Five Reasons Why Lisbon is the Perfect Holiday Destination
When it comes to holiday destinations, Lisbon in Portugal is one of the best. From its beautiful architecture and vibrant culture to its delicious cuisine and stunning natural landscapes, Lisbon has something to offer everyone. With plenty of activities to keep you busy, you can enjoy a holiday in Lisbon that is both exciting and relaxing. Here are five reasons why Lisbon is the perfect holiday destination for your next trip.
Reason One: The Weather is Perfect
Lisbon, Portugal is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, meaning it has mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. With an average high temperature in the summer of 25°C (77°F) and an average low of 13°C (55°F) in the winter, Lisbon's weather is perfect for any type of vacation. Whether you’re looking for a summer escape or a cosy winter getaway, Lisbon has you covered.
The city also has relatively low rainfall, making it an ideal location to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking around the city and exploring its many attractions. With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to find something to do in Lisbon whatever the weather!
Reason Two: The City is Rich in Culture and History
Lisbon is a city filled with history and culture that spans centuries. When it comes to what to do, see and eat in Lisbon, there is something for everyone.
What to do: Take a tour of the beautiful cobbled streets, explore the winding alleyways and discover hidden gems. Experience breath-taking views from the top of St. George's Castle or marvel at the architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery. Take in some of the stunning artwork on display at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum or explore some of Lisbon’s best-known landmarks such as the Torre de Belem or the Monument to the Discoveries.
Get lost in the vibrant nightlife or take a day trip to explore some of the surrounding areas such as Sintra or Cascais. It is really easy to get the train to either of these. If you have time, Sintra is well worth a day trip. Get an early train and avoid the crowds is a common theme, you can jump in a tuk tuk to take you up to hilltop town. It really is a magical place with a one of Europe’s finest palaces The Palacio Nacional da Pena set in stunning scenery – you can book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Reason Three: The food is incredible
Lisbon, Portugal is a food lover’s paradise. With its unique blend of Mediterranean and international flavours, there’s something for everyone. From traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine, Lisbon offers a wide variety of delicious foods.
What to eat in Lisbon? Start with a traditional Portuguese dish like bacalhau (salted codfish), frango de churrasco (grilled chicken) or carne de porco alentejana (pork and clam casserole). Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh seafood dishes such as cataplana (seafood stew) and sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines). There are also plenty of delicious vegetarian options like salada mista (mixed salad) and feijoada (beans and vegetables).
When it comes to desserts, don’t miss out on the delicious pastel de nata (custard tarts) and sonhos (Portuguese doughnuts). For drinks, sample some of Portugal’s renowned wines and spirits such as port, madeira, and vinho verde.
Reason Four: There are so many things to see and do
Lisbon is full of things to see and do. There is something for everyone! Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled escape, Lisbon has it all.
What to do: Visitors can take in the sights of the city by riding the funiculars, which will take you up and down the hills of the city. For some extra excitement, take a ride on the old wooden trams. Tram 28 offers the classic Lisbon tour but be warned, it is very popular so try and go early or late to avoid the mid-day crowds. If standing hold tight, the brakes are very sharp! You can purchase a 24 hour ticket from any train station. There are also plenty of museums, art galleries, and palaces to explore, as well as guided walking tours through some of the city's historical neighbourhoods.
In the evening, head to Alfama and Bairro Alto districts and you will soon come across a Fado performance, a melancholic style of music that was historically sung by sailors wives awaiting the return of their loved ones. Many of the restaurants have live Fado performances so it is really easy to experience these without planning ahead.
Reason Five: The people are friendly and welcoming
Lisbon is home to some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find that the locals are quick to welcome you with open arms and help you explore the city. You’ll find plenty of recommendations for what to do, what to eat, and what to see. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or an exciting nightlife experience, the people of Lisbon will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. They’re also always happy to share their culture with visitors and make sure they feel like they’re at home. This makes Lisbon a perfect destination for those looking for a warm and inviting holiday destination.
