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Lisbon

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It is difficult to find a city in the world that arouses as many emotions as Lisbon. Whether it’s for the decadent beauty of its old mansions or the melancholic air that interweaves with its everlasting melody – el fado, that was masterfully interpreted by the late Amália Rodrigues, – be what it may, Lisbon is an invitation to nostalgia. Or rather to the saudade, as Lisboans would say.

Anyway, the capital of Portugal offers much more than that. Despite being very close to the Atlantic, this city with just over half a million inhabitants can boast of its mild Mediterranean climate and around 3.300 hours of sunshine and barely 100 days of rain a year. Hence, some have renamed this place as the second Barcelona. These features, along with the small size, make this destination point an ideal place to visit on foot. And yes: if you want to climb up and down the hills, there is nothing better than to hop on one of the iconic yellow trams.

For those who decide to visit Lisbon, the city offers an enormous number of monuments, sandy beaches in proximity to the city centre and lots of attractions all over the area, with such famous places as Cascais, Sintra or Estoril. It can also take pride in its irresistible Portuguese cuisine, simple as well as exquisite, with unfailing cod (or bacalhau) as a spearhead. And all this goes at prices that make you fall in love with the food and nurture your tender feeling for these lovely cobbled avenidas. And here comes the question: how about taking a pint for only 1,5 euros in one of the most touristic areas?

To help you enjoy these experiences, we encourage you to book and discover our Iberostar Selection Lisboa hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Its unbeatable location is in the proximity to Marquês de Pombal Square, Avenida da Liberdade that is full of luxury stores, and Eduardo VII Park which is a perfect place for you to start exploring the city streets that captivated the celebrated Fernando Pessoa.

Check out our holiday offers in Lisbon and give yourself a truly unique Portuguese break.

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Things to see in Lisbon

It is not easy to summarize in a few lines the best places to see in Lisbon that should not be overlooked. Among the sites that are considered a must see, is the imposing castle of San Jorge (castelo de São Jorge), located on top of the homonymous hill that is towering over the city centre. Founded by the Visigoths, it was extended by the Arabs and occupied by the Portuguese monarchs between the 13th and 16th centuries. From that place one of the best viewpoints (miradouros) of Lisbon may be enjoyed.

It is also worth getting to know the picturesque neighbourhood of barrio de la Alfama. Its narrow streets and elegant arcades are among the few places in the city that were left intact by the earthquake of 1755.

Another survivor, although not in full, is the Sé Velha, which was founded in the 12th century and got registered as one of the National Monuments in 1910. This construction is one of the most important religious buildings in Lisbon, and so is the convent of Carmen, a Gothic masterpiece from 1423 that hosts an extremely interesting museum, and the magnificent monastery of Los Jerónimos. This is the best example of a unique architectural style el manuelino, which takes its name from its main moving spirit: King Manuel I of Portugal. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, this enclosure shares its distinction with the other great claim of the Belém neighbourhood: Tower of Belém (1516-1520). Despite its defensive function, its warehouses served as a dungeon for political prisoners since 1580s.

Also, do not miss out two picturesque squares of Lisbon: Praça del Comercio, near the Tagus, and Praça de Dom Pedro IV, formerly known as the Rossio. Both appeared as the result of the urban plan made by Marquis of Pombal in the 18th century to rebuild Lisbon after an earthquake.

Nearby we can see the square of Los Restauradores and elevador de Santa Justa, a svelte lift (elevador) designed at the end of the 19th century by Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.

Things to do in Lisbon

On top of numerous places of interest located all around the city, the Portuguese capital offers many other leisure activities. For instance, the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean provides you with many opportunities to spend a magnificent day at the beach near Lisbon or to practice aquatic sports like surf or sailing. If you decide to move away from the aquatic environment, trekking will be another interesting activity – this pastime is appreciated by many and will allow you to discover the old town and the surroundings of Chiado neighbourhood.

We also encourage you to take your time in Lisbon and to savour some of the most popular Portuguese dishes. Besides the cod, you should try rice with seafood, grilled sardines, succulent Belém cakes, ginjinha – a typical Lisbon liqueur made of sour cherries, and the famous Port wine – the Portuguese drink that perfectly accompanies any meal or dinner.

To discover Lisbon at night we recommend visiting barrio Alto, where you will find the best nightlife in the city, with more than 250 bars, pubs and nightclubs.

On the other hand, if chilling out is what you feel like, our hotel in Lisbon provides you with other entertainment options so that your holidays in Portugal exceed your expectations. In fact, we put at your disposal one of the best hotels with spa in the Portuguese capital, where you can pamper yourself in the sauna, the Turkish bath or the indoor pool with whirlpool.

If you prefer, you may also relax in the solarium or at our terrace with an exclusive pool for guests only and a great Lounge Bar. But if you want to practice sports without leaving the hotel – one of the best gyms in Lisbon is at your disposal.

