First settled by the Romans in 205 B.C., Lisbon,
like Rome－and also San Francisco－is a city
of seven hills. This sunny capital of Portugal
was once primarily seen as a cheap travel alternative
to more glamorous European destinations.
Located at the mouth of the Tagus
River overlooking the Atlantic, Lisbon has long
offered great seafood, fine wine and decent
accommodations for the budget traveler.
While one can still find bargains here today,
Lisbon is also experiencing something of a
renaissance of late. The city’s old-world charm
is now complemented by thriving art and
design scenes, making Lisbon a fascinating and
rewarding place to visit.
With its winding alleys and Moorish
influences, Alfama, the city’s oldest quarter－
which was largely spared by the 1755 earthquake
－is the ideal place to experience historic Lisbon.
After enjoying the views from the Castle of São Jorge,
head to a fado bar to hear this melancholy Portuguese music.
Belém, 8 km to the west, is home to Lisbon’s most famous
attractions: the Belém Tower, a monument to
the Age of Discovery, and nearby Jerónimos
Monastery, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s
voyage to India. More about Portugal’s rich history of maritime
navigation and exploration is revealed
at the Museu de Marinha next door.
New Lisbon may best be experienced at
places like LX Factory, a former manufacturing
complex that’s been transformed into an arts
center with trendy design studios, galleries
and restaurants. And to sample some of Lisbon’s
exciting nightlife, take a quaint funicular
up to the bohemian Bairro Alto and dance
the night away in one of the neighborhood’s
many nightclubs. Whether you’re a traveler who
prefers old charms or new, they’re all waiting for
you in Lisbon.
