Discover Portugal’s coastal capital
One of the oldest cities in the world, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital has a rich history of exploration. Typically, Lisbon holidays tend to be weekend breaks, but there’s enough to see in this sun-kissed city to keep you here longer.
Contemporary Lisbon is both cosmopolitan and quaint. Modern architecture sits comfortably side-by-side with ancient monuments and old pastel-coloured buildings, many of which reflect the city’s maritime past. The city’s historic centre lies between the moorish Alfama area and the Bairro Alto at the mouth of the Tagus River. The waters of the Tagus, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, have helped shape Lisbon into the vibrant city it is today. To the west, along the river where ships departed to explore and trade with India and Orient, lies Belem. Here you’ll find the Monument of Discoveries which celebrates this grand age of Portuguese discovery.
Overlooking the Tagus, Lisbon's famed seven hills afford picture-perfect panoramas and provide the backdrop to the city’s other attractions. These include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Decorative Tiles and St George's Castle.
Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril. And Sintra, with its eclectic architecture makes a great day trip. Our Lisbon holidays will help you discover the very best this city has to offer, not least the best places to sample its famous pasteis de nata custard tarts.