Portugal's stunning capital is one of the most charismatic, exciting, and culturally rich cities in Europe. Lisbon effortlessly blends traditional heritage with modern vibrancy, with its historic buildings bedecked in the infamous blue tiles, as well as stunning examples of cutting-edge contemporary architecture. The city not only boasts an incredible wealth of cultural attractions, but also a buzzing nightlife, complemented by a temperate climate, year-round. What’s more, the incredible hillsides that surround Lisbon offer nature-lovers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy scenic walking trails, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Where to stay in Lisbon
As a modern capital city, Lisbon has no shortage of great places to stay - ranging from high-end hotels to no-frills hostels. Where you choose to stay will of course depend on the reason for your trip, but those on an extended stay may wish to consider serviced apartments in Lisbon. These properties offer a convenient home-from-home base from which to enjoy the city - affording you complete privacy, as well as the convenience of full cooking facilities for those looking to self-cater. Thesqua.re present a range of such properties, from luxury studios to corporate housing. Each of our properties has been selected according to its high standard of interior, the desirability of its location and its range of mod-cons - ensuring you get the best the city has to offer.
What to do in Lisbon
Many first time visitors to the city will find they can spend hours simply walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds of the different neighbourhoods. Much of Lisbon’s incredible architectural heritage is easy to find, with picture-postcard opportunities on just about every street. Of course, at some point, it is also essential to find a bakery offering the city’s infamous delicacy - Pastéis de Nata.
Lisbon also offers an incredible selection of museums and galleries. Anyone wanting to learn about Portugal's history as a colonial power will find numerous maritime and national history museums in the city centre, whilst art lovers will find a good selection of both modern and classic galleries.
Another must for visitors to Lisbon is a day trip to the nearby town of Sintra. The historic settlement offers stunning examples of neo-Manueline architecture, as well as ancient castles and mysterious 19th-century estates. Just thirty minutes from the centre of Lisbon, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destination and an essential excursion from the capital.
Tips for staying in Lisbon
Places to eat
Lisbon offers some of the best dining anywhere in the world. La Buvette da Mãe d´Água Restaurante, Alma, Taberna Sal Grosso and Belcanto are some of the best options if you are looking to sample some traditional Portuguese cuisine, whilst Come Prima and Tantura offer a contemporary take on various European cuisine. For something a little more laid back, there are also place like Josephine Bistro & Bar and Restaurante Grill D. Fernando.
Shopping
As a modern capital, Lisbon offers visitors plenty of great places to shop. There are several large-scale shopping centres, such as Amoreiras Shopping Center, Centro Colombo, and Armazens do Chiado - all of which offer a selection of retailers, from high street fashions to consumer electronics. Alternatively, for those looking to pick up local goods, there are also several markets, including Mercado de Santa Clara and Mercado da Ribeira.
Attractions
Lisbon boasts a huge wealth of attractions and things to see. First-time visitors will want to visit the famous historical landmarks, such as the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and Castelo de São Jorge. There’s also the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, Bairro Alto and Rossio Square - all of which are must-sees. Finally, for those looking to experience some of Lisbon’s fascinating history, there’s Museu do Oriente and Museu Nacional dos Coches.
Transport
Lisbon has a comprehensive and reasonably priced public transport system, comprised of buses, trains, trams and even water taxis. Trams are arguably the best and most cost-effective means of travelling between the key tourist hotspots, whilst buses provide an easy way of reaching the suburbs. Alternatively, the city also has a great network of cycle routes, so renting a bike is a great way of making shorter trips.
Local Business
Lisbon's economy is based primarily on the manufacturing and services industries. Deloitte, BNP Paribas and Man Financial Services Portugal are some of the major employers representing the financial services, and there is also a strong telecommunications presence, with firms such as Teleperformance and Nokia operating major bases locally.
