Lisbon, the city of oceans’ conquerors

The westernmost capital of mainland Europe still plays a key role in travel today because of its location, but in a different sense than in the Middle Ages. The Tagus River meets the ocean here, for example, which made the city a key player in both river and sea trade and commerce, and this remains the case today. It is also the only European capital where ocean liners can dock right in the middle of the city, without passengers having to transfer to a smaller ship.

With a population of around half a million, Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate also makes it an attractive destination for day trips for those on an ocean-coast holiday. The Phoenicians and Romans loved to ‘come and go’, and it was a major port city, known as Olisipo. The Moors also made their mark here, staying from 711 to 1147, a long time. The history of the town includes the great earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of the town, but was later rebuilt. To this day, small and large quakes are part of the life of the locals, but they get used to it and don’t even notice. Perhaps because of this, there is a mixture of rebuilt and new buildings and old, historic buildings that have given the city its distinctive character, with narrow old streets and modern boulevards side by side.

The must-see-s in Lisbon:

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) – this 16th century fortress on the Atlantic coast symbolizes the era of Portuguese exploration. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive monastery is one of the most outstanding examples of the Manueline style. It is also the site of Vasco da Gama’s tomb.

The Praça do Comércio, formerly known as Terreiro do Paço, is a square in downtown Lisbon, next to the Tagus River, on the site where the palace of the Portuguese kings stood for about two centuries.

Alfama – Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its narrow, winding streets. It is also the site of the famous Sé Cathedral, built in the 12th century on the site of a mosque after the Moorish rule and the oldest church in the city. The cathedral, originally Romanesque in style, also preserves many other architectural features

St George’s Castle – named after St George, the patron saint of England. The seat of the Portuguese kings, it was reconquered from the Moors by King Alfonso I of Portugal. The castle offers a beautiful panorama of the Old Town.

Bairro Alto – the center of the city’s nightlife, full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the narrow streets of the district are also worth a visit during the quieter times of the day.

Bridges – the city is famous for its two major bridges: the 25 de Abril Bridge, reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, one of the longest in Europe.

Sintra – Located near Lisbon, Sintra is a popular destination for visitors, famous for its fairytale castles and lush parks such as the Pena Palace.

Transport

Like Rome, Lisbon is built on seven hills and was not originally built until recently, so in many cases the historic streets are too narrow for vehicular traffic. As a result, many small streets are one-way, and public transport is facilitated by three funicular railway lines and a cable car, the Santa Justa.

Lisbon’s trams are world-famous and are an integral part of the city’s image. Modern trams make it easy to travel around the city, but there are also old ones, each more beautiful than the last, which offer an extra experience for tourists arriving here. Iconic tram 28 is easy to get around the small streets, up and down hills, and enjoy the stunning panorama of the city from the open windows. You can reach almost all the sights as it takes you in a huge circle around the city.

Tickets for the tram and bus services around the city can be bought at the designated places, or booked when services are full.

From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi at a special, lower fare of around €24. Aerobus, which leaves every 20 minutes.

Tip: it’s worth buying a 48-hour all-inclusive ticket so you don’t have to bother with ticketing. The validity of the ticket starts with the first treatment.

Tip 2: be sure to take a river cruise, which can be departed from the port in the center of the historic district. These cruises are more maritime, as the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean here. Much of Lisbon’s attractions can be seen, photographed and filmed from the water. It’s an extraordinary experience to sail under the 25 de Abril Bridge – reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge – and see from the water the monumental statue of Christ the King (Cristo Rei), who looks out over Lisbon and welcomes visitors with open arms on the south bank of the Tagus River. Tickets can be bought at the designated places or booked when flights are full.

Lisbon’s cuisine

Lisbon, as the Mediterranean and Latin capital, excels in the use of seafood and is famous for its fresh seafood dishes, such as bacalhau (dried cod), which is prepared in a variety of ways.

There’s also a delicious pastry that’s only available here, Pastéis de Belém – a famous Portuguese sweet made from puff pastry and filled with a creamy filling. Made from the original recipe of the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop in the Belém district, there are queues snaking down the street to get people in and show them around the pastry factory – there is a demonstration tour – or to take a seat at one of the tables.

Tip: visit the Time Out Market Hall market and fast food venue for street food delicacies from local and international cuisine; a great experience in the venue itself and not least money-saving. There are also sit-down restaurant

Lisbon, the party city

When we were out and about, we met a lot of young people all over the city. Lisbon has become an increasingly popular party city in recent years, especially among young people. The Portuguese capital is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place where traditional culture mixes with a modern lifestyle. The city’s buzzing nightlife, pleasant weather and relatively affordable prices make it a popular choice for young people, especially tourists and Erasmus students. But why is Lisbon so popular with young people?

A vibrant nightlife – Lisbon offers a wide variety of different styles of nightlife. The city is packed with bars, clubs and music venues, so everyone can find the atmosphere that suits them.

Affordable prices – compared to other major European cities, Lisbon has more affordable prices for drinks, tickets and food.

A wide variety of entertainment – different styles of entertainment can be found in different parts of the city, so there’s something to suit everyone.

The international atmosphere – the international presence of Erasmus students and tourists has made Lisbon a cosmopolitan place where it’s easy to meet new people.

But where to party in Lisbon?

Lisbon has many different neighborhoods offering different styles of entertainment. Here are some of the highlights:

Bairro Alto – the aforementioned Bairro Alto is one of the most famous and busiest party areas in Lisbon. The narrow streets are filled with bars and people looking to have fun at night. Here the party often takes place in the streets as many people come out of the bars with their drinks. Almost every bar offers a different style of music, so you can sample a variety of moods from electronic music to rock.

Cais do Sodré – This area has become one of Lisbon’s most popular nightlife hubs in recent years. The famous “Pink Street” (Rua Nova do Carvalho) is located here, full of bars and clubs. Once known more as the port district, it is now one of the city’s trendiest and busiest party venues. It is home to alternative clubs like Musicbox and Pensao Amor, where live music, electronic parties and special events alternate.

Alcântara and LX Factory – LX Factory is an old factory complex that has been converted into a creative space. It hosts exhibitions and art events during the day and transforms into clubs and bars at night. It’s a trendy place for more alternative party lovers.

Santos – Santos is wedged between the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, and is home to a growing number of bars and clubs. This area tends to appeal to a younger, trendier crowd, with many locals and tourists alike.

Docas – Situated on the banks of the Tagus River, near the port, Docas is also a popular nightlife destination with a number of bars and clubs. The view of the river gives a special atmosphere to parties here.

Other options

Fado evenings – for those who prefer a more cultural evening, listening to traditional Portuguese Fado music can be a great option. These nights are usually held in small bars or restaurants and offer a unique musical experience.

Festivals and concerts: Lisbon hosts a number of music festivals and concerts throughout the year, offering a unique experience. The NOS Alive festival and Super Bock Super Rock are among the best known.

Lisbon is therefore the ideal destination for young people looking for an exciting nightlife, cultural experiences and friendly prices.