Looking for more attention? In this case come and discover STAR PRESTIGE, our VIP area, with suites and rooms overlooking the centre of Lisbon.

Don’t think twice. At Iberostar in Lisbon we take care of every single detail so that all you have to do is to enjoy your memorable rest. Come and check it out for yourself at the Iberostar Selection Lisboa Hotel!

Places to visit near Lisbon

Paradoxically, one of the best reasons to visit Lisbon is not only the Portuguese capital, but also the attractions in its surroundings. Just a few kilometres away and less than an hour by car or by train from the city centre, there are located some very picturesque Portuguese neighbourhoods that are well worth a visit and are a perfect rural destination point.


Best places to visit near Lisbon

  • Sintra. No wonder that this city of 300.000 inhabitants which is located 31 km away from Lisbon was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. This attraction can be easily accessed by car or by train from Rossio station; besides, Sintra is full of precious sites, such as the National Palace founded by the Arabs and renovated in Manueline style in the 15th century; the colourful Pena Palace (1836), which resembles the Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich; the remains of the Castle of the Moors, an ancient Arabic fortification located at 429 m of altitude, and Quinta da Regaleira.
     
  • Cascáis. This beautiful seaside town was a magnet for well-off Portuguese and European families in the 1930s. For instance, among its famous visitors were the Onassis or the Renaults. Lots of luxurious summer villas were preserved here from that time, even though the heart of Cascais are the breathtaking cliffs of Boca do Inferno in its outskirts. Like in the case of Sintra, you can reach this destination by train from Rossio station in Lisbon.
     
  • Estoril. Located 25 km away from Lisbon, this city overlooks the Atlantics and offers quite a few attractions. It has been a habitual refuge for some members of the European royalty – like the late Juan de Borbón and his son, the future king Juan Carlos I. What is more, Estoril also hosts a famous tennis tournament and GP sites for the World Motorcycling Championship. Among other recommended places, is the famous Portuguese casino.
     
  • Royal Palace of Queluz. Popularly renamed as the Portuguese Versailles and located 33 km away from Lisbon, this beautiful palatial complex was the main residence for some members of the House of Braganza. Although its construction began in 1747, it acquired great importance starting with 1755, the date of the earthquake that devastated Lisbon.
     
  • Óbidos. This town of 15.000 inhabitants is another obligatory destination for anyone who is visiting Lisbon. Due to its splendid past when it accommodated one of the most prosperous ports of Portugal, Óbidos is a beautiful fortified town with many interesting monuments. Among them are the majestic castle of medieval origin, the church of Santa Maria, the Municipal Museum and the sanctuary of Senhor da Pedra, which is outside the city walls.
     
  • Mafra. The most remarkable monument of this Portuguese town with 77.000 inhabitants is the National Palace of Mafra, constructed in baroque style in 1717. This Palace that is located only 30 km away from Lisbon served as a Franciscan convent.

Festivals in Lisbon

Despite the specific nostalgic character Lisbon is often characterized with, the Portuguese capital and its surroundings are an ideal destination for those who are looking for a traditional seaside and lots of fun. Below we summarize some of the best ceremonies and events from the local calendar.


Most important festivals in Lisbon

  • Lisbon Carnival. Although Rio carnival is the most famous in the world, its origins stem from the Portuguese capital. The culminating moment of these celebrations, which are held in February or March (depending on the date when Lenten starts) is the last day. Thousands of citizens become witnesses of a magnificent parade of decorated floats with jugglers and dancers. The Park of Nations and the coast are the two most popular sites during this time.
     
  • Procession of the Lord dos Passos. On the second Sunday of Lenten or the week that follows the carnival, the devotees accompany this venerated image along the main streets of Lisbon, in conformity with a religious tradition dating from 1586.
     
  • Indie Lisboa. Each May and over a period of 12 days this city has an appointment for lovers of the seventh art: Indie Lisboa International Independent Film Festival. The purpose of this international event is to unveil new emerging talents and cinematographic trends.
     
  • Lisbon Book Fair. Since the beginning of June and for almost three weeks, Eduardo VII Park hosts this veteran bibliographic event, born in 1930.
     
  • Festivities of San Antonio. Throughout the month of June, the streets of Lisbon are decorated to honour patron saints, also known as the Popular Saints. In any case, the culminating moment of the event takes place at night from the 12th to the 13th of June. On that night, lively processions, formed by beautifully decorated floats, cover Avenida da Liberdade, the central street of Lisbon, where each of the participants are aspiring to take the first prize for the best performance. The celebrations are accompanied with sardine barbecues and el fado. Another curious fact is that since the 1950s one couple has the privilege of having a massive wedding ceremony inside the Cathedral of Lisbon. Commemoration of the National Day of Portugal (June 10) is also broadly celebrated, as well as other popular festivals, which take place in various neighbourhoods of the city, especially in la Alfama. At the end of June or in early July, a pyrotechnic show over the Tagus brings to a fabulous end this essential festival.
     
