• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

Lisbon Portugal

INTRODUCTION

Located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, Lisbon houses many of Portugal's most famous sites and landmarks. The seat of government, with a population of half a million, Lisbon boasts cathedrals, castles, and coastline that are tourist staples throughout the year.

Each season has its own festivals and events, so the city attracts visitors all year long. In the spring, a lot of concerts and markets take place outside, and the terraces of the restaurants and cafes fill up with people. The high season is during summertime, especially in August, when the locals tend to escape the extreme heat to one of the nearby beaches. A beautiful time to visit Lisbon is in fall, when the summer heat has cooled down and the leaves of the trees around the city are starting to change color. The city’s nightlife is amazing, especially during wintertime, where the bars and nightclubs offer entertainment until early in the morning.

HISTORY

Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Arbs, Moors and even Spanish have passed Lisbon and have left their marks. There are numerous ´reminders´ of the city´s history, from single monuments to archaeological sites that till the atmosphere itself of streets and old neighborhoods. After conquering territory from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon was proclaimed as a capital of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1252, and since then it has been the political, economic and cultural center.

The Age of Discovery – 15th, 16th and 17th centuries – marked a new and very notable role for Lisbon. It was the point of departure for most of Portuguese voyages of discovery, exploring unknown worlds. Thereby Lisbon also turned into the 1st European trading port for merchandise (e.g. spices, textiles, slaves) imported from newly discovered lands like Africa, Asia, Atlantic islands, Brasil, etc. It was “golden times” for Lisbon. Furthermore, this period developed a unique Manueline architecture style, which combines Late Gothic, Moorish, and early Renaissance influences and is characterized by an elaborate use of sculptural details, ropes and nautical motives.

The look of Lisbon significantly changed after a devastating earthquake in 1755 (November 1), causing a fire and later followed by tsunami. Most of the city was turned into ruins and that served as a starting point to rebuild the downtown according to modern urban rules – with wider streets and in a ´grid pattern´.

During World War II Portugal stayed neutral, and Lisbon didn´t experience any damage, but it was the central place in Europe for espionage, exiles' destination or the gateway to America. Lisbon was also the location where the military coup or ´Carnation Revolution´ (called due to carnations the military put in rifle barrels) of 25th April 1974, when regimes of authoritarian dictatorship lasting for 48 years were finally overthrown and democracy was established.

Two events that have influenced the look of current Lisbon are the devastating fire of 1988 in Chiado and World´s Exhibition EXPO ´98, which added new, elegant and modern looks to the city.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Lisbon is a great city for shopping of various kinds, with a mixture of elegant stores, flea markets, and shopping malls. The main shopping areas in the city are in the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado. If you are looking for typical Portuguese gifts, such as handmade tapestries, lacework, and pottery, you should check out some of the markets and smaller stores, which you will find all over the city.

ATTRACTIONS

Alfama

Restauradores Square?

Statue of King Jose I?

Lisbon Castle?

National Theater Museum?

RESTAURANTS

Eleven – For a Michelin-starred experience at 3 star prices, head to Eleven. With a scenic location in Edward II Park and an intimate atmosphere, Eleven is consistently rated as Portugal’s best restaurant.

Bica do Sapato - This warehouse conversion is the trendiest and most talked about of all Lisbon restaurants, gaining fame for its owner, actor John Malkovich (who also owns club Lux next door). The menu is mostly Portuguese and Mediterranean, and the atmosphere is sleek and urban.

100 Maneiras - Bosnian-born chef Ljubomir Stanisic presides over the most creative menu in town. Dishes change daily, and all of the ingredients are fresh, bought that day at the city's Ribeira Market.

Tavares - Opened in 1784, Tavares Rico is Lisbon's oldest restaurant. It is also one of its most expensive, with a luxurious, opulently gilded interior. But the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed in such a palatial setting, and the food is first class – a true Lisbon experience.

Pap’Acorda - A favorite among most locals, Pap’Acorda takes its name from a specialty dish - a soupy bread and seafood mixture. The wine list is monumental, and the homemade chocolate pudding is an excellent way to finish your meal.

Resto do Chapito - Sharing the premises of a circus school, this restaurant has some of the most captivating views over Lisbon from its terrace and candlelit tables. The menu is limited but the food is good and the service is friendly.

LODGINGS

Lisbon Poets - Located in a tranquil street in the Chiado district, this renovated 17th century building has a cozy ambiance with a chill-out room, comfortable beanbags and other stylish furnishings. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget.

Costta Rooms - Colorful, artistic, contemporary decoration inspired by artists such as Warhol, Picasso, and Van Gogh, welcomes guests to this very central hostel/bed and breakfast in the heart of the Baixa district.

As Janelas Verdes - The former home of Portuguese novelist Eça de Queiroz is now a romantic, quaint and intimate hotel.

Bairro Alto Hotel – This boutique hotel has a prime location in the very center of Lisbon, overlooking Camoes Square. Guests will love the fantastic city views from the rooftop bar.

Apartment 59 - A luxury hotel probably could not match this apartment. Practically connected to the castle walls, it overlooks the entire city from the windows and balcony. And if the breathtaking views are not enough, the attractive interior design is made up of modern furnishings.

Lisbon Story Guesthouse – Rooms here are decorated according to themes, such as ‘The Writer’ and ‘The Fado Music’, paying homage to the city’s culture and lifestyle. It’s opposite Rossio, Lisbon’s main square.