LISBOA
The Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto is an excellent place to start a historical journey through Lisbon. Experience the hustle and bustle of what has been named the fourth most scenic city in the world. Start with the historical hub, by discovering the charm of Lisbon’s picturesque areas such as Alfama and Lapa, and taking in monuments classified as world heritage sites by Unesco.
Walk down to Baixa-Chiado and Rossio, and then visit the Rua Augusta Arch or the Santa Justa Elevator and admire the magnificent panoramic view over Lisbon. Take advantage of the sunny city and enjoy a refreshing ice cream at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s most splendid square with shops and esplanades facing the River Tagus. On your way back to the hotel, don’t forget to visit Avenida da Liberdade, where you can go shopping for luxe designer goods or just enjoy a drink at the end of the day to the sound of the music from the esplanades which hark back to the 19th Century kiosks which used to stand there.
Walk down to Baixa-Chiado and Rossio, and then visit the Rua Augusta Arch or the Santa Justa Elevator and admire the magnificent panoramic view over Lisbon. Take advantage of the sunny city and enjoy a refreshing ice cream at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s most splendid square with shops and esplanades facing the River Tagus. On your way back to the hotel, don’t forget to visit Avenida da Liberdade, where you can go shopping for luxe designer goods or just enjoy a drink at the end of the day to the sound of the music from the esplanades which hark back to the 19th Century kiosks which used to stand there.
Discover the new life that thrives at Lisbon’s ancient markets, at Alcântara or Campo de Ourique Markets, where you can enjoy the most delicious delicacies to the sound of background music, and where the emphasis is on socialising. Go out and enjoy Lisbon’s nightlife, where there is so much to do you are sure to have a magical night. Get clued up on Lisbon’s history at Castelo de S. Jorge or discover the centre of cultural diversity in Bairro Alto, where life is lived in the historical streets, and then go down to the bars at Cais do Sodré.
If you want a livelier night, go and have fun at Discoteca Lux Frágil, with its amazing veranda, and find your favourite musical style somewhere along the 3 different floors. Lisbon is the perfect destination for a complete trip. You can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches with extensive sandy shores where you can play various different sports, or just relax and enjoy the areas of protected landscape or traditional neighbourhoods. The best of Lisbon is its cultural diversity. Come and visit Lisbon!
If you want a livelier night, go and have fun at Discoteca Lux Frágil, with its amazing veranda, and find your favourite musical style somewhere along the 3 different floors. Lisbon is the perfect destination for a complete trip. You can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches with extensive sandy shores where you can play various different sports, or just relax and enjoy the areas of protected landscape or traditional neighbourhoods. The best of Lisbon is its cultural diversity. Come and visit Lisbon!
History
Lisbon is a city of exquisite light. The Tagus and the almost constant sun turn the Portuguese capital into a mirror of colour, reflecting the architectural beauty and uniqueness of the city. Legend has it that Lisbon was founded by Ulysses. The names comes from "Olissipo", a word which in itself has its roots in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo', meaning "charming port".
It is more likely that Lisbon was founded by the Phoenicians and built in the Moorish style, which can clearly be seen in the strong Arab influences. Indeed, the Moors ruled the city for 450 years. In the 12th Century, the Christians took Lisbon back, although it only became Portugal’s capital in the 13th Century.
At the start of the Age of the Discoveries, Lisbon became rich by dint of being a major centre for the jewel and spice trades.
It is more likely that Lisbon was founded by the Phoenicians and built in the Moorish style, which can clearly be seen in the strong Arab influences. Indeed, the Moors ruled the city for 450 years. In the 12th Century, the Christians took Lisbon back, although it only became Portugal’s capital in the 13th Century.
At the start of the Age of the Discoveries, Lisbon became rich by dint of being a major centre for the jewel and spice trades.
However, the great leap forward for Portuguese expansion came in 1498, when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. This heralded the start of the city’s Golden Age, characterised by the Manueline style of architecture, – whose name comes from the monarch of the time, D. Manuel I – typically featuring maritime motifs. Lisbon expanded and grew naturally over the centuries. Later on, when the centre of the city was almost completely devastated by the 1755 earthquake, the Marquis of Pombal took charge of its reconstruction, and created the so-called Baixa Pombalina, the commercial district which has retained most of its original look.
Lisbon is a historic capital, a potpourri with an uncommon character and charm, where 800 years of different cultural influences are mixed in with the latest trends and lifestyles, creating truly unforgettable contrasts. With its many charms, Lisbon is calling! We’ll be expecting you!
Lisbon is a historic capital, a potpourri with an uncommon character and charm, where 800 years of different cultural influences are mixed in with the latest trends and lifestyles, creating truly unforgettable contrasts. With its many charms, Lisbon is calling! We’ll be expecting you!
By Plane
Taxi
A taxi ride from the airport costs an average of around 15.00€. The amount to be charged for the journey is the same, and does not depend on the number of passengers in the vehicle. If your luggage exceeds 55x35x20cm it must be carried in the boot of the taxi or on the roof-rack. In this event, you may have to pay an extra charge. Wheelchairs, cots and baby buggies are carried free of charge. Tipping is not compulsory.
Bus
Aerobus provides regular connections between Lisbon airport, various different central points in the city, and road and train terminals. This transport service stops at the city’s main hotels and operates daily from 7h to 23h. Your Aerobus ticket will get you a 25% discount on the following Yellow Bus tourist circuits: Tagus Tour, Olisipo Tour, Hills Tramcar Tour, Pena Palace Tour, Sintra Tour, Fátima Tour (if purchased on the vehicle or at the official ticket office at Praça do Comércio).
Car Hire
You can hire a car at airport arrivals, via a car rental company. Another option is to book in advance.
By Land
Train
Lisbon has two main train stations for domestic and international journeys, particularly to Madrid.
Santa Apolónia Station:
Rail transport to Porto, Faro and international destinations.
Oriente Station:
International and regional connections, Madrid, Aveiro, Coimbra, Porto, Braga.
You can make reservations via the CP - Comboios de Portugal call centre (808 208 208 )
Santa Apolónia Station:
Rail transport to Porto, Faro and international destinations.
Oriente Station:
International and regional connections, Madrid, Aveiro, Coimbra, Porto, Braga.
You can make reservations via the CP - Comboios de Portugal call centre (808 208 208 )
City transport
Within the city, the available means of transport are Carris buses and the Lisbon Metro network.
What to do
GASTRONOMY
Lisbon is known for it's hospitality and also famous for the gastronomy and wines.Be sure to try the Pastel de Belém.
HERITAGE
Surprise yourself with the architectural wealth of Lisbon and visit the renowned by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
CULTURE
Feel inspired by the cultural life of the city. Take the opportunity to attend a show or visit an exhibition at Altice Arena, Centro Cultural de Belém or Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
ENTERTAINMENT
Lisbon offers a mix of experiences that will make your stay memorable.Don't forget to visit the Lisbon Casino and Oceanarium. You can also enjoy shopping on Baixa, ending the day with a delicious Pastel de Belém.
