Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal with population of 552,700(2011). About 2.8 million people live in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. It is continental Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. Lisbon is located in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus.
Lisbon is recognized as a global city is one of the major economic centers on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe's Atlantic coast and it ranks as the 10th highest GDP of metropolitan areas in the EU. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Western Europe.
Tourism in Lisbon is popular. The city is the 7th-most-visited city in Southern Europe with 1,740,000 tourists (2009).
We recommend you stay in the city for at list 4 nights. Main sights recommended are:
- Belem Tower an impressive defense tower constructed on a rock outcrop in the Tagus River.
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument dedicated to the Age of Discovery when Portuguese explorers set out across the oceans to seek the New World.
- Castelo de São Jorge, a major landmark that can be seen from anywhere in the city.
- Alfama, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.
- Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, located at the end of the pedestrian street Rua Augusta and Commerce Square.
- Rossio Square, one of Lisbon's main squares since the Middle Ages.
- Panteão Nacional, a beautiful church used as the burial place for Portugal’s royals and outstanding figures.
- Jerónimos Monastery, an outstanding example of late-Gothic Manueline architecture and a UNESCO site.
- Museu São Roque and Sacred Art Museum, a museum and church. The interior is one of the most stunning churches in the city.
- Vasco da Gamo Bridge, a 17km long Lisbon’s most famous bridge. The best place to see the bridge is from Nacoes Park.
- Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, the most popular observation points overlooking the city.
There are a number of tourist attractions outside of the city but within the Lisbon metropolitan area. Examples include Estoril, the beach resorts of Caiscais, and the old city and castle of Sintra.
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