Lisbon lauded by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet Travel Guide has described Lisbon as "Iberia's seductive mermaid", considering Portugal's capital city a "gourmet paradise" where "antiquity and charm are always met by a youthful party spirit".
Lisbon was listed in the acclaimed expert's ‘Best in Travel' guide as an ‘unmissable city', as over the past few years it has reaped praise for its culture and entertainment.
Lonely Planet describes how Lisbon, once considered ‘boring' and unfashionable', has soared in popularity since it was nominated ‘European Capital of Culture' in 1994, being further promoted by EXPO 98 and by hosting the EURO 2004 football championships.
On its ‘Top-10 Must See Cities' list, ‘Best in Travel' also highlights Antwerp, Beirut, Chicago, Mexico City, Glasgow, São Paulo, Warsaw, Shanghai and Zurich.
Introducing Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you'd expect of Portugal's star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colourful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon's lovely backstreets.
As bright yellow trams wind their way through curvy tree-lined streets, Lisboêtas stroll through the old quarters, much as they've done for centuries. Village-life gossip in old Alfama is exchanged at the public baths or over fresh bread and wine at tiny patio restaurants as fadistas (proponents of fado, Portugal's traditional melancholic singing) perform in the background.
Meanwhile, in other parts of town, visitors and locals chase the ghosts of Pessoa in warmly lit 1930s-era cafés or walk along the seaside that once saw the celebrated return of Vasco da Gama. Yet, while history is very much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is undeniably youthful.
In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with jazz, reggae, electronica and fado filling the air and revellers partying until dawn. Nightclubs scattered all over town make fine use of old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions.
The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It's mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighbourhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.
Just outside Lisbon, there's more to explore: the magical setting of Sintra, glorious beaches and traditional fishing villages.
