Visiting Lisbon - Visit Portugal`s Capital - Lisboa
77Where and how to travel?
Every time you think about your next travel outside your country you start by searching for the ideal destination, the way to get there, where to stay, where to eat and how much all of this will cost you.
And normally the best solution is talking with some travel agency and choose from several programs which usually only takes you to the major cities and show you some monuments, shops, restaurants and that´s it...
If you really want to visit smaller cities or understand how those people live and get to know their culture you may as well forget about traveling programs and start to organize your own trip.
If you decide travel to Portugal and you do not want to bother with arrangements or choosing where to go or where to stay then it is certain that you will visit Lisbon.
And I am sure you will love it!
History of Lisbon city
Lisbon's history dates back to 300,000 years ago.
Nevertheless it only emerged as a nation state in the early 12th century.
A few years ago archaeological ruins from ancient Lisbon were found and this discoveries have ranked it as one of the world's longest established cities.
As the legend tells, it is a city founded and named by Ulysses as Ulissipo or Olissopo, which has its origins in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo" meaning "enchanting port".
How Lisbon got its name according to legend
Through centuries Lisbon was a battlefield for Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, however it was Romans who began their two-century reign in Lisbon in 205 BC.
During Romans occupation period Lisbon became one of the most significant cities in Iberian Peninsula and renamed Felicitas Julia.
During 714 AC, the Moors arrived to Iberian Peninsula and resisted against Christian attacks for 400 years.
When Portugal finally recaptured the city it took one more century to repel all the Moors from the peninsula.
The 15th century was marked by the departure for the Portuguese Discoveries. An era during which Portugal enjoyed abundant wealth and prosperity through its newly discovered off shore colonies in Atlantic islands, the shores of Africa, the Americas and Asia.
Vasco da Gama's famous discovery of the sea route to India distinguished this century. Moreover, during this period many architectural attractions of the city were built, such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos designed in Manueline architectural style and Torre de Belém, both classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Unfortunately this era did not take long. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed nearly the entire city which was rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal. Who thus created the Baixa Pombalina which was a commercial area that still attains attraction. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city has spread progressively to the North and areas such as the Avenidas Novas (New Avenues) were added.
Today it is a city full of contrasts offering a great deal to discover and surprise. Lisbon still maintain the marks of its early history along with a rich cultural mix of immigrants from former colonies. It is one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe if you ask me.
 | These days, fewer visitors approach Lisbon from the sea than once used to, but the wide turn many airliners make over the beach at Caparica - before crossing the river above the red suspension bridge and sweeping over the city's roofs to the airport - is a pretty good introduction too. Amazon Price: $16.28 List Price: $12.00 |
 | A German Filmmaker (Patrick Bauchau) summons his sound recorder friend (Rudiger Vogler) to join him in Lisbon. When the latter arrives his friend has disappeared leaving a few cans of silent footage. The sound man will wander aimlessly through the streets of Lisbon recording sounds of the old city to match the images left by his friend. This beautiful poetic meditation on sounds music and images taking us through the streets of the old and new Lisbon is first of all Wim Wenders' (BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) reflection on the meaning of cinema. Amazon Price: $44.95 List Price: $14.98 |
 | Streetwise Lisbon Map - Laminated Center City Street Map of Lisbon, Portugal - Folding pocket size travel map with integrated surface tram & metro stations. Amazon Price: $7.95 |
 | Survey the breathtaking city on seven hills from the lofty Castelo de Sao Jorge or tuck into warm custard tarts in an atmospheric cafe. Dance until dawn in an achingly cool club or meander through Alfama`s labyrinthine alleys at a leisurely pace. Appreciate the haunting beauty of fado or hunt for stunning azulejos. Whatever your passion, this essential guide will show you the best of Lisbon. Amazon Price: $6.00 List Price: $14.99 |
Places you will see when you visit Lisbon
lisbon - Postcards of Lisbon on Ebay
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Portugal Sporting Lisbon Alvalade XXI Stadium New Postcard
Current Bid: $2.50
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Praca do Comerico (Commerce Square), Lisbon Portugal Circa 1940's (481)
Current Bid: $14.99
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2062 - PORTUGAL Lisboa Lisbon Estatua Equestre de D. Jose I ca 1910
Current Bid: $8.95
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FRANCE President LOUBET Visists LISBON PORTUGAL 1905
Current Bid: $24.95
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POSTCARD EXPO 98 EXPOSITION LISBON PORTUGAL parade
Current Bid: $9.99
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Postcard RPPC Lisbon Portugal Vista Parcial
Current Bid: $13.00
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Lisbon seen by an American
Portugal, Lisbon, Sintra, Fado, Madredeus, Beautiful
This great video was made by Joe during his four day vacations in Lisbon and Sintra. By his own words: "What a nice time, and what a beautiful city."
