"Lisbon - Europe's Westernmost Capital " a Lisbon Travel Page by antistar

Lisbon is a big city, and the capital of a country, but despite this it had a very relaxed pace and feel. It's about the same size as Milan, but it had nowhere near the same level of hustle and bustle. It really felt like a city on the edge of the world, with nobody in a particular rush to go anywhere, because there was nowhere left to go: you were at your final destiniation.

For such a big city the people were extraordinarily warm and friendly. People went out of their way to help me if I asked, and many spoke English. There seemed to be a real determination to make Lisbon as popular a tourist destination as the overcrowded south, but this was in addition to the natural Portuguese friendliness. The city had its rough areas, like anywhere, but even these were not as daunting as some I have seen.

Lisbon has an incredible amount of things to see and do, more than could be encompassed in the measly three days that I spent there. It has a number of world class museums, famous monuments and buildings, as well as some wonderful old areas to wander around, like the Alfalma. You could spend a week racing from one sight to the next, and still want to come back for more. I will definitely be coming back.

Probably my most favouite aspect of the city was the way the city clambered up and down the hills alongside the river. Having all these old buildings jumbled about made the city look a bit scruffy from ground level, but up on one of the many fantastic vantage points around the city, it looked a beautiful mess from above. The clamour of red roofed buildings, huddled together and squeezing into every available space made for breathtaking vistas, especially when combined with one of the many amazing buildings and landmarks.

Another unforgettable part of a trip to Lisbon are the old streets as they wind up and down the hillside. It's easy to get lost in them, but after only a short walk through them you will often find yourself walking out to be staring out over an astounding promontory, busy shopping street or charismatic building. Often you will see the magnificent Rio Tejo framed by the towering buildings on either side of the street, with their white sheets folded over the balconies, or dangling on strings across the narrow space between.

Lisbon is also very affordable. While it's hotels can match the prices of anywhere in Europe, the cost of eating or drinking out is very reasonable, as is the cost of transportation. As well as being Europe's westernmost city, it is also one of its southernmost, placing itself somewhere between Rome and Athens. This means that it is HOT in the summer, but if you are lucky like I was then a cool breeze will come in from the Atlantic and make 30+ feel more like 20+.