About Lisbon
Highlights:
Lisbon, Portugal’s beautiful capital, overlooks the River Tagus as it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The city undulates steeply over several hills, and is crowned by the castle of São Jorge, which offers spectacular views. The Bairro Alto and Alfama, two of Lisbon’s oldest and most enchanting neighbourhoods, are home to Fado houses, bars and restaurants, while the Baixa district and the elegant Avenida da Liberdade are the best areas for shopping. Just 3 of the original elevadores, or funiculars, built to link the upper with the lower neighbourhoods, survive, and have become, like the nostalgic no.28 tram, a popular tourist attraction.
Food & drink:
A wonderful destination for foodies, the dining scene in Lisbon offers plenty of award-winning restaurants and fashionable bistros, but its greatest strength is the old-fashioned, traditional restaurant offering the fantastic local produce. Fresh fish and shellfish features prominently on many menus, along with classic dishes such as ‘caldo verde’, kale soup flavoured with chorizo. Lisbon is justly famous for its excellent bread and local pastries, which include the famous ‘pasteis de nata’, tiny custard tarts dusted with cinnamon.
Off the beaten track:
Graça is a charming, historic district in the heart of Lisbon, which hasn’t yet made it on to the tourist radar. It has several ‘miradors’ (viewing points) from where you can admire the sunset, or enjoy a picnic, and the area also has some wonderful arty cafés and bars.