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It was not bad at all!
You are right, Lisbon it is a beautiful city with lots of history and friendly peoples but that do not mean that you have seen Portugal.
In fact beside being a small country Portugal has so much to see and learn that even after 37 years of living here I still found incredible places to visit outside Lisbon.
And because I have lived in Lisbon until 28 years of age and have traveled a lot in the mean while, I can tell you that I found much more rewarding to travel by myself without knowing where I am going and who am I going to meet next.
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Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009 ranked Lisbon as one of the 10 best cities in the world to visit during 2009!
 | Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel" takes on the world's hottest trends, destinations, journeys, and experiences, profiling more than 300 unique travel adventures. It contains snapshots on every country in the world, and sets the year's travel agenda with the top pick cities, countries, and regions. Amazon Price: $1.48 List Price: $22.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.72 List Price: $14.99 |
Go Lisbon Blog
- Time Magazine Highlights One Day in Lisbon
The latest issue of the weekly Time magazine (on sale worldwide) dedicates two full pages to Lisbon with a four-hour itinerary. It says “it’s surprising how much of Lisbon can be covered in a few... - 9 days ago
- Lisbon – Startup City
Are you an entrepreneur, or thinking of starting a business? Why not choose Lisbon as the location for your new company? In the video below, several entrepreneurs talk about why they chose Lisbon for... - 10 days ago
- The 5 Great Reasons to Visit Lisbon This Summer
THE LISBON COAST You’d think that summer would be high tourism season for the city of Lisbon. But it’s not. Most locals go on vacation in August (many heading south to Algarve), and foreign... - 13 days ago
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I hope you all enjoyed this journey and wish you pleasant and safe flights.
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CommentsLoading...
I´m glad you like it. And I´m sure you would love the country and the people.
Having family roots in Portugal you really have to travel here! If you ever come I´ll be delighted to help you within my capabilities ;)
Would love to visit Lisbon and Portugal, have read so many things about it would love to see it in person. The pictures are awesome, the Abril bridge looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Sintra looks awesome was it set up like the Great Wall of China to protect them from attackers?
Before I saw your hub, Portugal was not on my list of places I want to travel to. Now it is. What a beautiful place. I never knew. Great hub.
Cgull8m - Thanks for your comment, your right about the bridge being just like Golden Gate only smaller :). Sintra is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places I know but it isn´t comparable with the Great Wall ;), the picture was taken in the Mouros Castle and you can also see bellow the Pena Palace with the big chimney. Someday I´ll make a hub just to show all the beauties of Sintra hills and all the palaces and castles.
Adventure - Thank you! I´m glad I manage to change your opinion about Portugal ;). Just wait for my next hubs on this subject I´ll bet after you see them you´ll travel to Portugal on the first opportunity you get :D.
Wow! Didn't know Portugal was so splendid! Only been to the Algarve.
Now Lisbon is definitely on my list.
Thank you for visiting both this hub and Portugal ;D
Besides Algarve and Lisboa Portugal has whole lot of incredibly beautiful places to visit, but this are subjects for my next hubs LOL.
I have never been outside of the U.S. I would love to visit Fatima, being a spiritual type of person. The music with the YouTube video was so beautiful, did you make that video or just find it on YouTube? I love classical guitar!
Keep up the good work on making hubs.
Peace and Joy
Hi SparklingJewel, thanks for passing by. The video isn´t mine but I´ve choose this one also because of the music, I love MADREDEUS (Godsmother) and the combination of Teresa Salgueiro voice with the beautiful sond from portuguese guitar.
I hope you have the chance to visit Portugal and peregrinate to Fátima sanctuary.
Have fun
Thank you! Beautiful photos and video. Desktop travelling is also fun! I remember being amazed by the variety and intricate artwork of the tiles. Any chance of getting a hub focusing on Portuguese tiles?
Great hub! I love the photos. They made me want to visit Portugal.
I love it. I must admit that I have never visit Lisbon because I thought it was a boring place with no much to see.... How wrong I was!!! I cannot believe I lost so many opportunities to be there. Still... never is too late, I'll make a point of spending a few days in Portugal this summer. Thanks for 'opening my eyes'
Ahhh, one of my dream destinations. Love the photos too!
