Does Lisbon Still Have a Serious Image Problem?
When we think of Portugal holidays, we usually think of the Algarve or maybe occasionally Madeira, perhaps a round or two of golf springs to mind, or the dramatic rocky coastline and beautiful sandy beaches.
However it's well worth visiting its stunning capital city.
Lisbon is a very interesting mixture of old and new.
Up until the mid 90's Lisbon didn't have too good an image, it was run down tired looking and somewhat shambolic.
Things began to change though when it was proclaimed the European City of Culture in 1994, and during the World Expo in 1998 Lisbon persuaded the central management and the European Union to invest money in the city and it was quickly reborn.
Lisbon's infrastructure was resurrected and the area specifically developed for the Exhibition became known as the Parquet das Nacoes.
This ultra-modern area is now home to concert venues, a huge shopping mall, beautiful river walkways and Europe's second largest Oceanarium.
Lisbon played host to some of the European Football Championships games in 2004, and the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005, establishing itself as a serious contender for city breaks.
You can easily navigate the city on foot, but as the area is built on seven hills, using the vintage tram system is the best way to travel, and the easiest way to appreciate the spectacular views as you look down over the city to the sprawling River Tagus.
Alfama is a Moorish section of the city sitting in the hillside just beneath the medieval St Georges Castle with cafes that spill their tables onto sunny terraces offering breathtaking views of the city below.
Shopping is at a premium in Lisbon with the Baxia area boasting a wonderful shopping centre and the famous Commercial Square which in turn borders the River Tagus.
Just nearby you can roam the narrow winding streets of the Biarro Alto, alive with shoppers by day and party goers by night.
Cosmopolitan Chiado will enthral visitors with its international shops, modern squares and traditional bars and cafes.
Lisbon is famous for its lilting music known as 'fado', a haunting melody that reaches to the very depths of the soul depicting the passing of the maritime era and destruction caused by the fires, devastating tidal wave and huge earthquake in 1755.
Whilst still bursting with tradition and history, Lisbon offers a lively modern twist and you can always visit the local beaches at nearby Cascais and Estoril to recharge your batteries and enjoy the old fashioned way of life here.
So next time you are thinking of Portugal holidays why not consider Lisbon, with its parks and beaches, bars and restaurants, history and culture, it really does have something for everyone.
However it's well worth visiting its stunning capital city.
Lisbon is a very interesting mixture of old and new.
Up until the mid 90's Lisbon didn't have too good an image, it was run down tired looking and somewhat shambolic.
Things began to change though when it was proclaimed the European City of Culture in 1994, and during the World Expo in 1998 Lisbon persuaded the central management and the European Union to invest money in the city and it was quickly reborn.
Lisbon's infrastructure was resurrected and the area specifically developed for the Exhibition became known as the Parquet das Nacoes.
This ultra-modern area is now home to concert venues, a huge shopping mall, beautiful river walkways and Europe's second largest Oceanarium.
Lisbon played host to some of the European Football Championships games in 2004, and the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005, establishing itself as a serious contender for city breaks.
You can easily navigate the city on foot, but as the area is built on seven hills, using the vintage tram system is the best way to travel, and the easiest way to appreciate the spectacular views as you look down over the city to the sprawling River Tagus.
Alfama is a Moorish section of the city sitting in the hillside just beneath the medieval St Georges Castle with cafes that spill their tables onto sunny terraces offering breathtaking views of the city below.
Shopping is at a premium in Lisbon with the Baxia area boasting a wonderful shopping centre and the famous Commercial Square which in turn borders the River Tagus.
Just nearby you can roam the narrow winding streets of the Biarro Alto, alive with shoppers by day and party goers by night.
Cosmopolitan Chiado will enthral visitors with its international shops, modern squares and traditional bars and cafes.
Lisbon is famous for its lilting music known as 'fado', a haunting melody that reaches to the very depths of the soul depicting the passing of the maritime era and destruction caused by the fires, devastating tidal wave and huge earthquake in 1755.
Whilst still bursting with tradition and history, Lisbon offers a lively modern twist and you can always visit the local beaches at nearby Cascais and Estoril to recharge your batteries and enjoy the old fashioned way of life here.
So next time you are thinking of Portugal holidays why not consider Lisbon, with its parks and beaches, bars and restaurants, history and culture, it really does have something for everyone.
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