Monday, December 20, 2010

Lisbon: The City of Explorers

The first among the world and the preliminary stage of world’s discovery, Lisbon is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. The largest and the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is also known as the city of Explorers.  Renowned explorers in the past set their voyages and discovered the world across, through the shores of this city. Lisbon rich in integrated diversity also has a unique culture that distinguishes it from the other popular European cities.

Lisbon has evolved a lot from the past. Holding a strategic position in the Atlantic, the sea ports of Lisbon since centuries have been a light in a sea of darkness. Relaying on the tertiary economy important good items of export from the world are emptied at this port and are then carried to the other cities in the country.  All this make Lisbon, an important business center and the transport industry especially the airlines have become more responsive as they standard business class flights to Lisbon.

The city has been a home to the magnificent ancient Roman Empire that ruled for decades. River Tagus, flowing through the city adds enormous charm to it. The historical architectural remnants still beholds the glorious past of Lisbon. Magnificent palaces, centuries old sacred churches and notable castle reflect the chronological past. The city has maintained healthy and warm relations across the world and welcomes visitors with great honor and warmth.

One of the gem cities of Europe, Lisbon, posses a wealth of attractions, which include museums, world famous historic monuments, art galleries, exotic gardens, exciting beaches and much more. The narrow streets of the city are full of Cafés and restaurants which offer delicious Portugal food. These streets also tell heart throbbing stories, which will take you back in the golden past of Lisbon. The Lisbon Streets form the strength and dignity of this soulful city.

The important districts like Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Graca possess the architectural treasure of Lisbon. The 14th century old Castle of Sao Jorge with its countless medieval textures; the Portuguese National Library that lies within the Campo Grande area; Arco da Rua Augusta, the elegant historical stone archway of grand proportions; Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno, a venue for racing bulls and music concerts are the major local attractions of Lisbon.

Lisbon can be visited at any time of the year as it experiences a mild climate. Warm ocean currents of the Atlantic modify the temperatures of the city thus making it favorable for all seasons. A regular flow of discounted fare flights or cheap flights to Lisbon is now a common scenario. The airports and hotels are generally packed with tourist the year round. Apart from tourist, business professionals also travel through business flights with low cost or cheap airfares to this foresight city.

A great number of extraordinary museums exhibiting ancient and modern art also form an important part of the local attraction. National Museum of Contemporary Art; National Coach Museum; Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Carmo Archaeological Museum depict the cultural heritage of Lisbon.

The glorious two-storey monastery, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, ornamented with a garland of stone shelves, sea monsters and maritime symbols. The monastery was a sacred place for the ancient Portuguese seafarers who used to depart for an unknown voyage.  The Belem tower forming an angel look is the iconic tower that completely separates itself from the shores of the mainland.

Apart from cultural sites Lisbon is also a shopping paradise of Portugal. With the sea port connectivity the market streets are full of expensive as well as inexpensive goods from world over. Centro Commercial Colombo the biggest shopping mall of the city offer remarkable useful stuffs. Campo de Santa Clara, a hub of local markets selling variety of inexpensive items, which could also be bargained. 

The Liberian peninsula is world famous for the sea food. Portuguese offer a wide variety of sea food at really low prices. For sea foodie visitors, grilled tuna fish, “Bacalhau” or salt cod and grilled sardines are the must-to-eat dishes from the extensive Portuguese menu. Pork, veal, beef and chicken form the other variety of food. 

Lisbon has a vibrant nightlife. The partiers start gathering with the dusk and stand out until the next dawn. The city’s old quarters are the common hangouts where Portuguese traditional soulful music is played. Visiting Night Theater, Discos and Bars is pretty general among the Lisbon commoners. The waters of the river Tagus illuminate stars on the earth by reflecting numerous lights of restaurants and bars lined beside the riverside.

Lisbon offers genuine friendliness and a humble outlook to all the visitors who plan their trip to this dreamy city.  Many airlines offer holiday packages and invite people across the world to this wonderland.  You may even check out for discounted or cheap flights that arrive regularly to this lively city and enjoy the essence of Portugal culture.