C-Lee - thank you for commenting. Portugal has been known for its beautiful and complex tiles and I´ll try to make some hubs on this subject.
jpiersol - Thank you for passing by. I´m glad you´ve liked the photos and you really should come and visit Portugal! ;)
Princessa - It´s never too late... ;) I hope you´ll enjoy your trip to Lisbon and have lots of fun here!
SpringCurl - Thank you for the comment, now you just have to make your dreams come thru ;)
I have visited your country twice... Lisbon and on south.. and I love it. It is breathtaking to see from the sky as you come in over the ocean. The history is amazing. We loved all the sights and sounds whereever we went and your people are wonderful.
Thank you so much for such kinf comment silverstar8. I´m very glad you enjoyed it! Now you have to visit the north and islands lol.
Someday I´ll make a hub just to show all the beauties of Sintra hills and all the palaces and castles." Please do and I look forward to it. My friend once visited the End of the World place in Portugal? I am not sure about the name, she said it was real nice.
Don´t worry cgull8m, I´ll make it lol. Right now I´m still recovering from my last wrist surgery so I can only post some comments ;)
End of the World place!? I´m not sure what it is, the only thing I remember with that name it´s a very poor and degrading neighborhood near Sintra/Estoril but if your friend said to you that it was real nice we probably are talking about diferent places :/
Great photos! My sister spent over a month In Portugal last year and of all of the countries she's visited, both on vacation and work, that visit was the only time she filled up her camera with photos.
You have some interesting stuff here, I look forward to reading more of your past hubs as well as your future ones.
Thank you Kt! I think I can understand your sister cause Portugal has much to see and photograph ;)
Portugal is beautiful. Thanks so much for the education. Perhaps someday I will be able to visit.
Thank you for your kind comment Angela. I know you will love Portugal ;)
Simply beautiful or perfection. Portugal would be a nice place to visit.
I supose perfection doesn´t exist but some places in Portugal are almost there lol.
I can assure you that visiting Portugal will be those vacations you´ll never forget ;)
Sorry about the blank comment. What I actually said was this: Unfortunately, I could not visit Portugal during my Bike Tour during 1980-81. I would love to make a visit as soon as I can. (I have no idea how it came to be a blank one.)Thanks for the hub.
No problem Vaid ;) as a matter of fact Portugal has change a lot since the 80`s but its beauties still remains. You´ll love to visit Portugal and if you should decide to come and travel by bike don´t forget to tell me so I can join you and show you around Portugal! ;)
Funride, if I do decide to visit Portugal someday, I'll be contacting you. LOL I think you have to take me to the Sintra first and then to the Torre de Belem. :-) and the rest of the breathtaking places.
It´s a deal Michelle! I´ll be very happy to show you around ;). Now you just have to start planning your vacations and travel to Portugal.
Hahaha Okay, we will save up for it. :-) Deal!
Nice hub funride..I loved the photo taken from the top of the stairs in Sintra Nice. And one of my favorite ways to travel (maybe not alone) is no plans..just find the places by asking questions or at least knowing somethings about where you are going. and also my first thought was The Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco...how did it get there? ha ha now I know..So did they copy us?
I have been fortunate enough to have visted Swizterland, France,Germany.Liechenstine ?(sp) and many castle and beautiful Cathedrals...my daughter and her family lived there for 2 years and sent us tickets and we spent 14 days with them as our tour guide's.Her husband is from Germany and his parents still live there in a 500 year old house..and what a history it has. My son-in-law was raised there in that house....Anyway wonderful hub and nice place you presented to us...Thank You. G-Ma :o) hugs
Thank you G-Ma, I´m glad you like this hub :-). I´m not sure if our "Golden Gate" it was copied from the one and only in SF but it probably was. I also had the opportunity to visit those countries and I loved Switzerland very much (btw it sp - Liechtenstein). You are also very welcome to visit Portugal, you already have your personal guide over here ;-)
woweee that is very special my dear..however I shall never make there I am sure..not that I wouldn't like to though with a guide like you...thanks so much and God Bless you ...G-Ma :o) hugs
Ohhhh G-Ma, allow me to believe it´s possible! Never say never ;o)
Well in my heart and thoughts I am there sweetie..and I must agree Never say Never..cause you just never know what will happen...:o) G-Ma :o) hugs ( I like your spirit)
Great tips and I would love to see Portugal!
Fantastic and I have to say... I was there! It's wondeful. We also visted, some years ago Braga, Estoril and "la ciudad de los pequeñitos" (well, I don't know its name in Portuguese!). And I must say, your country is really amazing!
