Lisbon, one of Europe's most charming capitals

Portugal and charming Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwestern corner of Europe. The western and southern parts of Portugal lie on the corner of the vast Atlantic Ocean with its crashing waves, giving it some of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.

It is a relatively small city with a lot to see and do, making it relatively easy to explore. From the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon to traditional villages, visitors will find a wide range of travel options in and around the city. If you are traveling in the summer, there are many beaches to enjoy, but the cultural and architectural attractions are a draw for tourists all year round.

Portugal's charm draws many tourists to the golden beaches of the Algarve; the deserts of the Azores; the vineyards of the Douro Valley; and the cobbled streets of Lisbon and Porto, where old-world culture meets cosmopolitan bars and restaurants. So Portugal is a diverse destination.

Things to see in Lisbon

A highlight of any sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the sixteenth-century Jerónimos Monastery is one of Portugal’s great landmarks. An extraordinary monument of immense historical and cultural significance, it deserves recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the river in the charming Belém district of Lisbon, the monastery, also known as the Hieronymite Monastery, was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501. Built to honor Vasco da Gama’s epic 1498 voyage to India, Jerónimos is as much a symbol of the wealth of the Age of Discovery (its construction was largely financed by the spice trade reported by Gama). Key architectural highlights include the extraordinarily detailed south portal and the beautiful and serene Manueline cloister. Vasco da Gama’s tomb lies just outside the entrance to the Santa Maria Church.

Enjoy the tiles

Lisbon has exceptional ceramics. Ask any ceramic enthusiast and they will tell you that Portugal is the place to find the most beautiful tiles.

The Great National Museum of Cue of Lisbon is dedicated to ceramics at the highest level.

The institution traces the important history of tile making and its associated technologies from the days when the Moors first brought it to Iberia.

Of course, the best part of all the exhibits are the blue-colored azulejos.

These famous works of art gave the village its reputation for ceramic craftsmanship.

You will be able to see all types, sizes and designs and learn about the development of the enchanting patterns that adorn their cobalt surfaces.

Go on a treasure hunt at Feira da Ladra

For a very local experience, hunt for treasure at Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's most famous flea market.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, from 9am to 18pm, you will find hundreds of stalls selling literally everything.

Lovers of vintage and quirky souvenirs will love the place, but be careful with your valuables as you walk around. There are a lot of people and try to translate the name of the flea market. Nowadays, theft is under control, but a little caution never hurts.

Portugal Lisbon historic part of town, tramway

Ride tram 28 in Lisbon

Riding tram 28 from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique is one of the most fun experiences in Lisbon – it’s also a great way to understand the city’s geography by passing Lisbon’s most important landmarks.

This is definitely one of the main attractions in the old town of Lisbon and the trams are very crowded at noon and during peak times when locals are returning from work. To avoid the crowds, try to take the ride before 11am, even in early summer.

This photo was taken along the Tagus River in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal. Belem is the southwesternmost civil parish of the municipality of Lisbon. Located at the mouth of the Tagus river, it is located 6 km 3.7 mi west of the city center and 2 km 1.2 mi west of the Ponte 25 de Abril 25th of April Bridge. The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal, to the municipality of Almada on the left south bank of the Tagus river. — Tagus river in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal.

Romantic cruise on the Tagus River in Portugal

Get a new romantic perspective on Lisbon with a sunset cruise along the Tagus River. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax on the deck, sipping a drink from the bar as the captain tells passengers about the river and the city. As the sun sets over the horizon, admire the silhouettes of monuments such as the Castle of São Jorge, the Basilica de Estrela, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Lisbon Oceanarium

Located on the Tagus estuary, the enormous Lisbon Oceanarium stands as a giant tribute to the sea and our responsibility towards it.

There is a large main aquarium with 5 million liters of seawater. It is seriously big!
Four marine habitats create the illusion of a single aquarium and a single ocean.
This exhibition contains both land (near sea) and marine ecosystems and shows both the temperate, tropical and cold waters of the Earth's oceans.

The Lisbon Oceanarium attracts over a million visitors each year.

There are also interesting collections of sea anemones and sea corals, not to mention an artificial lagoon at the front of the museum where you can rent a pedal boat.

Lisbon Oceanarium link

Jeronimos-monastery-in-Lisbon-Portugal-at-sunset

Trace Portuguese history at the Jerónimos Monastery

Just one glance at the ornate spires and large sculptures of the great Jerónimos Monastery should be enough to deduce the reason why this impressive monastery was built – near the banks of the Tagus River.

It was built, of course, to celebrate Portugal’s most glorious era, called the “Age of Discovery.” The Age of Discovery covers a period of time that runs from the 1400th century to the 1800th century. During this period, Europeans explored the world by sailing the oceans, searching for new trade routes and trading partners. The Portuguese were among the first and greatest explorers as a nation of all.

The fusion of architectural projects, known as the Manueline style, constitutes a testament to the cultures encountered by Lisbon's discoverers, while the money used to build the monastery came from Portugal's international trade in spices such as cloves, cumin, and other exotic spices that were extremely expensive at the time.

The Jeronimus Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vila Vita Parc if you want to get away a bit

Vila Vita Parc is a 5 star resort with all facilities and also a beach paradise.

Link to Vila Vita Parc

Monastery of Graca : Located in the heart of historic Tavira, the monastery of the Canarian yellow Graca dates back to the 16th century. It now offers thirty-six elegant rooms with a modern touch, a garden with a pool and a beautiful enclosed courtyard where you can dine in the warmer months of the year.

See the official website for Lisbon

Holiday home investment in Lisbon

Holiday home investment in Lisbon, Portugal's charming capital, has gained increasing attention due to the city's beauty, culture, history and growing popularity as an attractive tourist destination. Lisbon offers a unique blend of old world charm and modern conveniences, making it an attractive holiday home investment opportunity.

Property Market: Lisbon's property market has seen a surge in popularity among international investors due to the city's appeal and Portugal's general attractiveness. Property prices vary depending on location, property type and amenities.

Buying Process: The process of buying a holiday home in Lisbon follows Portuguese property regulations. It is recommended to work with a local real estate agent and a lawyer experienced in international property purchases.

Rental income: Lisbon is a popular tourist destination year-round, which provides good opportunities for short-term rental of vacation homes via platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

Taxes and duties: As a property investor in Portugal, you need to be aware of the taxes and duties associated with owning and renting property. This includes property tax, income tax on rental income and any transaction fees when purchasing.

Potential for appreciation: Lisbon's property market has become more sought-after, which could contribute to a potential appreciation of the property in the long term. However, remember that property markets are always subject to economic and political factors.

Investing in a holiday home in Lisbon offers the opportunity to enjoy the city's charm, culture and history, while also benefiting from the potential for rental income and capital appreciation. As with any investment, it is important to conduct thorough research, work with experienced professionals and consider your goals and risk tolerance before investing in a holiday home in Lisbon.

Holiday home investment in Portugal