Lisbon - Portugal

Winner of the 2012 European City of the Year award and Europe’s Leading City Break Destination award for the third time, Lisbon or Lisboa [leezh-baw-uh], is considered by many one of the most soulful, captivating and picturesque European capitals. Built on 7 hills above the Tagus estuary, Lisbon is one of the world's great historical cities. Known by its characteristic bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon's mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture make it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Our warm Mediterranean climate, amazing food and friendly people will surely make your stay memorable.

 

LANGUAGE

The official language is Portuguese. Most people in urban centers will nevertheless understand and speak reasonably good English. Spanish and French are also spoken.

 

CLIMATE

Lisbon has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and dry warm summers. July and August average temperatures are 29 ºC (82.9 ºF) during the day and 18.6 ºC (65.5 ºF) at night.

 

HEALTH

There are no special health requirements, with the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic.

 

CURRENCY

The official currency is the euro (EUR; €). Numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATM machines are widely available. Bank opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3 pm. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

 

SALES TAX

Sales tax VAT (IVA) is included in prices quoted.

 

ELECTRICITY

European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts at a frequency of 50 Hertz (European standards).

 

FOOD

Some say that Portuguese people are always talking about food and that is probably right. But can you blame us? Portuguese food is simply delicious! Traditional Portuguese dishes are often made from simple ingredients, based on regional produce with an emphasis on fish. Portugal’s age of discovery has influenced its cuisine making it very different from the nearby Mediterranean countries. Portuguese recipes are characterised by the use of a wide variety of herbs and spices such as pepper, saffron, ginger, piri piri (a spicy chilli pepper), cinnamon and coriander. An Arab and Moorish influence is also felt in traditional almond and fig sweets.

 

NOT TO MISS

Downtown & Historical neighborhoods

Belém

Parque das Nações

 

TOURIST LINKS

Turismo de Portugal

Rough guide