International Travel

Archive for the ‘Portugal’ Category

There are a number of different hotels around Lisbon so that visitors are sure to find the perfect hotel that meets their requirements. Within the city tourist can choose a hotel based on the price, the design, the location, the view and charm. There are also many apartments in Lisbon that can make your holiday a lot more personal.

Some of the best luxurious hotels include the Hotel Avenida Palace; an enchanting and lavish hotel built in 1892 it is the ideal hotel for a romantic break in the city. The hotel offers air conditioning, private parking, a baby sitting service and room service guaranteeing that your stay is perfect. Another great luxury hotel is the famous Pestana Palace, situated near Balem, the hotel is perfectly located in a quiet area and is often the international choice for many celebrities, it offers air conditioning, internet facilities and 3 exclusive restaurants and bars.

One of the best designed hotels within the city includes the Vincci Baixa, located in the heart of the city. This 4 star hotel is ideal for travellers who wish to explore the famous tourist spots, restaurants and shops in Lisbon. The hotel offers visitors tourist advice, a car rental service, an appetizing breakfast and lounge bar.

For tourists on a budget the Hotel Borges is a fantastic affordable hotel within the city. Placed very close to the most energetic areas of the city such as the Rossio and Praca de Figueira it offers a breakfast buffet and helpful multilingual staff and is ideal for young travellers.

Those looking for a great view should choose the Hotel de Chiado. The four star hotel is in the centre of Lisbon and offers breathtaking views of the city from the hotels terrace. The hotel also provides guests wireless internet, a beautiful roof garden and bar.

A hotel that oozes charm is the Solar do Castelo, this classic accommodation is situated within the walls of the Sao Jorge castle and possess a truly romantic atmosphere. This historic building offers guests a garden, air condition and a laundry service.

With so many hotels to choose from you can be sure that you will find the perfect hotel to make that great holiday stay special.

Lisbon is a relaxed city, full of friendly folk who make the effort to stop and talk. But their city was falling into decay and renovation became a priority.

Recent years has seen Lisbon begin to clean up its act. Hosting the 2004 European Football Championships focused the city and brought about an exiting new era.

For years Lisbon sat awash with building sites and rubble, eager to regain its status as one of the major calling ports of Europe.

Downtown Lisbon was stuck in a time warp. Tight, cobbled streets were a throwback to the 18th century, a million miles from the ultra-modern, cosmopolitan capitals of Europe.

Today, Lisbon is at the dawn of a bright new age and keen to promote itself in a new world of tourism.

The devastating earthquake of 1755 led to new town planning, much of which exists to this day. Urgent reconstruction was necessary to keep Portugal’s capital up and running. A new infrastructure heralded the start of a new era.

The Praca do Comercio sits at the edge of the waterfront. The pretty square attracts the pigeons en masse and looks up to a magnificent archway. The perimeter is laced with retail stores; busy shoppers dart from one to the other, seeking their bargains.

The square provides a focal point for much of the local community. The folk gather and exchange conversation whilst children dance and play, adding to the general din.

The delightful smell of cooking emanates from the surrounding restaurants and drifts enticingly across the square, inducing your hunger.

Opened in 1901, the Elevador de Santa Justa is an outdoor cast-iron lift. Catering exclusively for those with a head for heights, the elevator provides unparalleled views of the streets beneath. The tiny people below scurry around the busy backstreets, all with somewhere to go.

East of the city, Alfama is a legacy of Moorish times, retaining much of the old architecture. Following Christian victory in the religious wars, the Romanesque cathedral was built on the site of a mosque in 1147.