One of the most beautiful cities in the world and one that every visitor falls in love with. The historic streets, old neighbourhoods and lookout points with stunning views are an invitation to discover every nook and cranny of the capital. The River Tagus reflects Lisbon's splendid light, while fado echoes through the squares with lyrics of love and longing. This is also the ideal place to sample some of the best flavours of Portuguese cuisine.
The sun shines for most of the year, so you can visit Lisbon at any time. In spring, the streets turn shades of blue and purple with the countless jacaranda trees in bloom. In summer, when the days are warmer, you can relax on one of the riverside terraces or take a dip in the sea at the many beaches close to the capital. At this time of year, make sure you don´t miss the popular festivities in honour of the city’s patron saints that bring so much excitement during the month of June. If you prefer cooler temperatures and more peace and quiet, autumn and winter are the best times to get to know the city.
Travelling to Lisbon is easy and convenient, either by plane, arriving at Humberto Delgado Airport; by train, arriving at either Oriente, Santa Apolonia, Sete Rios or Entrecampos stations which connect the city to the rest of the country; or by car, via the A1 (travelling from the north) or the A2 (travelling from the south) motorways which provide easy access to the capital.
Every meal in Lisbon is a celebration of authentic flavours and centuries-old traditions with rich combinations of fish, seafood, meat and much more. Try typical local dishes such as Brás-style cod, grilled sardines or bitoque (fried steak), accompanied by a glass of one of the region´s wines.
When visiting the city, make sure you try local snacks such as peixinhos da horta (green beans fried in batter) and cod cakes at Lisbon´s traditional taverns. For dessert, treat yourself to sweets such as the famous pastel de Belém (egg custard tart), cheesecake and travesseiros de Sintra (egg puff pastries).
Visiting Lisbon is like travelling back in time. Discover São Jorge Castle with its wonderful panoramic views and take a trip back in time to the city's medieval past. From the castle, walk down steep streets, past buildings decorated with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, leading to the magnificent Praça do Comércio by the river.
In Belém, visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Belém Tower, grandiose reminders of the Age of the Discoveries and stunning examples of Manueline architecture.
The Serra de Sintra mountains are a magical haven of natural beauty with their densely-vegetated slopes and remarkable ancient palaces. Located near Lisbon, this mountainous region offers an idyllic and mysterious setting of dense forests, lush gardens, caves and historic monuments such as the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. Walking the trails of this mountainous region is a magical experience, where nature and architecture come together in perfect harmony.
