Lisbon City Breaks

Lisbon at a glance

A striking capital city, Lisbon rises upon seven beautiful vistas, offering impressive views of expansive harbours, terracotta roofs and whitewashed buildings. The experience of Lisbon is an indulgent one, filling the senses with a colourful landscape, a celebrated history and a dining and nightlife experience not to be missed.

Acting as the capital of Portugal since 1255, Lisbon is inseparable from its past. Known to be one of the oldest cities in the world, it claims an expansive history encompassing the rise of the Roman Empire, the epic crusades and the Age of Discovery. From the cobbled streets and compact houses inside the old Moorish castle walls, to the imposing Jéronimos Monastery in the Belém district, Lisbon’s rich heritage is tangible at every turn.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

• Historic attractions
• Great food 
• Vibrant nightlife

Getting around

Lisbon’s metro system is a great way to navigate the city, and its metro stations are an attraction unto themselves with each stop boasting its own unique contemporary art.

The city also provides a tram line, bus network and train service.

Dining in Lisbon

From fresh seafood and tinned sardines to tapas, snails and suckling pig – Lisbon offers a smorgasbord of indulgent food options in a variety of settings from smart restaurants with castle views to cosy tavernas and park kiosks.

Must-try local dishes:

• Cozido – a stew made with different meats and vegetables
• Bacalhau – dried, salted cod often served with potatoes
• Pastel de Nata – a flaky pastry case filled with sweet custard

Nightlife

Lisbon is home to a wide variety of discos, clubs and bars but for a real taste of Portuguese culture, head to a Fado house where live performances of the Portuguese ‘songs of sorrow’ usually accompanies traditional food and drink.

Shopping

The upmarket branded boutiques are located in the Chiado district, and the Avenida da Liberdade is the tree-line one mile avenue of luxury designer stores, fountains and cafés for those much needed breaks. Also, head to the winding atmospheric streets of Bairro Alto for late night shopping and for authentic Portuguese shops.

Osprey Holidays top tips

Quit the city for the day and head to Sintra, 16 miles north west of Lisbon this enchanting town once described by Lord Byron as 'a glorious Eden' is a wonderful haven of old summer palaces and stately homes. Don't leave Sintra without buying a packet of queijadas, delightful miniature cheesecakes which taste delicious!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Lisbon designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

• All travel and transfers on days of your choice
• Accommodation from our handpicked range of Lisbon hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.