Celebration Weekend in Lisbon
You can actually walk from the airport in Lisbon as it is situated so close to the city centre but a taxi should only cost you between seven and ten euros, depending on where you are staying. Lisbon is one of the prettiest cities in Europe and is located on the shores of the Rio Tejo (River Tagus). The winding, cobbled streets offer fantastic views and there are plenty of lovely photo opportunities across the city. The downside is that, as the city lies on several hills, there is a certain amount of walking to do. Alternatively you can take one of the old trams which is a great experience.
The hotel we stayed at, the Clarion Suites, is close to the main metro station “Marques de Pombal”. The accommodation was very affordable and offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes. However, there are lots of great hotels to choose from to suit any budget, and all within walking distance of the city.
Getting around in Lisbon is easy as the metro system serves all the areas you would want to visit. You can buy a ‘Lisboa card’ which you can use to travel on the metro, buses and trams. We took a trip on one of the “elevadores” (a funicular railway) offering a quick and easy way of getting to the bars and restaurants of the ‘Bairro Alto’. We took the open top bus around the city on our first day which gave us a great overview of where we then wanted to explore further and enabled us to get on and off as we pleased. We got off in the pretty area of Belem which has lots of restaurants on the waterfront to choose from and also gives you a great view of 26 April Bridge which looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Eating in Lisbon is fantastic. There is something for every taste and budget here and I would recommend visiting the Biarro Alto area in the evening to enjoy local tapas on the side of a tiny cobbled street or a meal at one of the many restaurants. You can then party until the early hours in the bars that come alive late into the night.
I would definitely recommend Lisbon as a great city break destination. With its beautiful historic buildings and cobbled streets it is perfect for the more cultured visitor, while those looking for a fun and lively break can enjoy the fantastic array of bars and restaurants.