Insight Guides - Insight Guides Explore Lisbon

How To Use This E-Book

This Explore Guide has been produced by the editors of Insight Guides, whose books have set the standard for visual travel guides since 1970. With top-quality photography and authoritative recommendations, these guidebooks bring you the very best routes and itineraries in the worlds most exciting destinations.

Best Routes

The routes in this book provide something to suit all budgets, tastes and trip lengths. As well as covering the destinations many classic attractions, the itineraries track lesser-known sights, and there are also excursions for those who want to extend their visit outside the city. The routes embrace a range of interests, so whether you are an art fan, a gourmet, a history buff or have kids to entertain, you will find an option to suit.

We recommend reading the whole of a route before setting out. This should help you to familiarise yourself with it and enable you to plan where to stop for refreshments options are shown in the Food and Drink box at the end of each tour.

Introduction

The routes are set in context by this introductory section, giving an overview of the destination to set the scene, plus background information on food and drink, shopping and more, while a succinct history timeline highlights the key events over the centuries.

Directory

Also supporting the routes is a Directory chapter, with a clearly organised AZ of practical information, our pick of where to stay while you are there and select restaurant listings; these eateries complement the more low-key cafs and restaurants that feature within the routes and are intended to offer a wider choice for evening dining. Also included here are some nightlife listings, plus a handy language guide and our recommendations for books and films about the destination.

Getting around the e-book

In the Table of Contents and throughout this e-book you will see hyperlinked references. Just tap a hyperlink once to skip to the section you would like to read. Practical information and listings are also hyperlinked, so as long as you have an external connection to the internet, you can tap a link to go directly to the website for more information.

Maps

All key attractions and sights mentioned in the text are numbered and cross-referenced to high-quality maps. Wherever you see the reference [map] just tap this to go straight to the related map. You can also double-tap any map for a zoom view.

Images

Youll find lots of beautiful high-resolution images that capture the essence of the destination. Simply double-tap on an image to see it full-screen.

2017 Apa Digital (CH) AG and Apa Publications (UK) Ltd

Table of Contents

Recommended Routes For...

Art buffs

Dont miss the treasures in the Gulbenkian ().

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Castles and palaces

Explore Lisbons Castelo de So Jorge ().

Shutterstock

Fans of the Manueline

Hop on a tram to Belm to see the famous monuments of the Mosteiro dos Jernimos Monastery and Torre de Belm (), dont miss the remarkable Convento de Jesus.

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Foodies

Good restaurants are popping up all around the city but for some of the most memorable dining experiences, try the family-run tascas in the back alleys of Bairro Alto ().

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Night owls

Join the revellers in bohemian Bairro Alto ().

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Shoppers

Explore the streets of Baixa () for vintage chic and the latest trends.

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Travelling with children

Europes second largest Oceanarium ().

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Views

For dazzling city and river views head up to the miradouros (viewpoints) such as the Castle Belvedere, Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Santa Luzia ().

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Explore Lisbon

With its sunny climate, rich history and old world charm, Lisbon has an enduring appeal. Add gastronomy, nightlife and affordable prices and it is little wonder the Portuguese capital has become one of Europes tourist hotspots.

Located on the broad estuary of the River Tagus where it spills into the Atlantic, Lisbon is Europes most westerly capital. The citys waterfront forms an arc stretching nearly 32km (21 miles) along the river. Towards the Atlantic is Belm, launching point for Vasco da Gama and other explorers of the Age of Discovery, and at the eastern extreme is the Parque das Naes, site of Expo 98 and the face of 21st century Lisbon. Between the two is central Lisbon: the kasbah-like Alfama topped by the Moorish castle, the quintessential hilltop Bairro Alto and in the middle, downtown Baixa, elegantly rebuilt in the 18th century after one of the worst earthquakes ever recorded.

See Lisbons most famous sights by tram

Lydia Evans/Apa Publications

Geography and layout

Much of Lisbons appeal lies in its location. Water is omnipresent. Set on seven hills, the city offers myriad miradouros (look-out points) which afford spectacular views over terracotta roof tiles to the placid Tagus. Two of the largest bridges in Europe reach across the estuary, an expanse of water which is so wide it gives a sense of the sea. Just past the district of Belm, where Manueline monuments stands as symbols of Portugals Golden Age, a lighthouse marks the point where the river ends and the Atlantic begins. The ocean defines the city: its limpid light turns to gold a Straw Sea in the afternoon sun.