Lisbon Mini Guide
Lisbon is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe and is also the wealthiest region of Portugal and its political centre. Tourists are attracted to see Lisbon’s fine cultural heritage, especially as the city has one of the mildest climates in Europe. It is warmed by the passing Gulf Stream and also has many days of sunshine every year. If you get too warm, the beautiful Estoril coast, favourite of the Portuguese royal family, is close by.
Visiting Portugal's capital – why not pick up a car as soon as you arrive? With car hire from Lisbon Airport you can explore the coast and see the wonderful whitewashed buildings which make Lisbon so spectacular. Lisbon holds a huge amount of cultural and sporting events. The Lisbon half marathon is one of the most popular running races in the world, while in 2004 the city hosted the European football championships where Portugal made the final only to be heart-breakingly beaten by
Greece. Meanwhile in January 2006 and 2007 the Dakar Rally took off from Lisbon.
Lisbon is home to one of the biggest pop festivals in the world which regularly entertains crowds of more than 100,000 people and attracts huge international artists like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Britney Spears and Guns 'N' Roses. Also because Lisbon is a pivotal meeting point for the European Union there are often EU and NATO events held in the city too. Lisbon’s architecture has been created over centuries by many different races who found themselves in the Portuguese capital including the Romans and the Goths. Examples of the Baroque building style are also prevalent.
Strolling through the city you will see fine monuments and great avenues such as the Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) and the National Museum of Ancient Art. The latter is just one of many museums in the capital, such as the Museum of Costume and Fashion, the Pharmacy Museum and the National Coach Museum which contains the largest collection of Royal Coaches anywhere in the world. Music lovers should head to Lisbon’s opera house, the Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos.
If you are looking for an apartment with great views over the River Tagus, check out Great Lisbon Apartments, they have some nice self catering properties in the centre of Lisbon If you are hoping to find peaceful green spaces in Lisbon then you are in luck as almost the entire west side of the city is taken up by the Monsanto Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe which is set over 10 square kilometres of trees and fields.
Lisbon is made up of many districts which are worth exploring. The oldest of these is the Alfama which has ancient churches and monasteries. The Baixa district at the centre of the city is so beautiful that it is being considered for World Heritage status. The Chiado is considered to be Lisbon’s mtrendiest neighbourhood with lots of cafes, galleries and bookshops.