It’s safe to say that 2016 was a very good year for Lisbon. From winning top awards in the travel industry, to reintroducing itself as one of Europe’s trendiest cities.
And 2017 also looks to be a stellar year for the Portuguese city. With announcements of some impressive new tourist attractions and events, it’s the destination on everyone’s lips. Not sold yet? See why you should make Lisbon your must-see cruise destination on this
is awarded
Lisbon’s trophy room must be full, as it has been recognized by some major awards over the past year. Its famous museums, such as the historic Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and the artistic Museu Colecção Berardo, and the delicious gastronomy are just some of the things that led it to be elected one of the ten best cities in the world to travel in 2018 by Lonely Planet. It also won Best City or Short Stay Destination at the Travel Media Awards in 2016 and was chosen as Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination and Europe’s Leading Cruise Port at the World Travel Awards, which is a great nod to the why Lisbon is the perfect destination. place for a cruise vacation this year.
It has some exciting new attractions
Even if you’ve been to Lisbon before, that doesn’t mean you should check it off your list of destinations this year. Tons of new tourist attractions have been announced for 2017, one of which is the news that Lisbon’s most iconic landmark, the 25 de Abril bridge, will open an observation deck. This means that, for the first time, you’ll have never-before-experienced views of the Tagus River and the Docas de Santo Amaro – a disused port filled with warehouses converted into trendy restaurants by day and lively cocktail bars and clubs after sunset. of the sun. Another novelty on the Lisbon cultural scene is a museum dedicated to the history and role of Judaism in Portugal, designed by architect Grace Bachmann. The inauguration is scheduled for this year in Alfama, with the works concluded before the summer. The rehabilitation of the old monastery, the Hospital do Desterro, is another exciting bet in Lisbon for 2017. The area, which was used by monks and pilgrims as a place to stay when they visited the monarchy, will now become a new experimental space for Lisbon , with a contemporary art centre, alternative therapy center and a selection of bars and restaurants.
food is unique
From trying chunks of chorizo, a spicy Portuguese sausage, to sampling chicken piri piri in the country where it originated, any self-confessed foodie won’t be disappointed by the culinary delights on offer here. There are food markets perfect for sampling some of Lisbon’s best dishes, such as the Time Out Market on Av. de Julho, which features dishes from two Michelin-starred local chefs – Tarar-ia by Dieter Koschina and Chicken All Around by Miguel Laffan. We recommend going to Pasteis de Belém, a world-renowned bakery famous for creating the Portuguese pie. They started making the pastries – known as pastéis de nata – in 1837, and even today the recipe remains a secret, known only to the master pastry chefs who handcraft the desserts in a room hidden from prying eyes.
And if you’re going to Lisbon between March 30th and April 9th, you can’t miss the tenth edition of Lisbon Fish and Flavors, a great ten-day event dedicated to the tasty fish and seafood of Portugal. Renowned chefs from across the country come together to showcase their best techniques and products with live cooking classes, tasting sessions and wine pairing. In addition, there will be a market with food stalls so you can also take some products home. We advise hunting for the famous natural sardines, especially if you are planning to participate in one of the biggest annual events in Lisbon – the Festa de Santo António on the 13th of June. The streets of Lisbon are filled with sardines in honor of António de Pádua when, in the 13th century, he became upset when none of the locals listened to his sermons. After exclaiming that it would be better to preach to fish, he visited the shore and found thousands of scaly friends sticking their heads out of the water to hear him. This clearly gave him the motivation he needed as he went on to be the patron saint of a long list of things including animals, fishermen and lost souls. To celebrate, every year Lisboners feast on the first fans of Santo António – the grilled sardines.
There will be a new cruise terminal
In addition to being voted the best cruise port in Europe, Lisbon will also receive a new cruise terminal, which will be the third cruise terminal in the city. The new 13,800 square meter building, which will be located next to the city’s main terminal, Santa Apolónia, will have three floors with restaurants, a VIP room and a terrace with 360-degree views over Lisbon.
It’s cheap
Portugal has received a lot of attention recently for being a great value destination, with the Algarve being voted number one in the 12 cheapest destinations by the Post Office. Lisbon is no different, and while you won’t find bargains as good as the Algarve’s 32p for a bottle of water, you’ll find pints of beer for €1.50 and a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for two for €1. 25.
Bairro Alto is the place to be
This central neighborhood of Lisbon is worth visiting. During the day, you’ll find charming cobbled streets filled with cozy bars, restaurants and luxury shops. But at night, this sleepy place comes alive with small clubs and bars full of locals who know how to party, spilling out into the streets to create a vibrant atmosphere. Head to the BA Wine Bar, with over 200 bottles of Portuguese wine on offer, where you’ll have a wine tasting class with professional sommeliers, as well as try some tasty Portuguese tapas.
It is notoriously mountainous
Rome isn’t the only place known as the city built on seven hills, with Lisbon also making the list. But don’t let that put you off, as the hills don’t mean extra exercise – they mean great views and some special attractions to go with it too. For just €2.80, you can take a ride on the elaborate Elevador de Santa Justa, taking you from the Baixa neighborhood to the ruins of Igreja do Carmo. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of central Lisbon from the observation deck. Another way to enjoy panoramic views over the city without walking is to hop on the Ascensor da Bica – Portugal’s answer to San Francisco’s famous trams. Tram lines run up and down the city, which is great if you’re short on time.
Seeing the sights of Lisbon couldn’t be easier
You’ll tick off all the best parts of Lisbon at once. From strolling the cobbled streets and posting Instagram photos of the ancient castle of São Jorge guarding Lisbon’s harbor, to heading to Alfama, the old Arab quarter, to picking up some handmade souvenirs at the Mercado dos Ladrões, you’ll see it all with a of our itineraries.
Fill your itinerary with our shore excursions
Lisbon has plenty to keep you busy, but if you need help deciding what to do, we can help. We offer six shore excursions in Lisbon, all with varying experiences. Tour the streets of Lisbon in a Tuk Tuk, a small vehicle that will take you to all the city’s best sights, such as the previously mentioned São Jorge castle, and plenty of cafes to try a bica – Lisbon’s answer to an espresso. Or, if you prefer to see the highlights on two wheels instead of three, why not experience Lisbon by Segway? Not only are they more fun to manoeuvre, they can also do a bit of off-roading, meaning you can explore some of the less touristy parts of Lisbon. Take a stroll through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where you can run along cobbled streets with fado, a traditional style of Portuguese music, accompanying your adventure.
