In the past decade, Lisbon has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe, and its popularity continues to rise. Lisbon offers visitors an exciting mix of historical sites, contemporary culture, and beautiful beaches; it’s no wonder that this place has been called the new Barcelona by many. These are just five reasons why you should consider visiting Lisbon, but there are so many others!
What is Lisbon Like?
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is often called the Garden City or Pearl of the Atlantic. Lisbon has a temperate climate which means that temperatures are pleasant during any time of year, it only rains from October through April and sunshine lasts for most of the day. Lisboa was once an uninhabited place because a tsunami destroyed all life in 865 AD. The city was not officially founded until 1255 when King Dinis took control and led peasants to settle there.
Other things you should know about Lisbon are that it has an extensive public transportation system that is fast and efficient. The city is divided into 19 districts called Freguesias which have their own colorful history, character, and traditions.
Lisbon also has a rich architectural heritage with buildings dating back as far as the 12th century; although these buildings were destroyed during many wars in 1680 there was a building boom when King José I arrived for his coronation in 1750.
Why Should I Go To Lisbon?
Lisbon is such a great place. They have plenty of reasons to go there. Here are five!
1) It’s a great city for history buffs with beautiful buildings and monuments.
2) People who want a laid-back holiday should come here because it has a unique culture but is also easy-going.
3) People who like nature will love the landscapes that you can see in the surrounding areas.
4) The seafood is delicious.
5) if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then this is the place for you.
The weather is milder than in most other places in Europe which means you don’t have to worry about packing sweaters or raincoats. Portugal even has its own language called Portuguese, which sounds beautiful when spoken.
What’s the History of Lisbon?
Lisbon was built on the delta of two rivers that met the sea in the form of an amphitheater. It used to be a Roman settlement known as Olissipona. Later, it came under Moorish control before being taken by Christians from Castile and Leo ́ n who expanded it into a walled town. Alfonso Henriques, Count of Portucale, liberated it and conceded it on March 25th, 1147 making him its first king.
It was declared Portugal’s capital in 1255 and remained so until 1549 when it was moved to Evora. The 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake caused significant damage but left much of the city’s landmarks intact. It was around that time that many of its major monuments were built, including Praça do Comércio, now known as Rossio Square; Avenida da Liberdade and Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo.
In addition, Tavares Bastos designed many structures located in what is now called Rua Augusta. The growth of industry encouraged by other nations prompted a wave of immigration and transport infrastructure improvements that took place during this period which brought forth a number of public parks such as Campo Grande and Monsanto park.
Who Should Visit Lisbon?
If you’re looking for a place that’s more off the beaten path and you’ve never been there before, then Lisbon is one of the best choices. It’s affordable, it has beautiful architecture, and it has a ton of delicious food. Here are five reasons to visit:
-The transportation is cheap and getting around is easy with help from Uber or cabs.
-Lisbon has fantastic art and architecture if you enjoy buildings. If you prefer natural scenery, there are some beautiful parks where deer roam free like Monchique Country Park in Carcavelos.
-The city is very walkable, so if you enjoy getting around on foot then there’s no need for a car. However, if you do want one there are rental services available like CarTudo Rent a Car. -Lisbon has a fantastic culinary scene! You can find everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to cuisine influenced by other cultures like Indian and Brazilian food.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Lisbon?
The best hotels in Lisbon are located near the central square, Praça da Figueira. This area is known for its restaurants and cafes, so you’ll be sure to find something satisfying to eat after a long day of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a staycation or an adventure, the central area of town will offer both options.
It’s highly recommended that you book ahead if you’re interested in staying at one of these properties – as is customary with European travel, accommodations tend to be booked up well in advance.
Other popular areas include Cais do Sodré and Chiado, which are great for nightlife. Cais do Sodre is especially ideal if you’re interested in visiting Bairro Alto, as it’s just a few blocks away. This area has a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to young travelers with plenty of disposable income. It’s also close to some of Lisbon’s most notable landmarks – including Praça de Rossio and Torre de Belém – so you can get a variety of experiences within a small radius.
Want To Learn More About Travelling?
The best way to plan your trip is by signing up for Portugal Discovery Guide emails about the information on dining, transportation, itineraries, and more.
Conclusion
If you’ve never been before, now is the time to visit. And if you’re looking for a getaway this winter, book your flight now! And in all honesty, if it’s not in your budget, then just make a plan for next summer–because that’s when you need to go. It’ll be worth every penny.
Whether you’re visiting family, on business, or looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, there’s no reason not to visit. You’ll fall in love with Europe’s most underrated city. After you’ve gone once though, it’ll be hard not to go back–so make sure you have a flight booked when you start planning your trip!