  • Estoril Lisbon Festival (Estoril Music Weeks). Every July or August, the neighbouring towns of Estoril and Cascais host this great event that started in 1975. The program includes numerous concerts of classical music and jazz, some of which are free.
     
  • San Martín. On November the 10th, a day before the celebrations of San Martín, the young people of Lisbon perform an ancient ritual to predict whether they will meet the partner of their dreams. To this end they use a small bowl and a piece of paper.

Shopping in Lisbon: what to buy and where?

What to buy in Lisbon?

  • Ginjinha. Lovers of good food will be grateful to receive as a souvenir the quintessential Lisbon liqueur – ginjinha, a drink made of sour cherries. Yet, the best place to taste it is the bar A Ginjinha, located at Praça of Dom Pedro IV, its well-known distribution centre is A Ginjinha Espinheira store, in Largo de São Domingos, 8.
     
  • Vinho verde or Port wine. Another great tradition of Portugal; this wine can be bought in supermarkets.
     
  • Belém cakes. This delicious local pastry can be found at any bakery in the neighbourhood of Belém, as well as at other specialized establishments around Lisbon.
     
  • Ceramics. As you can see for yourself, blue tiles are part of the urban landscape of Lisbon. These delicate tiles are sold in gift and craft shops. Many of them can be found in la Baixa or close to the castle of San Jorge.
     
  • Embroidered towels, tablecloths and handkerchiefs. These rather pricy textile items stand out for their great quality. Although, in la Baixa neighbourhood such items can be bought at a more affordable price.
     
  • Cork items. Portugal is the largest exporter of cork in the world. Hence, its capital is the ideal place to acquire all kinds of items made of this material, including such unusual ones as umbrellas. One of the Portuguese companies that sell them is Pelcor; the place is ready to welcome its visitors in 16 Dom Pedro V street.
     
  • Rooster of Barcelos. You have surely seen this colorful figurine more than once; it originated in the north of the country and is a quintessential symbol of Portugal. You may find different sizes, qualities and textures of rooters at all types of gift shops.

Facts about Lisbon

There is no doubt that Lisbon enchants the traveller at first sight. And this feeling keeps growing as you discover legends and unusual facts hidden in its fascinating streets and avenues.

Interesting facts and legends about Lisbon

  • The second oldest capital of the EU. Only Athens is ahead. You may be surprised, but the history of Lisbon starts four centuries before the history of Rome. Also, together with Alcácer do Sal, Setúbal and some localities of the Algarve, it is considered one of the oldest cities in Portugal.
     
  • Host of the first rhino in Europe. In 1515, after 120-day-long voyage the first of these mammals reached the Old Continent and landed in Lisbon. It was a gift from the Governor of the Portuguese Indies, Alfonso de Albuquerque, for King Manuel I. To commemorate this event, the effigy of the animal was sculpted on the facade of the tower of Belém, the construction of which began one year later. In addition, it was Durero who immortalized it.
     
  • The most expensive chapel in the world. The chapel of San Juan Bautista of the 18th century that belongs to the church of San Roque, has earned this nickname for its ostentatious decoration. No wonder! It is adorned with mosaics covered with gold, silver and ivory. Moreover, it was designed in Rome by the prestigious architects Nicola Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli and sent to Lisbon by means of various deliveries, as if it were a huge and very expensive collectible.
     
  • Trams that crossed the Atlantic. This emblematic means of transport, which has been running through the city since the beginning of the 20th century, was acquired in the United States. And that is why, at first, the Lisboans referred to the trams as los americanos.
     
  • Refuge of spies. Many of German, British and American secret agents frequently came to Lisbon during World War II. This detail is even mentioned in the film Casablanca. One of their favourite meeting points was the Avenida Palace hotel, that to this day keeps the door that has been closed since 1955, which allowed the spies to discreetly slip to Rossio station through a narrow passage.
     
  • Dean book store. Lisbon is home to the Bertrand book store, the oldest working book store in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Founded in 1732, it began its activity in the street of Loreto, in the district of Chiado. After the earthquake of 1755 it had to move it to its present location, in the street of Garret.
     
  •  ... and another one, reduced to the minimum. Continuing with the subject of books, the streets of Lisbon host the smallest bookstore in Portugal, and probably in the world: the Simão book store, of barely 3.8 m2 that is located at 18 Escadinhas de São Cristóvão. To get an idea of its dimensions, it´s suffice to say that only the salesperson fits inside (customers are served in the street). However, it has an offer of 4.000 books.
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