Gorgeous gothic
The modern city of seven hills was shaped in 1755 by an earthquake that all but destroyed the old one. Only one part of town survived relatively intact - the Alfama, which slides down the hill from the ancient castle to the river Tagus. Most of the area's narrow, winding streets date back to the 16th century, but follow Rua Santo António da Sé and you'll soon see the Sé Catedral, built in the 12th century on the foundations of a mosque. While in the area, check out the superb views over the city from the terrace of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia cafe. A short distance away is the Museu do Teatro Romano, which houses the ruined Roman amphitheatre, built by Augustus. Nearby is the Museu do Fado, the spiritual home of the plaintive Portuguese music that resounds through the area's restaurants. Those in search of lively bars are better advised to take a historic funicular tram to Bairro Alto, the 18th-century city centre. The best places to drink of the many on offer include the Old Pharmacy, where wine bottles occupy the space once taken by drugs, Páginas Tantas, where jazz is the soundtrack of choice, and Maria Caxuxa, which is in a former bakery, complete with ovens.
Beachside bars
Its unusual situation means Lisbon is blessed with scores of beaches just a short trip out of the centre. Across the water from the city is the Costa de Caparica, where the Delmare Cafe serves up great seafood and cold drinks on the Praia Cabana do Pescador. On the same side of the water, on the Praia Morena, the well-named Borda D'Água offers great sandwiches as well a stretch of private beach, complete with sun-loungers. Back on the city side, the most popular destinations are the near neighbours Cascais and Estoril, both easily reached by train from the city. Here, on Guincho beach, is the windsurfers' haven Bar do Guincho, while those in search of a spectacular view can drink in the sunsets from the Esplanade Beach Bar on Rainha beach, or take in one of Portugal's finest ocean views from the Casa de Guia.
Don't miss
Lisbon is the capital of the style of Fado music that bears its name. Here, this folk-meets-country-and-western style is always sung by a solo artiste. The ancient Alfama area is home to Lisbon's finest Fado bars and restaurants; head for the Casa de Linhares, Páteo de Alfama or the Clube de Fado. Elsewhere, Lisbon's nightlife scene is one of the most impressive and deeply nocturnal in Europe. The places to be seen are the spectacular Lux, K Urban Beach and the intriguing Clube Ferroviário, housed in a former railway workers' club.
Book your Lisbon trip at expedia.co.uk. Prices start from £181 per person for three nights.