Thank you for your comments.
Angeles - I´m glad you liked it and btw it´s "Portugal dos pequeninos" (Little one`s Portugal) and it´s located in Coimbra ;)
Twenty years ago I travelled down through Spain to to the Algarve by train. Spent a month there and went back via Lisbon but saw only the inside of Lisbon Train station.... Look what I missed!
Hello Carolina, thank you so much for passing by. Portugal has suffered many changes in the last 20 years, I could say that it´s now an all new country, so you should come again and check the differences ;). But I have to say that you also live in a beautiful place, Crete! I have visited Greece when I was 8 years old and latter with 14 and I loved it cause it made me feel like I was at home.
Yes and Crete has changed a lot in 20 years too Funride. There are great similarities in the two countries, including the beautiful scenery. This year I'm re visiting Barcelona - I am now tempted to get the train across to Lisbon again and check out the town this time, thanks to your hub :)
Beautiful hub. I just spent a few lovely moments imagining I were there in Lisbon. The music in the video clips is magical. Thanks so much for sharing. Maybe someday...
Regards, Sally
Sally, thank you for such nice comment. I hope it will be soon...
I'd have to echo the fact that those are beautiful pictures! Great hub here funride
Thank you Pete. I guess I like to persuade people to visit Portugal and this hub will probably help me on this task ;)
Hey, I couldn't help but notice that you don't have any info here about "cheap-rooms-to-rent-from-people-you-know-on-hubpages." Guess that's going to be in the next hub?
;)
LOL!!! I may have very very very cheap room for hubbers but you can´t come all at the same time ;)
funride i am looking for a cheap flight to Lisbon on April 10th return 11th any ideas.....jimmy
ps from Scotland
Great pictures and article, I never knew much about Portugal before.
Okay funride, you are talking me into a visit. No, rather you are tempting me! Beautiful country, wonderful people, rich history! What could be better? Great Hub!
Jimmy - cheap flight to Lisbon and return the next day should be difficult to find. Have you try easyjet!? Or maybe http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/ and search. One thing I know for sure, it will be cheaper if you stay at least one weekend ;)
Perry - I´m glad you liked :)
Akeejaho - Thank you. Have you planned your visit to Portugal already!? :)
Its for The Uefa cup tie between Rangers and Sporting Lisbon, most companies seem to have increased their prices just for those days.....jimmy
After posting I remembered that it was the day of that game. It´s always impossible to find cheap flights when the demand for tickets is high :/
I hope you will find the best flight and wish Rangers all the luck for the game ;) even though I´m not a follower of "Sporting Club Portugal" I would like them to continue on UEFA Cup (I go for Sport Lisboa BENFICA but they are already out).
Thanks Funride , looks like the expensive flight for me lol, take care.....jimmy
I never realized Portugal is a beauty! Wish I could be there even once in my lifetime...seriously!
Thanks, your shared photos are like getting a taste of it.
I´m glad you liked them ;) and I really hope you can visit Portugal at least once!
Hi, I have only been to portugal twice, to the Algarve. and Funchal, but definatly want to visit Lisbon. The Arlgarve is only about 5 hours drive from my home and I plan on coming back in september.Great photos by the way.
Hi Graham, thank you for commenting. As you probably know there are "hundreds" of nice places to have great meals in every city around Portugal, so you should also try a few of them in the capital ;)
The pictures are wonderful, dont everyone laugh, but I have never left the States and i'm well not young. Some dayI would love to go to another country,I would love to be walking down thoughs beautiful old rock stairs. Great Hub, it gave me a real quick vacation and work will never know i left.
Visiting Lisbon Portugal capital: this sentence should be re-written as follows: "Visiting Lisbon, THE CAPITAL OF PORTUGAL"83
Hi dhoosier, I´m glad you enjoyed your "quick vacation" to Lisbon ;). I wish that in near future you can travel to wherever you and your wife want (why not Portugal!?). After your first time you will never want anything else but travel travel travel ;)
Hi fishskinfreak, thanks for the advice. I hope you enjoyed the hub :)
I have a friend in Lisbon who constantly makes jokes about the people in the Algarve. Why? Are they considered "different"?
LOL. I don´t believe they are different from people living in Lisbon. I have many good friends in Algarve and the only thing I can say is that they know how to live their lifes without too many hurries. I guess your friend is jealous and probably would like to live there :D
A few months ago there was a government minister who joked about south of Portugal saying that it was already North Africa. I think he was dismissed a couple of weeks later.
