lovers can discover the deep turquoise waters of the Atlantic ocean or explore miles of seaside nature preserve, while culture seekers can wander through some of Portugal’s most charming coastal towns through any number of day tours.
Pena Palace in Sintra.
Another popular day trip is to the town of Sintra, once a popular vacation destination amongst Portuguese royals and aristocrats. This mystical city is overflowing with ornate palaces and beautiful historic monuments, including the 19th-century Pena Palace. Situated atop a rocky peak within Sintra National Park, Pena Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Another site not to be missed is Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious Masonic-inspired palace consisting of exotic gardens, secret wells, winding caves, and fantastical architecture.
3. It’s very affordable.
Lisbon is probably one of the most affordable European cities to visit and affords travelers a lot of bang for their buck. For example, one of the most affordable luxury hotels in the city is the 5-star Avenida Palace Hotel which was built in 1892 by one of Portugal’s most famous architects. Featuring opulent design, exquisite interiors, an elegant tea salon, and a swanky English-style bar, this hotel exudes elegance and luxury - all for a reasonable price.
Avenida Palace Hotel lobby.
While Lisbon’s infamous hills make walking more of a challenge, the city is still fairly walkable. There’s also an excellent subway and trolley system which makes getting around cheap and easy.
The food is excellent and inexpensive. In fact, not only is the food excellent, but dining experiences are almost always exceptional. In Lisbon, the odds are high that you can stumble into a seemingly unremarkable taverna and discover a hidden gem. Many of these unassuming eateries feature friendly and accommodating waitstaff that treat visitors with warmth and respect. If you’re lucky, these restaurants just might even feature a delightful Fado music performance.
Lisbon café.
Lisbon is a place where mom-n-pop shops are still the norm, cobblestone streets are well worn, an iconic trolley chimes up and down the city’s infamous hills, and beautifully preserved historic monuments abound in impressive numbers.
Travelers often overlook Lisbon as a travel destination, but the unfortunate thing is they don’t even know what they’re missing! Lisbon has a relaxed character and charm about it that is simply contagious. Here, life feels light and breezy.
Lisbon is full of both natural and architectural beauty that blend together in perfect harmony. (Trust us, sunset is a photographer’s dream!) Filled to the brim with wonderful museums, monuments, castles, cathedrals, shops, restaurants, and markets, the area has enough variety to suit every traveler. Most importantly, Lisbon is a place with distinctive character and charm, a rare find in today’s world and something to be cherished!
