Lisbon City Breaks

Lisbon city breaks – A very long history
During a Lisbon city break discover all the hidden treasures this beautiful city has to offer. One of the oldest cities on the planet, according to legend the name was chosen by Ulysses and means ‘enchanting port’. Lisbon has archaeological ruins that suggest Portugal’s capital dates over 300,000 years! Once the world’s most prosperous trading centre – after Vasco da Gama's famous discovery of the sea route to India – city breaks to Lisbon are sure to be full of surprises. 

Short breaks in Lisbon – A city of contrasts
Enjoy a city break in Europe’s westernmost capital; Lisbon is situated on the Atlantic coast where the river Tagus flows into the ocean. The historic centre of the city is built on seven hills making some of the city’s streets too steep for motor vehicles, but offering some incredible views in every direction. The western side of the city is mainly occupied by the Monsanto Natural Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world while the eastern waterfront is dominated by Parque das Nações. Originally built on reclaimed industrial wasteland for Expo 98, the site has an Oceanarium; the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, with science exhibits; and – the district’s architectural highlight – Ivaro Siza Vieira’s Portugal pavilion, with its amazing concrete canopy. Other Lisbon weekend break must-sees include the 15th century Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, designed in Manueline architectural style, and Torre de Belém, both classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Lisbon city breaks – Intrigue and Inspiration
Marquês de Pombal rebuilt the city after the infamous 1755 earthquake and created the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that attracts Lisbon city break visitors. There are few cityscapes as eccentric and beautiful as that of Portugal’s capital. Its quarters are linked by an amazing network of cobbled streets with outrageous gradients, up which lurch trams and funiculars. A Rio-like statue of Christ gazes over the river and beyond while the rustic castle above the Alfama district’s medieval, whitewashed streets, keeps watch on the hustle and bustle below. You don’t have to stay in the busy centre during a Lisbon city break. Relax with a trip to Sintra, with its forests and palaces, just 45 minutes away by train from Rossio. Dozens of beaches are within easy reach too…

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