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Lisbon, the luminous capital of Portugal, is a city built on seven hills, offering a captivating blend of old-world charm, contemporary energy, and a profound maritime history. Its light, famous for being uniquely bright, shines over historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and grand, bustling squares.
You can wander through the ancient, narrow streets of Alfama to find the imposing São Jorge Castle, which provides spectacular views of the city's red rooftops and the Tagus River. The city's golden age of exploration is celebrated in the Belém district, home to the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. From riding the historic Tram 28 to enjoying the vast Praça do Comércio, Lisbon invites you to explore its warm, storied streets.
Lisbon’s varied neighbourhoods offer distinct experiences. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere and history, a central location on the lower, flatter ground is often the most convenient.
The areas of Baixa and Chiado form the absolute centre of the city. Baixa, a grid of grand streets rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, is excellent for shopping and is home to Rossio Square and the Santa Justa Lift. Chiado is known for its elegant literary cafés, theatres, and upscale shopping. Staying here puts you close to all the main Metro lines.
For a taste of traditional Lisbon life and Fado music, the Alfama district is unbeatable. This is the oldest part of the city, with winding medieval streets and a rustic atmosphere, though it is steep and less accessible to major transport. Alternatively, the Belém district is ideal if your priority is the grand monuments, although it requires a short tram ride to reach the city centre.
Lisbon is served by Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), which is conveniently connected to the city via a direct Metro line. Once in the city, the Metro, trams (especially the famous Tram 28), and funiculars make navigating the seven hills simple. A hotel in the central Baixa/Chiado area ensures you are connected to both the Metro and the main train stations for day trips to places like Sintra.
Hotel prices in Lisbon are at their highest during the peak summer months, from June to August, as the city’s charm and excellent weather attract high numbers of visitors. Prices also surge significantly during the Festas de Lisboa in June and around the New Year period.
The best value is found during the low season, from January to March. However, for a balance of great weather and lower rates, the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November are excellent choices. A unique tip for Lisbon is to look for hotels that are one or two streets away from the main thoroughfare of Avenida da Liberdade or the bustling Praça do Comércio. Also, consider booking a short walk away from the main tourist areas in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré for a lively atmosphere and better deals.