About Lisbon

Lisbon (Lisboa), also known as the white city, thanks to its unique light, is the capital and largest city of Portugal, built on seven hills and boasting all the delights you would expect of the country's star attraction. The clear light and the kind climate allow for marvelous walks all over the city. The city has a beauty that extends beyond its famed monuments that can be experienced in the streets, and embraced by all the senses. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest city in Western Europe predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by hundreds of years.

The city stretches along the northern bank of the river Tejo as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. As the landscape rises north away from the water, steep streets and stairways form the old tangled neighborhoods to green parks in the western suburbs can be found. Lisbon is the only European capital with sandy beaches 20 minutes away from the cobbled stone city center and a luxuriously green holy mountain around the corner.

Lisbon boasts a population of just over three million residents living in the metropolitan area and a land area of 958 km (370 sq mi), making the city the 11th most populous city in Europe. Lisbon is recognized as a global city due to its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism. It is one of the major economic hubs within Europe, due to its growing financial sector and having one of the largest container ports on the European western coast.

Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon's lovely backstreets. Lisbon must sees are: Alfama - the city's oldest district, Rossio the main square in Lisbon, which is the equivalent of Madrid's Puerta del Sol, Tokyo's Shibuya or London's Trafalgar Square. Principe Real, a trendy district with the fancy stores, Bairro Alto, viewpoint of stunning views of the city.