Europe
Discover Lisbon’s Diverse Blend of Attractions
By Valerie Mellema
Mar 6, 2008, 08:44

If you’d like to visit one of Europe’s most beautiful, entertaining and affordable capital cities, Lisbon, Portugal is ideal.  Lisbon is located on the southwestern coast of Portugal and has a mild climate, so a visit any time of the year will be warm and comfortable.

Whatever your favorite pastimes, you’ll find plenty to love about Lisbon.  There are incredible historic sites and fascinating museums, excellent shopping areas and a tremendous variety of drinking and dining establishments.  You can enjoy a variety of live music including traditional fado every night of the week and celebrate with a vibrant nightlife. 

Lisbon is an incredibly beautiful city with its narrow medieval cobblestone streets, tiled buildings and lush, tropical gardens and green areas.  As if all that isn’t enough, Lisbon also features beautiful sandy beaches along a bright blue sea.   

Lisbon’s Diverse Historical Legacy

Even among ancient European cities, Lisbon’s history is unique.  Archaeological evidence dates the history of the city as far back as 300,000 years ago.  Originally it was inhabited and battled over by Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and it was finally settled as a Roman city in 205 BC. 

Germanic tribes took Lisbon over from the Romans around 600 AD, and in the 8th century Lisbon was captured and ruled by the Moors.  Lisbon was reclaimed by Christians in 1147, and has remained an important cultural, economic and political center of Portugal ever since.  Lisbon was the point from which the Portuguese Discoveries of the 15th century were launched.  Seafarers such as Vasco da Gama discovered new trade routes and allowed Portugal to colonize areas throughout the Atlantic.

Lisbon came under Spanish rule in 1580, but in 1640, Portugal’s independence was restored in Lisbon.  Although much of Lisbon was destroyed during an earthquake in 1755, the diverse influences from its unique and varied history are still evident in this beautiful city today.

Historical Attractions and Museums

Students of history, art and architecture will delight in the variety of architectural sites and museums located throughout Lisbon.  The Carmo Convent Monument or Convento da Ordem do Carmo is an excellent historical site to visit in Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood.

The medieval convent was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.  The ruins of the Gothic Carmo Church now house an archaeological museum containing works from every period of Portuguese history, from the pre-historical era through the present.  You can see Gothic tombs, ancient architectural items such as windows and fountains, statues and Spanish-Moorish, roman and Visigoth objects and artifacts.

Another interesting site to visit if you wish to learn about Lisbon’s history is the City Museum.  This museum traces the entire history of Lisbon.  It features a tremendous variety of artifacts and artwork and is located in the impressive 18th century Pimenta Palace.

Lisbon is home to dozens of other themed museums, monuments, churches and other sites that celebrate its history and rich, diverse cultural legacy.  Yet there is much more to Lisbon than enjoying its cultural and historical attractions.  Lisbon features gorgeous scenery, outstanding shopping, a boisterous nightlife and exceptional dining opportunities.

Shopping in Lisbon

Whether you love shopping or normally find it a grueling bore, you’ll probably find Lisbon’s unique shops and affordable prices irresistible.  Handmade goods such as hand-painted tiles, ceramic ware or textiles make unique souvenirs.  Gold jewelry is another popular item purchased in Lisbon.  Shoppers looking for high fashion or alternative streetwear will find plenty of options in Lisbon, too.  You can shop in the Chiado quarter or Bairro Alto, visit the huge Colombo shopping mall or look for flea-market bargains at the Feira da Ladra in Alfama. 

Nightlife in Bairro Alto

There are many choices for accommodations in Lisbon, and public buses, streetcars, the metro system, taxis and funiculars make it easy to get around the city’s seven hills.  Choose accommodations according to your tastes, but be advised that certain areas are known for their loud nightlife. 

If you’d like to be in the heart of Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife, consider staying in Bairro Alto, or the Old Quarter.  This area is characterized by charming steep, narrow cobblestone streets and is full of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.  During the day it is a fairly quiet neighborhood, but at night it is alive with excitement. 

There are wine bars, fado houses, traditional bars and nightclubs.  Whatever type of drinking establishment you are in the mood for is available in Bairro Alto.  Even if you choose to forego staying in this vibrant after-dark area, it is worth visiting at night.  There are countless excellent restaurants serving delicious Portuguese food throughout Bairro Alto.  You will also want to hear live traditional fado music here, as well. 

Cascais:  Cosmopolitan Seaside Suburb

For a slightly different experience out of the heart of Lisbon, take the train out to spend a day at the beach in nearby Cascais.  Spend some time exploring this pretty, seaside suburb of Lisbon before heading to one of its several sand beaches.  Enjoy shopping or dine on fresh seafood at one of its trendy restaurants.  There is also a yacht harbor and an art and sea museum you can visit in Cascais.   

However you choose to spend your time in Lisbon, you’ll enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this traditional, but cosmopolitan city.  A visit to Lisbon is an unforgettable experience and you will enjoy discovering new charms and hidden treasures every time you return.