Review of Lisbon
Lisbon
Take flights to Lisbon for mournful fado, rickety tram rides and all-night parties in the Bairro Alto.
Things to do
Rise early for a self-guided tour on century-old tram 28. For the price of a ticket, Lisbon's screeching icon takes in the ornate dome of Estrela Basilica, fortified Sé Cathedral and snapshot views of the higgledy-piggledy Alfama and the Tagus River.
Shopping
Flights to Lisbon take shoppers to the Baixa's idiosyncratic boutiques, packed with curiosities from vintage fashion to polychrome azulejo tiles and tinned fish. Compare purchases over a strong coffee (uma bica) and cinnamon-dusted pastel de nata (custard tart) at a pavement café.
Restaurants
The smell of barbecued sardines drifts through Alfama’s steep, cobbled streets, and traditional restaurants serve feasts of grilled meats with a helping of melancholic fado song. Sit on a candlelit terrace to enjoy Estremadura red wine rich with flavours of fruit and flowers on your Lisbon city break.
Nightlife
Bairro Alto's grid-like lanes spring to life at twilight, with hole-in-the-wall bars spinning rock and merengue, and garlic drifting from lantern-lit bistros. Join the street party on Lisbon holidays, where caipirinhas and good vibes flow until daylight hits the Tagus River.
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Lisbon. Time your holiday to catch the feasting and matchmaking of June's Festivals of Popular Saints, or contemporary Portuguese creativity at Art Lisbon in November.
