Lisbon: The dream destination that has it all

Lisbon truly has something for everyone in this eclectic European city.

When most people decide to take an amazing trip to Europe, they think of visiting Rome, London, or Madrid. One of the places that seem to fly under the radar is Lisbon, Portugal. It is the perfect place for a summer trip for reasons that you likely never even knew.

Lisbon is Portugal's capital; it has so many things to offer visitors. Perched atop seven hills, Lisbon is a vibrant seaside town bursting with history and tradition. Here are five reasons why you need to add Lisbon to your list of dream destinations.

The Sun

When most people think of sunny European destinations, places like Athens, Rome, or Barcelona come to mind. Lisbon is the last place people consider, although it should be the first. Lisbon averages 2,799 hours of sun a year, making it the sunniest European cities. The beautiful beaches are located about 30 minutes from the city center are the perfect place to enjoy this sunshine.

Lisbon's Age

Lisbon is one of the earliest capital cities in the world. It is older than more famous capitals like Rome or Paris by hundreds of years. This age is shown in its architecture, museums, and sites to see around the city. It is home to the oldest book store in the world, Bertrand, as it holds the Guinness Book record as the oldest. The old tram system still runs along the cobblestone streets and the place that it holds in history during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries (which Lisbon is incredibly proud of).

The Food And Spirits

Portugal's food and beverages are excellent from the fantastic port wines (which is the national drink of Portugal) to the sausages to the custard tarts. There are fantastic cafes and restaurants throughout the city that serve traditional fares and modern world-class cuisine. Step out to the town's open-air markets for on-the-go street foods.

Art

Graffiti is considered an eyesore, but Lisbon's turned the idea of graffiti into something to be enjoyed by all. Street art is something that Lisbon has come to embrace, so much so that there are even street art tours throughout the city. There are murals scattered all over Lisbon, and one of the places visitors should go to see some amazing examples of street art is the Calcada da Gloria.

The View

Built across seven separate hills contributes to the cities stunning views and landscapes everywhere. Lisbon is a city that is just pretty to admire. View a mix of old and new from many different points in the city. There is something new to see atop every hill and corner.

Lisbon is a place that is a world-class capital that most people do not consider visiting at first. It is old, artsy, modern, and steep in history. There is something for everyone in Lisbon. From the beaches to the cobblestone streets, world-class restaurants, to street art murals, Lisbon is a thriving capital that seems to be one of the un-hidden gems of Europe.
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Lisbon is on my bucket list along with all of Portugal, and I think a great combination is Madeira Island before or after my stay in Lisbon.  When you are ready to plan travel post-pandemic, I would love to share more details of this great destination.