The historic coastal city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has played an important role through many eras. The city is still the country’s most important, and its central location on the coast and the mouth of the Portuguese river Tagus makes it still central. In modern times, moreover, many tourists have opened their eyes to Lisbon, which combines a warm climate with shopping, dining and a whole bunch of sights.
Lisbon has a population of over 500,000 and is considered a growing city . The city is popular due to the hot temperatures in the summer months (up to 30 degrees in June-July), and the tourist season lasts from early spring to late autumn. You travel to Lisbon whether you want to visit the many historical cultural monuments, or combine this with a beach holiday on the many beaches. Over 13 million tourists visit Portugal every year, and then Lisbon is the main destination for many. 
Recommended hotels in Lisbon
- Valverde Hotel-Valverde Hotel is a first class hotel in a first class city! Here you live on the doorstep of wonderful Lisbon, with fantastic opportunities just a short walk away. The hotel itself is a jewel, with five stars in the book you can expect high standards and good facilities. Valverde Hotel is not the cheapest hotel in Lisbon, but in return everything from the rooms to the service and food are first class. Very good breakfast included in the price.
- 1908 Lisbon Hotel- With four stars in the margin, this is a slightly cheaper hotel than Valverde. The standard is equally impeccable and also this hotel has a perfect location in the heart of the old town of Lisbon. The hotel has a great restaurant with its own bar and 24-hour reception. Free breakfast buffet is included in the price.
- BessaHotel Liberdade– Beautiful and cozy hotel with outdoor pool in the old town of Lisbon. Central location with a few minutes walk to the main street. Very good feedback from Norwegian guests.
Travel to Lisbon
Getting to Lisbon from Oslo Airport is rarely a problem, regardless of the season. There are several daily flights, and especially in the summer, the airline Norwegian is active. The flight takes just over four hours, so if you are going to visit Lisbon first, you should set aside at least a week. Portugal is a member of the EU, and the euro is the official currency of the country.
The price level in Lisbon is also a lot lower than in some other European capitals, which means that you can both eat and stay cheap, and not least shop for a reasonable price. Lisbon and Portugal are generally considered a safe destination, but as in all capitals, one has to be aware of pickpockets and scammers in the most vulnerable tourist areas. The Portuguese are a very hospitable people, and you will be able to trust most people you meet. Drinking tap water is not recommended, but it can be safely used for brushing teeth.
Hotels and restaurants in Lisbon
Most hotels in Lisbon are centrally located, and many large hotel chains are established in the city center. The city is rarely fully booked, unless there are some large events there, and there are very affordable hotels with prices of down to 200 kroner a night, or hotels with a far more luxurious standard and thus higher prices.
Portuguese cuisine has many dishes reminiscent of Spanish, and if you want to eat some local food here, then bacalao is the only right thing to eat. The Portuguese also have many good dishes consisting of both chicken and pork, and they are experts in good accessories. The local restaurants also have a lower price level than the nicer hotel restaurants, and should be sought out to experience the authentic Portuguese.
Attractions in Lisbon
Lisbon has a whole bunch of historical sights, and is an eldorado for those interested in culture. It can offer everything from historic buildings to modern museums, with elements from all eras that the capital has been through.
St. George’s Castle
For those who like the historic castles from the Middle Ages, a visit to St. George’s Castle will be a must. The very well-preserved fort offers a journey back in time, where inside you can visit an archeological museum and enjoy a great view of the Alfama district – the part of Lisbon that most closely resembles a typical medieval city.
Jeronimosklosteret
A visit to the monastery of Jeronimos is almost self-evident when in Lisbon, and it is the most visited tourist attraction in the city. Here is the famous adventurer Vasco da Gama buried, and the church construction itself was built as early as the 16th century. The whole complex is one of the most beautiful in the world and must be visited!
Belem Tower
The tower in Belem is also one of the larger cultural monuments in Portugal. It is seen as an icon for the city, and this construction was also erected in the 16th century. The Belem Tower is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nations’ park
Just outside the very center of Lisbon, and in close proximity to the water, is the city’s largest park. It combines historic buildings with very modern buildings, and is a nice place to enjoy the view over the sea. You can also view Europe’s longest bridge from here, or stop by the nearby aquarium.
Berardo Museum
Berardo Museum is a somewhat unique museum, which has free admission for both tourists and residents. There is a local rich man behind the project, where he has collected modern works of art from famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Picasso and Dali – to name a few. In the middle of nowhere for the art lover!
