Lisbon

If the result wasn't so utterly charming, short breaks to Lisbon would probably leave visitors in a state of confusion. It's a city, although it lies among seven hills. It's modern and thriving, but history is intricately woven into its daily life, from the cable cars still climbing its slopes to the tiny shops hidden in the twisting streets of the oldest quarter.

Getting around on city breaks to Lisbon is easy. Most sights are easily accessible by foot, and the rest by bus, charismatic yellow trams or one of the four elevadores (elevators) that scale the steepest stretches, and provide fabulous views to boot.

The centre of the city is the Baixa (lower town), a grid of grand streets filled with shops and cafés stretching north of the Tagus River from the majestic statues and arches of the main square, Praça do Comercio.

The oldest area, medieval Alfama, rises steeply to the east. All first-time short breaks to Lisbon should include a visit to its magnificent Castelo de São Jorge, which dates back to the 5th century AD.

Travel by tram west from the waterfront, and you'll reach the district of Belém, whose edifices pay homage to Portugal's golden age of exploration. Here, the major attraction for many is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a monastery created in all its architectural splendour to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India.

City breaks to Lisbon should also include some less noble pursuits. Head to the chic Chiado district to stock up on style, stuff yourself with seafood, or ascend to the Biarro Alto (upper town), for throbbing nightlife that starts late and ends early.

Getting the most out of short breaks to Lisbon is simple ¿ just do as the locals do. You can always recover on the beaches the next day at nearby Estoril or Cascais.