Straddling the mouth of the river Tagus on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, Lisbon offers a European getaway that won’t break the bank.
Nearly six million international tourists visited Lisbon in 2022 and with good reason. Portugal’s capital offers an eclectic mix of all things old and new.
Lisbon was ranked as 2023’s top European city for overall value by the Post Office which cited the capital’s affordable food, three-star hotels, sightseeing and public transport.
It’s also Western Europe’s oldest city harking back to around 1200 BC, predating London, Paris and Rome by several centuries.
Foodies will be delighted at Lisbon’s vibrant culinary scene – often a blend of traditional Portuguese foods with a modern twist. Seafood reigns supreme with cod – or bacalhau – featuring heavily.
Octopus is also a Portuguese delicacy but travellers who fancy more terrestrial options will not be disappointed – cured meats like chorizo are also a part of everyday life in Lisbon.
Travellers with a sweet tooth will be hard-pressed to miss Lisbon’s famous Portuguese custard tarts for dessert.
The city has an ample variety of wine from Vinho Verde to Port – an after-dinner favourite made from grapes grown in the Duomo Valley.
Winding cobblestone streets give Lisbon a Medieval feel and history buffs can enjoy numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites in the city including Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon’s iconic funiculars and elevators whisk tourists and locals alike up the city’s iconic seven hills while the capital also boasts an impressive network of buses and trams to ferry visitors to sightseeing spots.
Much of the city is easily walkable and many travellers opt to stroll down Lisbon’s cobblestone streets. The maze-like medieval streets of Alfama south near the sea are a tourist favourite.
One of Europe’s largest squares, Praca do Comercio in Baixa is another unmissable walking spot in Europe’s oldest capital.
Visitors looking for nightlife can take public transit to Barrio Alto to dance the night away or explore one of the area’s many jazz clubs and live music bars.
The city is less than a three-hour flight from other European capitals including London, Paris and Brussels meaning it’s well-situated for a weekend getaway.
Lisbon typically flies under the radar as a European getaway destination but with a vibrant cuisine, a deep history and elegant architecture – at an affordable price – it’s unlikely Western Europe’s oldest capital will stay overlooked for long.
