Explore the Colorful Sidestreets of Lisbon, Portugal: A

Lisbon has many must-see attractions that any traveler should add to their itinerary. Be sure to visit the Belm Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. The Jernimos Monastery is another must-see attraction, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastic complex is one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture and is home to the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Another popular attraction is the So Jorge Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. It's also worth checking out the Alfama neighborhood, one of the oldest and most picturesque areas of the city, as well as the colorful Pena Palace in nearby Sintra.

Lisbon has a lot of great outdoor activities to offer travelers. One of the most popular is to take a bike tour of the city, which is a great way to see many of the city's sights while getting some exercise. You can also take a sailing tour of the Tagus River or a kayak tour of the coast. For those who love to hike, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has some great trails with stunning views of the coastline. There are also some great beaches in the area, such as Praia do Guincho and Praia da Adraga, which are popular with surfers.

Lisbon is famous for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local dishes that feature fresh fish and shellfish. Some popular dishes include grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice). Another must-try dish is the pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart that is a staple of Portuguese cuisine. You can find them at many bakeries throughout the city, but some of the most famous are at Pastis de Belm.

Lisbon is a great base for exploring other parts of Portugal. One popular day trip is to Sintra, a picturesque town with a number of historic attractions, including the aforementioned Pena Palace. Another great day trip is to Cascais, a charming seaside town with some great beaches and a lively nightlife. If you're interested in wine, you can take a day trip to the nearby town of Setbal, which is known for its Moscatel wine. Finally, you can take a day trip to the medieval town of bidos, which is surrounded by ancient walls and has a number of historic attractions.

Lisbon has a number of great museums that are worth visiting. The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of the best, featuring a collection of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is another must-see, with a collection of art from around the world, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens. The Tile Museum is also worth visiting, with a collection of decorative tiles that showcase the history of this traditional Portuguese art form.

Lisbon has many great neighborhoods that are worth exploring. Alfama is one of the oldest and most picturesque, with narrow streets and colorful buildings. Bairro Alto is another popular neighborhood, known for its nightlife and many bars and restaurants. Chiado is a more upscale neighborhood, with many luxury shops and trendy cafes. Finally, Belm is a historic neighborhood that is home to many of Lisbon's most famous attractions, including the Belm Tower and the Jernimos Monastery.

Lisbon has a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Some popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, which is a luxury hotel with great views of the city. The Pestana Palace Lisboa is another luxury option, housed in a historic palace with beautiful gardens. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Lisbon Destination Hostel is a great choice, with a central location and a fun atmosphere. Finally, the Altis Avenida Hotel is a great mid-range option, with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar with great views of the city.

The best time to visit Lisbon is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and crowded, but this is also when many of the city's festivals and events take place. Winter can be rainy and chilly, but this is also when you can find some great deals on accommodations and flights.

Lisbon has a good public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. The metro is a fast and efficient way to get around the city, while the trams are a fun way to see some of the sights. Taxis are also relatively affordable, but be aware that they can be difficult to find during peak hours. Finally, walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in some of the older neighborhoods like Alfama.

Lisbon has a number of great shopping destinations, from luxury boutiques to local markets. Chiado is one of the best neighborhoods for shopping, with many high-end shops and trendy boutiques. The Avenida da Liberdade is another popular shopping destination, with many luxury brands and designer stores. For more affordable shopping, head to the Feira da Ladra flea market, which is held every Tuesday and Saturday and features a wide variety of goods.