Whats On

Lisboa past and present

On the right hand bank of the river Tagus, Lisbon is a city whose legendary history stretches back over twenty centuries. The maritime Voyages of Discovery turned Lisbon into one of the world's great ports and the centre of an empire that stretched from Brazil in the West to India in the East. On the banks of the river, great monuments testify to that history.

After the earthquake of 1755, the Baixa Pombalina downtown was rebuilt in the classical style while many of its adjoining medieval neighbourhoods survived and are now home to an amazing array of stores, restaurants and cafés. Lisbon's exceptional and highly individualistic light has charmed writers, photographers and filmmakers with the polychrome façade tiles serving to create a particular atmosphere.

On foot, by tram, boat or walking the banks of the Tagus, and even on the metro - an open underground museum of contemporary Portuguese art, any means serves to reveal the cultural diversity of the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

"Best Things to Do Free

Walk. Everywhere. Just bring comfortable shoes to navigate the hills and cobblestones. For the best views of the city, start in Bairro Alto, cross over to Chiado along Rua Garrett, down to the pedestrian-only Rua do Carmo and up the steep hill to Castelo de São Jorge. (Yes, the bridge that spans the River Tagus does resemble the Golden Gate.) To finish your tour, stroll to Alfama, the city's oldest and best-preserved neighborhood, which still bears traces of its Arab past. Or, if you're feeling lazy, simply hop the vintage No. 28 tram for the same effect.

Best Money-Saving Tip

You'll be hard-pressed to break the bank in Lisbon unless you go on a shopping spree. Limit your spending (and the hassle of extra carry-on baggage) and buy only one gorgeous Portuguese tile (azulejo). Then photograph the rest. Buildings in Lisbon are remarkably well-preserved, clean, and beautiful; even an amateur will take amazing pictures that make for excellent, frame-ready souvenirs."

from The New York Times