Lisbon (Portugal)

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Located on the Atlantic Ocean's rim on the west coast of Portugal, Lisbon sits on seven low hills besides the Rio Tejo (River Tagus). This unique positioning of the city adds to its tourism and trade alike. The city is largest in Portugal and is its capital, and the commercial and political epicentre. The capital of Portugal has experienced a renaissance in recent years and has reclaimed its rightful place as the 'golden city' of southern Europe. After slumbering for decades, the city's modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan identity is today much similar to that which it enjoyed in the 15th and 16th centuries during the age of the great discoverers, when Lisbon was the centre of trade with the East and the starting point for maritime exploration of the globe. Within easy reach of the city are the sandy beaches of several coastal resorts, such as Costa da Caparica, Estoril and Cascais, as well as the forested areas of Sintra and attractions like the extraordinary Mafra monastery. The mood of Lisbon is light and bright, confident, fresh and avante garde, ready to welcome the world to the doorstep as one of the great capitals of Europe. The city offers its visitors marvellous tree-lines promenades, Art Nouveau buildings and abundant cafes. The city's cultural and historical heritage is great as well and a distinctive blend of Western Europe and Northern Africa, apparent in its buildings and museums. Overall, Lisbon is one of the most enjoyable destinations of Europe. While much is new, there is plenty of the old left to charm visitors, giving the metropolis a slightly provincial air. The delightful, picturesque medieval section of Alfama skirts the city's Sao Jorge castle, and historic wooden trams ply noisily up and down steep hills past art deco cafes and mosaic-decorated pavements. Many of the relics of the city's golden age were destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, but some survived and are popular tourist attractions, complemented now by modern sights, like the futuristic Oceanarium. Lisbon city is one of the best world-class city beautiful full of Pretty tower, Monuments, 17th century architecture & buildings / Museum and in brief live example of Portuguese History and their worldwide discoveries. Besides preserving its lifetime history, the new attraction of the city includes UNESCO World Heritage sites, leisure complex, shopping opportunities, tram, largest aquariums, nightlife experience and welcome greenery etc. Lisbon is often referred to as the one place and one answer to all thirst for knowledge & enjoyment. For your city orientation, Lisbon can be divided into four main districts that include few of the following main attractions of city beautiful: Torre de Belem (Belem Tower positioned close to the bank of Tagus River). Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (A monastery to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India and the Spice Islands) The Alfama is 17th century city architecture. Castelo de so Jorge is St. George's castle. Museu Nacional dos coches is the National coach Museum). Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is an art collection by a broad spectrum of artists. Se (Cathedral) and Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do paco).

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Population: 10.566.200
Languages: Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but lo
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Portugal - Lisbon

Country Dialling Code: +361
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Portugal, by virtue of its position on Europe's Western edge, gets fewer travelers than other Mediterranean places. But visitors are rewarded with uncrowded cities and moderate tarifs for food, hotels and private villas and apartments. Portugal has a rich culture, a landscape wreathed in olive groves, superb beach resorts, wistful towns, vineyards and wheat fields.

Portugal occupies the western part of the Iberian Peninsula and is 35,655 sq miles. The country is crossed by three large rivers that rise in Spain, flow into the Atlantic, and divide the country into three geographic areas. The Minho River, part of the northern boundary, cuts through a mountainous area that extends south to the vicinity of the Douro River. South of the Douro, the mountains slope to the plains around the Tejo River.

The Portuguese have a close affinity to the sea; for centuries their famed mariners led the way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened trade routes to the East. The country became a strong colonial power, and remained so until the mid-20th century, resulting in distinctive foreign influences on the local culture and architecture. From Africa, for example, was imported the now traditional, sentimental fado music, which is one of the country's unique experiences for visitors, particularly in the cafés of Lisbon.

In recent years Portugal, long overlooked on the list of the world's top vacation stations, has been investing time, money and effort into ensuring it is discovered by the world's travellers, just as once it was the Portuguese who discovered the world. This new age of discovery is paying off, as increasing numbers of visitors arrive each year and hotel and resort construction has exploded. From the visitor's point of view the compactness of the country makes it easy to take in all the best elements: sandy beaches, scenery, history, wonderful cuisine, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, thrilling nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly people.

From the cobbled winding streets of Lisbon's medieval citadel to the cork forests in Alentejo, and from fishermen mending their nets on remote beaches to the shopping malls and sophisticated glitzy resorts, Portugal is a country well worth discovering.