Not sure where to go on your next vacation? If the idea of traveling somewhere with great food, fascinating history, and beautiful vistas sounds appealing, consider booking a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. This European capital has grown more popular in recent years, and for a good reason – it’s an absolute gem of a spot to spend a few days exploring. Not quite sure why you should go? Here are five great reasons you should visit Lisbon, Portugal:
01 – The Food is Incredible
Heavily inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll quickly fall in love with the food in Lisbon. It’s no surprise to see the local flavor heavily features seafood and shellfish, given the city’s proximity to the water, and you’ll find it cooked every way possible – fried, grilled, stewed, and more. Cheese, wine, and pastries are also considered staples of the local food scene – pick some up from a cafe for a perfect picnic lunch.
A great way to sample the local cuisine is to order a variety of petiscos at local bars. Called petiscos, you can order a couple of small bites before moving on to try something totally new at the next location.
02 – You’ll Find History Wherever You Turn
Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest cities. You feel it as you explore the city, especially in historic districts like Alfama, as you walk the narrow cobblestone streets. From churches that played home to significant moments in Portuguese history to sites like the Museu do Teatro Romano, where you can see Roman ruins as old as 57 A.D., you’ll find it all here.
If you don’t know much about the history of the area before you arrive on vacation, you can always sign up for a guided tour to explain the significance of Lisbon’s most noteworthy spots.
03 – You Won’t Be Able to Resist the Incredible Views
Lisbon was built upon a series of hills, which lends itself to a number of great vantage points. Recognizing this, the city of Lisbon created a series of miradouros, terraces at locations with awe-inspiring views. They make perfect spots to relax after exploring the city and are great locations to snap a few photos and soak up a little bit of Portuguese culture. For some of the best views in Lisbon, admire the St. George Castle from Miradouro Graca Lisboa and enjoy sweeping views of the city’s trademark red rooftops from Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte.
04 – You’ll Appreciate the Great Weather, Regardless of the Season
Its location along the coast means Lisbon experiences mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. With summer highs in the low 80’s and winter lows in the upper 40’s, you won’t find any extremes here. The winter months do get a bit rainy, but if you’re willing to risk it, you can beat the summer crowds by booking your trip during the cooler season.
05 – It’s One of the Best Value Vacation Spots in Europe
While the city has become more popular – and therefore more expensive – in recent years, Lisbon is still a great value as far as most European vacation spots are concerned. Quality food and drinks are affordable, museums and attractions are generally cheap, and public transit doesn’t cost much to use. And while accommodations aren’t as affordable as I thought they’d be, they’re still far less expensive than you’ll find in London, Paris, or other major cities.
As you can see, it isn’t hard to make the decision to visit Lisbon. Whether you love to eat, appreciate a great view, or can’t resist a good deal, you’ll be glad you went!
