Lisbon Hotels
Mini guide to Lisbon
    
The historic city of Lisbon retains a grandeur and beauty despite being in decline
from its days as a maritime powerhouse. Its steep narrow streets, atmospheric
bars and restaurants, and echoes of Portugal's seafaring glory draw visitors in
their hundreds of thousands.
The narrow streets of the Alfama are perhaps the best for walking around. Highlights
in this district include the cul-de-sac of the Rams, which is an extremely narrow
alleyway, still home to families living within touching distance across from
one another. Another area attraction, Patio das Flores, features characteristic
Portuguese style tiles.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site located 45 minutes drive west of Lisbon.
Once the domain of kings and queens, it's positioned among forests and set against
a backdrop of hills. The city's main attraction is the Palácio Nacional
da Pena, a Disney-style folly built by King Ferdinand in the 19th century.
Lisbon is located on the North side of the Tagus River in the centre of Portugal's
western coastal region. It is the westernmost city in continental Europe, and
lies more or less in the centre of the country, about 300kms from the Algarve
in the south and 400kms from the northern border with Spain. It has a population
of approximately 556,797 inhabitants.
The most fearful event in Lisbon's eventful history was when the Great Earthquake
struck on November 1, 1755. The destruction was best summed up by Voltaire,
who said, "The sea boiled up in the harbour and smashed the vessels lying
at anchor. Whirlwinds of flame and ashes covered the streets and squares, houses
collapsed, roofs were thrown on to foundations and the foundations crumbled."
By car, you need to pass through Spain to reach Portugal, and there are many
border crossings as well as a good road network. There are two main rail routes
to Lisbon: one from Paris, and one from Madrid. Many airlines have regularly
scheduled international services to and from Lisbon Airport. From the UK, you
can take a ferry to northern Spain, and then drive south.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Sana Reno Hotel | | Sana Lisbon Hotel | | Hotel Botanico | | Hotel Mundial | | Sana Classic Rex Hotel | | Sana Classic Capitol Hotel | | Vila Gale Opera | | Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Towers | | Radisson SAS Hotel Lisboa | | Sofitel Lisboa | | Dom Pedro Lisboa | | Metropolitan Lisboa | | Hotel Marques De Pombal | | Quality Hotel Lisboa | | Tivoli Lisboa | | Tivoli Jardim | | Berna Hotel | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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