Lisbon

Lisbon has been one of the most talked-about European city breaks since roughly 2018, and the sustained interest is entirely justified. Built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus estuary, it's one of the most visually dramatic cities in Europe — all terracotta rooftops, yellow trams, and the kind of light that makes everything look slightly more beautiful than it is elsewhere.

The Neighbourhoods

Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood — a maze of narrow streets climbing the hill above the river, with excellent fado restaurants, viewpoints (miradouros), and the Castelo de São Jorge at the top. Bairro Alto is the nightlife district — bars packed close together, a young mixed crowd, active until 3–4am. Belém, 6km west along the river, is where you go for the Jerónimos Monastery and the original Pastéis de Belém custard tarts. LX Factory — a repurposed industrial complex in Alcântara — has the best Sunday market in Portugal.

Food and Drink

The pastel de nata (custard tart) is the iconic food, but Lisbon's food scene has expanded far beyond it. The Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) is genuinely excellent — not a tourist trap but a proper curated food hall with vendors from some of the city's best restaurants. Bacalhau (salt cod, prepared in hundreds of ways) is everywhere and usually excellent. A full meal with wine at a traditional tasca costs £12–£18 per person.

Getting Around Lisbon

The seven hills make walking more tiring than it looks on a map. The tram system is atmospheric but slow and extremely crowded on the famous Line 28 (take it early morning or late evening if you want to enjoy it rather than survive it). The metro is the most efficient way to get around; a day pass costs around €6.65. Tuk-tuks are everywhere in the historic areas — charming for one ride, overpriced for anything else.