Lisbon enjoys a superb natural setting, spread across seven hills commanding impressive vistas. The city hugs the banks of the wide River Tagus estuary which is crossed by the magnificent Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Cruise ships dock very close to the bridge, at the Doca de Alcantara, just east of the Bélem waterside quarter from where famous Portuguese explorers such as Magellan set out to investigate the world's oceans.

Until relatively recently, a poor relation among Europe's wealthier capitals, Lisbon is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a fashionable shopping, nightlife, eating and drinking scene, as typified by the conversion of the Doca de Alcantara itself, from run-down dock to trendy nightlife area.

The atmospheric alleyways of the Alfama Old Town lies below the ramparts of São Jorge Castelo. The Baixa (lower town) district dates from the 18th century, when Lisbon had to be rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755. This is the commercial centre of the city, with its grandest square, Praça do Comercio, on the banks of the River Tagus. The Bairro Alto (upper town), is a hilly coil of narrow streets that buzzes with shoppers by day and partygoers at night. Old-fashioned trams, funiculars and street elevators (elevadores) link the hilly city centre.

Highlights
• Belém waterfront: Portugal's maritime heritage is celebrated by the picture-postcard mini-castle of Torre de Belém, the striking Monument to the Discoveries, and the architectural masterpiece of Mosteiro (Monastery) dos Jerónimos.
• Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of St George): Come here for the views alone.
• Tram 28: This rattling yellow beast takes you through the heart of the city.
• Parque das Nações: Striking contemporary architecture on the riverfront, built for Expo 98, now home to various attractions including Oceanarium, one of the world's largest aquaria.

Lisboa Welcome Centre, Praça do Comércio
Tel: (21) 031 2810.
Website: www.visitlisboa.com

Baskets and other objects made of wicker, copper utensils, embroideries and lace, pottery and other ceramics. The Baixa quarter of the city is a thriving shopping district. Lisbon's most famous market is the Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market), which springs up on Tuesday and Saturday on the Campo de Santa Clara (on the Tram 28 route).

The cuisine in Lisbon is geared toward seafood with salt cod (bacalhau) the speciality. Wash down a delicious pastel de nata (custard tart) with a galão (milky coffee) at one of the city's many famous cafes.

Summers, from June through September, are hot and largely dry (some rain late September). November through March is quite wet with average maximum temperatures around 15ºC (59ºF). April May and October are pleasantly warm but can be wet.

Portugal

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Portuguese.

Europe and Portugal

564,657 (city); 2,000,000 (metropolitan area).

Republic since 1910.

Roman Catholic.

The Portuguese way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. A reserved but usually warm hospitality is the norm. Smoking is prohibited in most public places in Lisbon but there are also designated smoking areas in some bars and restaurants.

Tipping: Generally 10%.