Lisbon

Tumbling across seven hills on the waterfront of the Tagus estuary, Portugal’s capital is a cool, colourful and vibrant city. With its compact historic centre, where you’ll find white-domed cathedrals and grand squares there is so much to discover here, from the old bairros that boast quaint cobbled streets that are plied by old trams and funiculars, to the excellent modern museums full of contemporary art and breath-taking artefacts that showcase Portugal’s long and fascinating history.

Perched on one of the hills is Bairro Alto, the upper town, known for its restaurants, bars and nightlife, while another is crowned by the magnificently Moorish Castello de São Jorge. Down by the water, the Belem neighbourhood, from where the great navigators of the Age of Discoveries set sail, showcases the wealth of the Portuguese empire in a series of magnificent buildings, while the city as a whole enjoys an added exoticism from the cultures brought in by Brazilians and Africans who came here from former colonies.

Strolling the streets or riding the tram is the best way to both explore Lisbon and soak up its enchanting atmosphere, and don’t forget to leave room for the excellent gastronomy – the fresh seafood is particularly delicious!