UCG on facebook
UCG on twitter|
LISBON
The first capital of the global village 
Can Lisbon be Europe's new capital of cool? The words "new" and "cool" haven't really been associated with this city since the 16th century when it ruled over the world's first global empire, extending from Brazil to India. Vasco da Gama's expedition to the East brought it cultures and a touch of the exotic that Europe had never seen before -- spices (cinnamon, pepper, ginger), foods (potatoes, pineapples, tea) and animals such as the elephant and rhinoceros that paraded by the city's waterfront.
When the glory days of trade and discovery were over, Lisbon fell victim to one of the most destructive earthquakes ever recorded, and
remained dormant ever since. The kiss that awoke the "princess by the Tagus" came during Expo 98, the last world fair of the 20th century.
The Expo site became a new neighborhood with futuristic architecture, riverfront warehouses were converted into clubs and restaurants, its
narrow cobbled lanes were invaded by caipirinha-holding young crowds enjoying a typically-warm night out, new boutique hotels and
contemporary-design hostels opened in renovated old buildings, and an energized artistic scene brought it a renewed sense of confidence.
But what hasn't changed are the breathtaking views from its hills which arguably make Lisbon Europe's most scenic capital. Add its trademark mosaic pavements, dilapidated pastel-colored or tile-covered buildings, iconic turn-of-the-century trams, melancholic Fado music, and you also have one of the world's most soulful cities. In fact, Lisbon's unpolished appearance actually provides a seductive atmosphere all of its own, and prevents it from ever being just another bland old city. The nearby Atlantic beaches and fairytale palaces are other attractions, although visitors will find plenty of reasons to simply embark on their own voyage of discovery in this deliciously-decadent city. 
Top 10
|
|
Hotels & Hostels
The city's best design, boutique, charm, and luxury hotels, as well as cheap hostels with easy online booking at special rates.
All of the best, special, and hip places to stay are
HERE (Lisbon Hotels & Hostels Guide)>>
Sights & Activities
The city's must-see landmarks, classic and modern art, striking architecture and ancient sites, street life, beaches, daytrips, and tours -- it's all
HERE (Lisbon Sightseeing Guide)>>
Cafés & Restaurants
Relax with a drink on an old couch at the cosy Pois Café or go for brunch at Deli Delux as you gaze into the Tagus.
Have a famous custard tart at Antiga Confeitaria de Belem and a fulfilling dinner of the local specialty açorda at Pap'Açorda.
Dine in style at Bica do Sapato or Yasmin, enjoy culinary art at Eleven, or dine with city views at Chapitô.
These are just some of our café and restaurant recommendations in Lisbon,
find more HERE (Lisbon Restaurants Guide)>>
Bars & Clubs
Be part of a street invasion every Friday or Saturday night during a Bairro Alto bar-hop. Have a caipirinha outside a trendy
little bar, lay in bed at Bedroom, enjoy an original cocktail at Cinco Lounge, all before moving to the clubs by the river Tagus.
End the night in style at Lux, and watch the sun rise at Op Art.
Find out more HERE (Lisbon Nightlife Guide)>>
Body & Soul
If climbing the hills of Lisbon leaves you wishing for some sort of pampering, consider these following options:
Le Spa - Deep-cleansing facials, shiatsu, all-natural products, including volcanic mud are just some of the options at one of the city's
best-known spas.
City Spa - Recover from your jetlag or intense sightseeing with a body or facial massage not too far from the major sights in Belem.
Spirito - Whether or not you're staying at the
Sheraton, you may splurge at its truly luxurious spa. A heated outdoor pool, a sauna,
Turkish bath, a Jacuzzi, are just the beginning of the many choices you have available.
Another hotel with a fantastic spa is
Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel and Spa in Cascais,
a beautiful space offering, among other things, thalassotherapy, jacuzzi, and Turkish bath.
H2omem - This is exclusively for the boys. A chic barber shop, a Jacuzzi, manicure, pedicure, and waxing rooms, all in an Asian and
North African-inspired interior.
Shopping
Check if the international luxury brands have any special offerings in their Lisbon shops down Avenida da Liberdade and
Rua Garrett. Go for something different at the trendy and funky boutiques with retro and urban wear in Rua do Norte.
Find some extraordinary old shops filled with charm in Chiado and get some design ideas in Santos.
That's all part of the Lisbon shopping experience, of which you can find out more HERE (Lisbon Shopping Guide)>>
Gay & Lesbian
Sunbathe at gay Beach 19, go for a late-afternoon snack at Mar Adentro Café, shop in Chiado, have dinner in Bairro Alto's
Império dos Sentidos,
and stand with drink in hand outside Side at the corner of Rua da Barroca and Travessa da Espera. Get on
Fragil's
crowded dance floor, flirt at stylish Lux, and
end up at a wild foam party in Trumps. These are some of Lisbon's gay or gay-friendly hot spots, find more
HERE (Lisbon Gay Guide)>>
How to go from the airport to the center of the city and back, how to get around using public transportation, and city map HERE (Lisbon Airport & Transportation Guide)>>
Custom Search
|
UCITYGUIDES.COM - THE ULTIMATE URBAN GUIDES
HOTELS | HOSTELS | TOURS | TRAVEL NEWS BLOG | TOP 10 BEST |