15 May 2023 , 09:41
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Lisbon is the go to place this summer if you want to have an amazing weekend away in a city without breaking the bank.
The holiday hotspot has topped a list of Europe's cheapest city breaks, in a boost for Brits who already flock to Lisbon for its world-famous nightlife, amazing beaches, gorgeous views and delicious food.
From a tourist's perspective prices in the Portuguese capital are largely unaffected by inflation and the cost of living crunch, rising just 2% from last summer, with a weekend minibreak costing around £225.
New rankings from the Post Office looked at costs such as accommodation, a meal for two, range of drinks, sightseeing and transport, and Lisbon impressed.
Two nights in a three-star hotel averaged £121, only 5.2% up on 2022, compared with rises of over 30% in every other city surveyed. In fact, prices in Lisbon were less than a third of those in Europe’s most expensive cities such as Venice and Amsterdam.
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The city is built on the coast (Corbis via Getty Images)Not only is it good value, Lisbon is a great place to visit for a whole number of reasons. The city is perched somewhat haphazardly across bumpy landscape on the country’s western coastline, providing many varied and excellent views.
It’s said to be one of the oldest cities in the world and according to legend was founded by Ulysses on his journey back from the Trojan War.
Among the many sights worth visiting in Lisbon is the Torre de Belem, a Gothic tower built in the 16th century to guard the harbour that is one of the country’s most famous monuments and a UNESCO world heritage site,
The historic Rossio Square is the perfect place to people-watch while sipping a coffee in the morning or a glass of sangria when the sun dips behind the hills and the night comes alive.
A walking tour around the district of Bairro Alto is an ideal way to get to know this cobbled section of the city that is home to a host of bars, restaurants and Fado clubs where the country's brand of melancholy folk music can be heard ringing out deep into the night.
The city is built across seven hills (Getty Images)The Alfama District is another area which cannot be missed, whether by the grand tram which runs through its streets or slowly on foot through its narrow roads.
Head to the nearby St George's Castle for gorgeous views out across the city and back into the past through its intriguing millennium-old battlements.
The Elevador de Santa Justa was built by an apprentice of Monsieur Eiffel of tower fame at the turn of the century and still clatters its way 105ft above the city today. At the top is a small restaurant which gives outstanding views across the rooftops and the river.
The Sao Jorge Castle is a hilltop fortress that is worth visiting for the spectacular views it offers of the skyline and Tagus river, as well as the intrigue offered by ruins of the Moorish structure.
The city is known for its enchanting, colourfully painted streets (Getty Images/iStockphoto)In terms of eating, trawling the food stalls at the Time Out Market on the Av. de Julho gives a great insight into local produce in an area packed full of some of Portugal’s best restaurants, including two with Michelin stars.
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For excellent seafood, take a pew at the Marisqueira Azul counter and order the grilled octopus salad.
Alternatively, wander into Belém and be prepared to queue at world-renowned bakery Pasteis de Belém which is credited with the creation of the Portuguese tart - also known as pasteis de nata.
If you fancy exploring beyond the confines of the city, you can take a 40-minute train ride from the hustle and bustle to the beautiful mountain town Sintra, where a walk up the steep pathways provide glorious views.
The Hieronymites Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site (Getty Images/iStockphoto)On your way back down, pick up a bottle of white port – a local speciality – from a gift shop.
For those who want to make the most of that famous Portuguese sunshine, the city also has a few beautiful beaches, although they're usually about a 30-minute drive (there are some great public transport links too).
It takes around three hours to fly from the UK to Lisbon, with plenty of return tickets for later this month with Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet available for around £120.
In the peak summer holiday season that price tag gets bumped up closer to £300, so it's definitely worth going off-season if you're able to - especially as the temperature can creep into the 'stifling' category in July and August.
When visiting the city be prepared to pay a tourist tax that was recently bumped up from one to two euros per night.
If you're going to be in Lisbon for a few days it's worth picking up a Lisboa Card (€44 for 72 hours) which gives you free travel on public transport and money off main attractions.