What’s more, Portugal’s capital was just named the world’s leading city vacation spot of the year at the 24th World Travel Awards.
Lisbon offers castles, parks, a buzzing cultural scene, haute dining and some of the best travel value Western Europe has to offer. In 2018 alone, actually, 15 new hotels will add more than 1,600 rooms to Lisbon, creating plenty of consumer-friendly competition. As you plan your visit, here are a few items for your to-do list.
Don’t Walk, Get the Card
The city’s official travel card, the Lisboa Card, makes getting around Lisbon easy and affordable. The three-day card is the best bang for your buck: €40 for adults, €21 for kids, You get free rides on all public transport – bus, tram, metro, even funicular – and free access to 26 museums, monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Torre de Belem. A slew of shopping, nightlife and tour discounts come standard. Get it at the airport or the Lisbon Welcome Center.
Skip the Tour, Take the Tram
The 28 tram line may be the best way to see Lisbon. The classic yellow cars are, themselves, an attraction: these are historic Remodelado trams that date back to the 1930s and screech along a complex network of uphill climbs and tricky turns. The 28 line runs from Campo Ourique to Martim Moniz and takes riders through several popular tourist districts. “A trip to the last stop, Martim Moniz, will help orient you a bit,” says Kat Lapelosa, avid traveler and art director at Brooklyn-based PR agency PrayTell. “It also offers great views as you coast past Praça do Comércio and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where some of the most romantic views of the city can be seen.” Ride early or board at either end of the route for better odds at your own seat.
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PHOTO: A giraffe is pictured at the Lisbon zoo in Lisbon, Portugal, this undated stock photo. (STOCK PHOTO/Shutterstock)
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After the Tram, Ride the River
Lisbon sits on the north bank of the Tejo River, where the river meets the Atlantic. That means that a river cruise can offer a beautiful and unique perspective of this 2,500-year-old city. There are several charter companies to choose from, many of which will pick you up at your hotel; you can save by buying your tickets direct, and some companies offer Lisboa Card discounts. Cruises usually last two to three hours and include a drink. Aside from sweeping landscapes, you’ll catch views of landmarks like the Basilica de Estrela, Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Christ the King monument.
Ride the Elevator, Catch a View
The Santa Justa Elevator also is, itself, an attraction. Inspired by the need to tame Lisbon’s undulating terrain (Lisbon is built on seven hills), it dates back to 1902, when it was originally powered by steam. The metal neo-Gothic tower rises almost 150 feet and features a covered observation platform and walkway that offer awesome views of the city. The elevator connects the lowest and highest points of the city – from Baixa to Largo do Carmo, respectively. To avoid crowds, especially in summer, visit early in the day or at night. Elevator ride and platform access cost about €5. Other great places to catch a view include the Vasco da Gama Building, the city’s tallest structure, and several lookouts throughout Lisbon, or miradouros, like the Miradouro de Santa Catarina and the Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara.
Skip the Diet, Eat Up
Ask any foodie: Portuguese cuisine is among Europe’s best. “The Time Out Mercado da Ribeira is a great place to sample a few dishes if you're not sure what to try first,” suggests Lapelosa. “Duck rice, baked octopus, bolinhos (salt cod potato croquettes) and, of course, sardines! The best place to have them is at Sol e Pesca on Pink Street, which is also one of Lisbon's best party streets.” You can’t miss Pink Street – the pavement is literally pink. And the bevy of bars that line it help create a wonderful bohemian vibe and stay open late every day.
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