Just read your hub on Portugal. What a beautiful place it must be. I have never been overseas, but someday maybe I will...Dreaming...Love the pictures! That will inspire me.
Hi Lisa, thanks for comment. I´m glad you loved it and I hope it really inspire you to travel as soon as you can ;) .
Great article and the picture of TORRE DE BELEM is priceless. I can't wait to see Lisbon.
Oh my goodness! What lovliness! I hear that the shopping is great and the shoes are do die for, please comment? Great hub I can't wait for more fun hubs from you!
Have been reading your Hub and have just booked a 5 day holiday there. Thanks for everything I'll let you know how I get on
Great Hub, for those who are curious about the similarities between the GGB in San Fran and the 25 AB in Lisbon, it's no coincidence, it was built by the same construction company, with the assistance of local Portuguese firms. Both bridges were built in that fashion due in part to the seismic activities in both San Fran and Lisbon.
One more thing, the Golden Gate is slightly longer at 2,737 m whereas the 25 of April bridge measures in at 2,277.64 m.
Thank you all for your comments :)
PortugalVacations, thank you very much for all the information about the "twin bridges". Now that you mention the seismic similitudes it´s easy to better understand the reason for their likenesses. Thanks again for enlightening this hub :)
Nice review. Keep up the good work!
We did a day trip to Lisbon from the Algarve but the journey was so long we were all dog tired when we got there. We travelled back via the Vasgo Da Gama bridge which is awesone. Would like to visit again but for a few days. Beautful photos. We saw the Belem Tower etc.
One day it´s not enough to visit Lisbon, or anyother city for that matter. But I bet it was enough to make you want to come back and visit it properly ;)
Funride - olá, boa noite (tis late evening now)! I'm just sat reading your Lisbon article and enjoying it - more because I live here ;)
I've half done a hub relating to my adopted home-city. I should publish it sometime. And I've got some great photos from around the city. I was in Alfama last week partying, dancing in the street and eating sardines and the other night I was sat eating dinner in Rossio. Outside of course.
I wanted the street entertainers to come and entertain me whilst I dined. Daft buggers went off annoying some German tourists instead. At least I'd have thrown some change at them :)
You have a beautiful city - that's for sure!
Olá FrogDropping ;)
Saturday night I was also partying at Bica - dancing, eating and drinking all night long :)
I´m not living in Lisbon anymore since 2003 and I don´t intend to go back... I like it better here in the country, but I still love to visit Lisbon and all my friends there. And I must agree with you: it´s really a beautiful city ;)
Portugal my favorite Country! beautiful weather, food and people wish I was there now!!!!!
Great article liked the photos.
Thanks Topscot, I´m glad you like it (both Portugal and this hub).
Hello... I am Portuguese, and i live in Lisbon.
Lisbon is a great place, and portuguese people are so nice!
My favorite places in portugal are Algarve (Summer is so hot, good food and at night you can go to the bar's but if you don't like, you have places perfect for relax), Lisbon complitly perfect! If you going to visit Lisbon and you ant know something tell me!
Bom Dia (Good day)
Adeus (bye-bye)
Até - Breve ( see you soon)
Olá Catarina, também sou Português :)
Hi Catarina, I´m Portuguese too. Thank you so much for your kind comment, you´re right about the Algarve and Lisbon - great places to visit.
Take care,
Ricardo
Beautiful, I now feel as though I've visited Lisbon - Portugal`s capital. WOW what fantastic photography! Love it! :)
Hey Katie, thanks for commenting. Now that you feel you have visited it you must come and see with your own eyes ;)
Glad you liked it.
Very well done again. The video you chose was very well done. great choices, great info, great hub! Thanks Bud!
Thanks Micky, you should consider visiting Portugal yourself. I would love to show you around and ride alongside through great secondary roads with amazing views over Lisbon :)
Another great hub about Lisbon! :) Here's my piece when you're planning to be here in Lisbon. Tips on how to get big savings, please check my hub http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Cost-Benefits-And-Othe Thanks!!!
Hi Lisbontraveler, thanks for commenting. Saving money on our travels sounds like a great idea.
I visited Portugal many years ago, in 1995...and I really enjoyed it!!! Not only Lisbon, which is such a beautiful city, but also other places...Coimbra, Fatima, Evora, Braga, and many villages along the way. We rented a car and it was a great way to see as much as possible.
It is a surprising country and you can breathe such a special atmosphere. Maybe some day I'll visit it again, especially the places I didn't visit the first time...
Stacie Naczelnik 4 years ago
I love the pictures. I would love to travel to Portugal--I have family roots trailing back there.