Lisbon

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General facts

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest city in Western Europe. It has two sites listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

Spread over seven hills north of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) estuary, the city also presents a variety of faces to those who wander around its streets.

Belém is famous as the place from which many of the great Portuguese explorers set off on their voyages of discovery.The city is connected to the far side of the Tagus river by two important bridges: The 25 de Abril Bridge and The Vasco da Gama Bridge - the longest bridge in Europe. The oldest part of the city sits below the ruined walls of the Moorish Castelo de São Jorge.

Personal opinion

Lisbon is a curious contrast of old and new architecture, haunted looking houses and brand new hotels one next to the other. In the old city you can notice buildings with their iron balconies covered in rust, rotten windows and musty walls next to buildings with sparkling clean, modern facades. The streets though, have that simple charm and maritime magic of a vintage-era capital. Just check out the century-old wooden trams and iron funiculars that still lurch and rumble their way among the seven steep hills over which this city lies.

One of the most impressive constructions I've ever seen is Jerónimos Monastery. Belém Tower as well, is a magical place as the tower was built to guard the entrance on Tagus river. The bridges are also spectacular.

My recommendation

Take a map of the city and plan your routes well. There's much to see and a lot of walking to do. Try the famous Pastéis de Belém - a Portuguese egg tart pastry from the charming pastry shop there. Portuguese daily menu is tasty but cheap compared to the Spanish one. Finally, take care of your belongings as the city is also well-known for pickpocketing.

Here are our memories from Lisbon captured in photographs. Enjoy your visit here and there!

PICOS DE EUROPA NATIONAL PARK

LISBON