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Lisbon Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Lisbon
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Lisbon Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Lisbon - The capital of Portugal has experienced a
renaissance in recent years and has reclaimed its rightful place as
the 'golden city' of southern Europe. After slumbering for decades,
the city's modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan identity is today much
similar to that which it enjoyed in the 15th and 16th centuries
during the age of the great discoverers, when Lisbon was the centre
of trade with the East and the starting point for maritime
exploration of the globe.
The city fathers of
Lisbon elected to invest in some rejuvenation in the 1990s, and
this ongoing focus on the future has made the most of the city's
attributes and attractions, both old and new. Infrastructure has
also been improved, with additions like the impressive Vasco da
Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links the city's airport
to a network of national motorways and has facilitated access to
other parts of Portugal. There is also a new showcase railway hub,
the Gare de Oriente, which is the pride of a new modern suburb on
the east bank of the Tagus, creating an even better link between
Lisbon and the rest of Europe. While much is
new, there is plenty of the old left to charm visitors, giving the
metropolis a slightly provincial air. The delightful, picturesque
medieval section of Alfama skirts the city's Sao Jorge castle, and
historic wooden trams ply noisily up and down steep hills past art
deco cafes and mosaic-decorated pavements. Many of the relics of
the city's golden age were destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, but
some survived and are popular tourist attractions, complemented now
by modern sights, like the futuristic Oceanarium.
Within easy reach of the city are the sandy beaches of
several coastal resorts, such as Costa da Caparica, Estoril and
Cascais, as well as the forested areas of Sintra and attractions
like the extraordinary Mafra monastery. The mood of Lisbon is light
and bright, confident, fresh and avante garde, ready to welcome the
world to the doorstep as one of the great capitals of
Europe.
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Lisbon
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Castelo de Sao Jorge
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What is it? The walls of Saint George's Castle, sitting
atop a hill guarding the Tagus, date from the Moorish occupation in
the 10th century, but the site has been a fortress for centuries,
possibly since the 5th century. The castle is regarded as the
cradle of Lisbon, and today it provides a panoramic view of the
River Tagus and the Alfama medieval district, which is spread out
below it. Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts.
A multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive
the history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive,
pine and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to
relax.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 9pm (April to September), and 9am to 6pm
(October to March)
Phone:21 887 7244 |
2. Alfama
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What is it? The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter
sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge,
retaining much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the
days when it was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow
cobblestone alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed
with close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers
and sailors. At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon's renowned flea
market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara
every Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic
buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the
buildings display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the
fact that the Alfama was once home to aristocrats. At night the
Alfama takes on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns
throwing shadows on the medieval walls, and it is advisable to
avoid the area after dark in favour of the Bairro Alto café and
nightclub district.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Sé (Cathedral)
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What is it? Although this cathedral in Largo da Se in the
Alfama district is not outwardly appealing, it was the first church
in Lisbon, built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was
captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient
church features some treasures, like the font where St Anthony of
Padua was baptised in 1195, and numerous notable relics, images and
icons.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 7pm, Sunday and Monday 9am
to 5pm
Phone:21 886 6752 |
Lisbon
holidays - Top Events
1. Festival of Saint Antonio
From 2007-06-01
To 2007-06-30
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What is it? The month of June is when three popular
saints are remembered, Saints Anthony, John and Peter, and the city
is decorated with colourful decorations, lights and lanterns; there
is feasting, dancing and music in the streets, and plenty of
traditional festivities. In Lisbon, the main festivities
concentrate on the city's favourite saint, Santo Antonio. The
month-long Festival is a riot of parades, fireworks and all-night
partying. The highlight of the festivities is the big parade that
makes its way down the Avenida da Liberdade in the evening. For
more information contact the Lisbon Tourist Office on +351 (0)21
031 2700.
Where is it? |
2. Lisbon Marathon
From 2006-12-03
To 2006-12-03
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What is it? The Lisbon Marathon is attracting more and
more runners each year as its reputation extends as one of the best
marathons in the world, primarily because of the beautiful city in
which it is run but also because of the high level of organisation.
The race starts in the Praça do Comércio and does three circular
routes, east, west and north, each time returning to the start
point.
Where is it? |
3. Carnival
From 2007-02-16
To 2007-02-20
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What is it? The Rio Carnival may be the most famous in
the world but it all started here in Portugal's capital. Even
though today the Brazilian infused mega-carnival on the other side
receives most of the international attention, the Lisbon Carnival,
a celebration of the end of winter, is still a major event on the
city's calendar. The entrudo is the highlight
of the festival, closing on the last day, and processions of floats
make their way down the colourful streets while jugglers and masked
celebrators join in the cacophony of music and cheering. The focal
point of the festival is in Parque Nações but parties are
celebrated all along the coast.
Where is it? |
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