Lisbon

CITY Lisbon boasts a superb natural setting, tumbling down from seven lofty hills before reaching the banks of the River Tagus. The Portuguese capital is a cool, cosmopolitan and creative city, marrying the historic with the modern, the traditional with the cutting edge. Lisbon is at its best on languorous summer evenings, when the pavement cafes and riverside restaurants bustle with life.

WEATHER Lisbon offers a mild and temperate climate, with short winters and long hot summers with a maximum temperature of approximately 28Âş Celsius. Although temperatures may fall somewhat in the autumn and winter months, sunshine is almost always a constant feature.

Due to its proximity to the sea, mist and drizzly rain can sometimes make Lisbon feel cooler than inland Portugal. The warm afternoons are favourable for a nice walk by the river or for a well-spent afternoon in one of the many street cafĂŠs to be found all over the city. But even rain can be romantic if you're winding in Lisbon's narrow streets; the charms of rain can usually be felt between December and March.

SHOPPING Lisbon is also a city for shopping, where you can choose between traditional shops and modern shopping malls. The best parts for shopping is the pedestrians area between Praça do Comércio and Largo S. Domingos Here you’ll find lots of fashionable shops with all the great international brands. If you really want to spend a lot of money, go shopping on the Avenida da Liberdade . The best tourist shops are around the Castello S. Jorge, if you want to buy some local specialties, you’d better go to Bairro Alto and avoid the touristical highlights.

If you prefer big shopping malls, and shop at very reasonable prices, you shouldn't miss Colombo, one of the biggest malls in Europe.

The Feira de Ladra is the main flea market.

The Ribeira Market is the largest open-air food market in the city.

SIGHTSEEING Tourist attractions abound in Lisbon, so make sure to check out a few of the top spots during your stay.

Saint George's Castle, referred to by locals as the Castelo de SĂŁo Jorge.

Another Lisbon icon is the Tower of BelĂŠm.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation houses one of the top private collections of art and ancient artifacts in the world.

Antique yellow tram cars are a Lisbon fixture, and Tram Line 28's route includes several of the city's major sight.

The Mosteiro dos Jer贸nimos is another one of the neighborhood's many treasures.

Also of interest is the Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Modern City district downtown.

Alfama is a narrowed maze of streets, nowadays with many fado restaurants and picturesque houses.

CafĂŠ a Brasileira: Charm of bygone days and good custard tarts.

WHERE TO STAY Lisbon has accomodation to suit every taste, like luxury hotels such as Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel, stylish small hotel like Solar dos Mouros or cheap prices but comfortables hostels as Jardim de Santos.

Information sources: www.google.es www.worldtravelguide.net www.hostelworld.com www.travel.nytimes.com www.hotelchatter.com www.travellerspoint.com www.virtualtourist.com www.golisbon.com www.lisbon-inspiration-city-guide.com www.thelisbonconnection.com www.traveltips.usatoday.com www.indigoguide.com www.lisboasightseeing.com www.world66.com www.strawberryworld-lisbon.com www.search.creativecommons.org