Lisbon , Europe’s second oldest capital behind Athens , is Europe’s newest hot spot. But marching to the same beat – or should we say Fado – as the ever-swelling number of visitors are endless hotel openings, just launched restaurants and lively bars keeping up with the pace. As you will see though, from walking through the city (undoubtedly the best way to explore it), Lisbon lives as much on its cobbled streets as it does in its tile-clad buildings.
Vibrant, friendly, beautiful - faded in parts, it captivates, offering the essence of Portugal , yet carrying on its sea breeze the scents, sounds and tastes of long-ago, far-off, discoveries. So, we've made the perfect itinerary for spending three days in Lisbon to enjoy all the sights and sounds of a much-beloved city. Start at the magnificent, arcaded, Praça do Comércio, the site of the royal palace for 400 years.
Here, visiting dignitaries would disembark from their boats, making it the finest gateway to Lisbon. Have a coffee (Bica is the Portuguese equivalent to Italy’s espresso and absolutely as good) in Lisbon’s oldest café, the Martinho da Arcada , which dates back to 1782 and was one of the haunts of the city’s literati, especially the poet Fernando Pessoa who even had his own table. In this square there are several good museums.
Dip into the Lisboa Story Centre , for an interactive overview of the city. And do not miss the Interpretive Centre of Cod História do Bacalhau , a food interwoven with th.
