LISBON

An elegant metropolis steeped in history and culture, Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, home to approximately 547,600 people. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the seaside town is colored with bright architecture and filled with history spanning thousands of years. While enjoying Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate, visitors can explore this global city’s UNESCO sites and feast on its fresh seafood.

GETTING THERE

Portugal’s largest international airport, Lisbon International Airport (LIS), also known as Lisbon Portela Airport, is located approximately 4.5 miles from the city center. It serves as the main hub for TAP Portugal, a member of the Star Alliance that offers extensive services to Europe, Africa and eastern North America (New York, Boston, Montréal and Toronto). Visitors can travel downtown via the city’s AeroBus service for about $4.55 or its metro system for approximately $2.50. Travelers may find it easier to travel via taxi if they can communicate with the driver in Portuguese.

GETTING AROUND

Lisbon’s public transportation is far-reaching, efficient and charming with its century-old tram system. Recently renovated, the city’s metro system is extensive and easily accessible, with most ticketing machines featuring both English and Portuguese directives. Single bus tickets run about $2 (more if bought on the bus), and day passes cost approximately $7.80. Valid for metro, trams (eléctrico), urban trains and most buses, the reusable blue-colored 7 Colinas or the green Viva Viagem stored-value transportation card costs about 65 cents and can store as many trips as visitors want. Pick them up at metro or bus stations.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Belém Tower
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Belém Tower was a fortress built in the 15th century to defend the Tagus River from intruders. Also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, it served as the starting point for several maritime voyages and discoveries. Hop on Tram 15 and explore the last landmark sailors saw before journeying out to sea.

Monastery of the Jerónimos
Built in 1502 to celebrate the discovery of the sea route to India, the Monastery of the Jerónimos is a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the entrance to Lisbon Harbor. The monastery is an excellent example of Portuguese-style architecture and the final resting place for great figures in Portuguese history, including explorer Vasco da Gama, King Manuel and poet Fernando Pessoa.

Santa Justa Elevator
Formerly powered by steam, the Santa Justa Elevator is an iron elevator built in the 19th century to connect the downtown Baixa neighborhood with Bairro Alto, the lowest and highest points of the city. The top of the Neo-Gothic tower, accessed via a spiral staircase, offers sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and features a café.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Arte Lisboa
An annual contemporary art fair held in November, Arte Lisboa attracts art enthusiasts from all over the globe with its showcase of selections from more than 40 national and international modern art galleries.

Festas de Lisboa
Take a trip to Lisbon in the month of June and revel in the Portuguese capital’s culture and folk traditions at Festas de Lisboa, an annual festival featuring street concerts, theater and shows, parades and fairs.

Lisbon Fish & Flavours Festival
Celebrating the delicious and diverse gastronomy of Lisbon, the Lisbon Fish & Flavours Festival is held annually in April. Visitors can enjoy the city’s bountiful seafood, take a cooking class, check out chef demonstrations and sip on the region’s famed wines.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit visitlisboa.com