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If you, like many others, have been absolutely itching for the opportunity to get out of the home and to explore another part of the world, then there is one location that is worth taking a closer look at. Lisbon, also known as the City of Light, is the capital city of Portugal and, aside from getting 220 days of sunlight (more than most places in the world), here are some of the great reasons to visit.
It’s steeped in centuries of history
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, with some settlements having stood in the area for at least 2700 years. It also carries many of the vestiges of its history with it through different eras of architecture, from the Moorish castle of Sao Jorge to the Gothic Convento do Carmo, the 17th Century Sao Roque Church, decorated with the riches that are a reminder of the sheer opulence of the Age of Discovery, and much more.
Modern Portuguese culture at its finest
Although one of the older feeling capital cities in Europe, Lisbon is still very much a modern city of culture and metropolitan togetherness. It’s visible in the street art you can see throughout the city, and it welcomes newcomers with open arms, with the perfect place to learn Portuguese from Portugal, as well. Theatres, bookstores, and other attractions make for an amazing beating heart of modern Portuguese culture.
Photo by Tom Byrom on Unsplash
It’s fantastic for kids, as well
If you’re looking for a family holiday, then you might need a little more than history and culture to sate everyone’s appetites. However, Lisbon is perhaps one of the best cities to visit with children, period. Aside from all the usual attractions like a zoo (and a particularly good one in Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa), there is also KidZania Lisboa, which is literally a small city that acts as a theme park with all manner of opportunities to play.
Gorgeous natural views
The view that you can get of the city from your hotel is fantastic due to how low altitude much of the city tends to be (one of the reasons it’s always bright and sunny.) However, outside of the city, you’re very close to some gorgeous natural backdrops, such as Cape Roca, the westernmost point of the European mainland. Even better views await if you climb up to Christ the King, the statue that overlooks the Tejo River.
A foodie’s paradise
Lisbon is rich in foodie culture, bringing together all of the fusion elements and fine dining experiences, including twenty-five Michelin star restaurants. However, if you’re looking for essential Lisbon foods to try out, then it’s the city’s rich culture of backstreet eateries that are going to be the real attraction. The city is replete with small bakeries and old, family-run eateries that can supply the real taste of the area’s heritage.
If you need to get out into the sunlight and enjoy yourself, why not do it in a city that offers more light than you’re likely to enjoy anywhere else in the world?