Lisbon is
Portugal’s largest city, as well as its capital city. So far, Lisbon is one of the most populated cities within the European Union and has earned the alpha-global city title. The town is conveniently located on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River to the western side of the Iberian Peninsula. The beautiful coastal city features an iconic suspension bridge from where the scenic spots of the city can be viewed.
The outstanding Sao Jorge Castle provides scenic views of the beautiful buildings below, in their stunning pastel colors as well as the artistic Tagus Estuary. The beautiful Ponte 25 De Abril suspension bridge looks even more remarkable. Close by, decorative ceramic tiles that are at least five centuries old are displayed in the National Azulejo Museum.
The numerous beaches on the Atlantic Ocean provide a great way to swim, relax and unwind both for visitors and locals. The beaches are quite extensive and range from Cascais Beach to Estoril.
The center of the city is less extensive, reduced into small compactness that is cobblestoned. Walking around the area is pretty easy, but for those who do not prefer walking around on foot, other movement means are available, including funiculars and trams. The Moorish Alfama district is also famous for its narrow-placed and winding streets dotted with taverns and singers along its sides.
Food cafes, restaurants, and eateries are numerous along the streets of Chiado. Food varieties range from local delicacies and include delicious seafood selections. After eating, people enjoy shopping in countless stalls and shopping malls along the same streets. Afterward, walk over to the famous Bairro Alto for drinks, music, dance, and a vibrant nightlife.
In the middle of scenic, serene gardens and planted parks, there stands the iconic Calouste Gulbenkian Museum complex, to where people stream to have a view of the displayed samples of unique art and craft pieces.
The majestic sixteenth-century Jeronimos Monastery and the iconic Belem Tower appear magnificent standing on the beautiful waterfront and provide some of the most stunning views in Lisbon. The contemporary architecture of the Parque das Nacoes District brings about the considerable contrast more so with its large Oceanario aquarium.
Lisbon enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate. The summers are anything between warm to hot and are often dry, but with tolerable temperature. The winters are mild, tolerable, and rainy, with most days receiving up to four hours of sunshine.
The peak of the traveling season to Lisbon is between
April and
September. During this period, the weather is usually warm and pleasant except for the period between
July and
August that may be exceptionally hot, dry, and very sunny. The daylight hours are extended and make it a lot easier to tour Lisbon even late into the evening.
In April, Lisbon celebrates the Lisboa Festival, a famous film festival that focuses majorly on appreciating and recognizing independently set international cinema, attracting participants from far and wide. In
June, the Festas Festival, lasting for a whole month amid lots of music and dance, as well as feasting, and decorations all over Lisbon. From the 12th of June to the 13th of June, Lisbon celebrates the feast of Santo Antonio, which is marked with a combination of religious and secular parades and colorful decorations in the city.