subject: City Breaks in Lisbon [print this page] City Breaks in Lisbon City Breaks in Lisbon
Holiday in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is one of the least publicised "city break" cities in Europe. Yet despite this apparent lack in tourist marketing, Lisbon is one on Europe's most beautiful cities and has a unique, exotic quality that conjures up impressions of far away places from Portugal's colonial past.
As a result of this multi-faceted nature, Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular on the backpacking circuit. Traveling here is immensely rewarding, and it's also fairly affordable in European terms, with backpackers making the most of a stay in a cheap Lisbon hostel while touring the city's free cultural attractions and enjoying its food and drink without breaking the budget.
Lisbon's museums are a great example. While entrance to places such as the Gulbenkiam Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, and the Maritime Museum normally comes at a cost, these museums open their doors free to the general public every Sunday. Doing a tour of these museums on the last day of the week thus makes for a cultured - and totally free - day spent in Lisbon.
Of course, there is more to Lisbon than history and culture - if you need a break, why not indulge in a bit of retail therapy downtown? The Baixa central shopping district is home to well-known brands, local wares and excellent cafes - a perfect place to rest tired feet and do some people-watching once you have made your purchases.
Also high in the hills, but much less of a hike to get to, are the remains of a Moorish Castle which dates back to the 8th century. The walk around the top of its extensive walls provides magnificent views of the surrounding district.
But no matter how you choose to explore Lisbon, you are sure to come away from your break with plenty of new memories and a fantastic experience in Portugal. From fabulous shopping to 20 centuries of history, the city has something to offer everyone.
