Lisbon

The capital of Portugal since 1147 when it was taken from the Moors, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of history.

Cheap flights, accommodation, holidays and city breaks to Lisbon, Portugal

One of the oldest areas of Lisbon is the Alfama. Unlike much of Lisbon, it survived the 1755 earthquake and still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle. In June every year, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The Graça quarter and the churches of São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia are within walking distance of this area. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building façades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night.

Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, its downtown, the Baixa, is located in the 18th-century area around Rossio. East of the arcade Praça do Comércio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George's Castle. To the west lie Bairro Alto and Madragoa, with their typical streets, and on the western extreme is Belém, with its Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Cultural Centre of Belém. There are numerous museums in Lisbon, making fascinating viewing.

The climate has cooler summers, freshened by the breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, whilst the same Atlantic influence helps to keep the winter temperatures more like pleasant Spring.