Seven Reasons Why Lisbon is One of Europe’s Best Holiday Destinations to Visit

Lisbon is one of the gems in Europe’s crown. As well as being one of the oldest cities in the whole world, it’s renowned for its traditional Fado music, iconic yellow trams, delicious cuisines, and gorgeous surrounding beaches.

There are many reasons to visit the Portuguese capital and why it’s one of Europe’s best holiday destinations. Narrowing it down is tough, but here are seven of the best of them!

The Views

The hilly streets may be hard work to climb (Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, after all), but the views are eminently worth it! The stunning cityscapes take in the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the historic downtown area, and the river. Lisbon has plenty of lookout points dotted around the city to help you make the most of the scenery.

The city’s sunsets are nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy gazing out over the city as night begins to fall, painting the sky in stunning shades of orange and even mellow purple. The sunsets help secure Lisbon’s place on the list of Europe’s most romantic destinations.

The Food

Lisbon is well-known for its cuisine. Pasteis de Nata, a type of Portuguese custard tart, Chourico Assado (Flaming Chorizo), and Bacalhau (Portuguese salted codfish) are local specialties that all simply must be tried.

You’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of eating out in Lisbon. Whether you’re looking for an up-market fine dining experience or a quaint local cafe, you’ll find plenty to suit you. Darwin’s Cafe is worth a mention; its eclectic decor, cozy restaurant booths, and vibrant menu are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.

The Safety

In general, Lisbon is considered a very safe city to visit, and there’s no need to worry about accidentally straying into an insalubrious neighborhood here. Crime rates are low, and public transport is also considered safe to use at any time of the day or night. Portugal, itself, is known to be one of the safest countries in the world.

Helping to give Lisbon its must-visit status is the genuine friendliness and warmth of the locals, who tend to be welcoming to tourists, ready with an encouraging smile and a polite bom dia which adds to the city’s charm.

Lisbon is a progressive, liberal destination that is generally safe for travelers of every type and persuasion to visit.

The Music: Fado

Fado isn’t just a pleasant-sounding music: as a genre, it was given World Heritage status in 2011 by UNESCO. Fado started life in Lisbon in 1887, became world famous in the 1930s, and remains extremely popular today.

Visitors to the city can enjoy the authentic sound of Fado in various bars and eateries. There’s even a Fado museum for those who’d like to learn more about the origins and traditions of this very special musical genre.

The Budget Friendliness

Lisbon is, in general, one of the cheapest European capitals to visit, so it is a perfect choice for those traveling on a budget. Even in the most expensive parts of the city, room rentals tend to come in at a very reasonable 200-400 euros a month.

Dining out is inexpensive, too: many restaurants will charge no more than 10 euros for an authentic Portuguese meal that includes a glass of wine, an espresso, and even a dessert!

The Alfama District

Lisbon is full of fascinating districts to explore, but Alfama deserves special mention. It’s the city’s oldest district, full of narrow cobbled streets and rich history. One of the city’s famous yellow trams serves this locale, so the journey there forms an essential part of the overall experience!

Alfama is home to many popular must-visit sites, including the city’s cathedral, national pantheon, and the Castle of Sao Jorge, as well as a range of artisan shops, cafes, and bakeries.

The Beautiful Beaches

The ocean is near the city and super accessible, so a trip to the beach can easily form part of your Lisbon adventure. Many can be reached by public transport and are just a short twenty-minute ride away. Why not head to the stunning sands of Almada via a scenic ferry ride? Or visit the beach at Estoril to watch or partake in one of Portuguese’s most-loved sports: surfing!

Praia do Guincho at Cascais is a small but perfectly-formed beach with beautiful dunes and a popular restaurant and bar at the end of the stretch of sand that serves an extensive menu – the seafood and cocktails are of particular note.

Fancy a dip? The water is usually a pleasant lukewarm temperature during the summer!

The Bottom Line

Above, you’ll find the most compelling reasons to visit Lisbon and why it’s such an enduringly popular European holiday destination. The city has so much to offer, from its impressive street art to its historic architecture; Lisbon really does have it all – and more.

With so much to see and explore, planning your trip carefully is highly recommended to make the most of your stay and pack in all the experiences and sights you want. And finally – happy travels – boa viagem!