Bahia de Cascais

Lisbon District (Distrito de Lisboa in Portuguese) is situated in South Central Portugal and its territory sums 16 cities: Alenquer, Amadora, Arruda dos Vinhos, Azambuja, Cadaval, Cascais, Lisbon (district and national capital), Loures, Lourinha, Mafra, Odivelas, Oeiras, Sintra, Sobral de Monte Agraco, Torres Vedras and Vila Franca de Xira.

Did you know that the Portuguese were the ones who first brought tomatoes and potatoes in Europe? Although the Portuguese cuisine has Mediterranean influences, it also stands out with the variety of spices used to make the national dishes. Try the “piripiri”, a very hot chilli pepper, black pepper, cinnamon and saffron. People love using these ingredients when preparing their meals, as well as good quality olive oil. Traditionally, the Portuguese take food very seriously. Although they start the day with a quick breakfast, lunch can take up to 2 hours of their time and dinner must always begin after 8 PM. Every restaurant has fish and seafood on their menu. It is no wonder that the national dish is the “bacalhau”, a dried salted cod, which can be cooked in 365 different ways, as the locals say. However, if fish is not you thing, your can try other specialities. The list includes “cozido a portuguesa” (a vegetable and meat stew), “leitaoassado” (roasted pig) or the delicious Portuguese sausages. Here are some great suggestions that will help you decide where to start you gastronomic journey: Belcanto, Frade dos Mares, Ki Delicia, Maria Azeitona, O Fuso, Conceito, Restaurante O Tarro. Also, check out Churrasqeira Povoense, Tacho da Memoria, Borges, Incomum by Luis Santos, Por do Sol de Via Galega, Restaurante A, O Pote Restaurante Club.

Great shopping sites are also available in Lisbon District, and the most popular one is undoubtedly the city of Lisbon. It is a mixture of shops suited for fashion addicts, as well as souvenir shops. The Baixa district is perfect for traditional shopping; the Chiado district will make you right at home if you are a book lover, and the Bairro Alto district is famous for clothes and accessories. You may also want to take a stroll at the local and flea markets, look at some antiques or buy delicious local products.

Regarding the accommodation, there is no need to worry. The district has hundreds of hotels, B&Bs, inns and guest houses, suited to your needs and budget. Besides the wonderful and cosy rooms, you will often enjoy a great view and always get a big portion of hospitality. The top rated and most booked places are Britania Hotel, Myriad, Heritage Avenida Liberdade, Avenida Palace, Olissippo Lapa Palace, As Janelas Verde. Also, consider Whatever Art B&B, Casa Amora, Casa do Bairro, Torel Palace, B&B Zuzabed or Monte Belvedere.

Take a map and pay attention as we list some of the best tourist attractions in every city of Lisbon District. In Lisbon, you can explore the elegant Oceanario de Lisboa, visit the Gulbenkian Museum and National Tile Museum, take a walk in the Botanical Garden, go surfing or take an eco-tour. Maybe a cultural tour is closer to your taste. Discover the lovely building of Torre Belem, Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, Castelo de Sao Jorge. Visit Igreja de Sao Roque, Igreja do Carmo, Palace of the Marquises, Basilica da Estrela.

An active person will stay active even on holidays. Here are some activities you should try: sidecar tours, bike trips, horseback riding, paintball, sailing, treasure hunting and surfing. Taking a tour of the most prestigious museums? Well, you wouldn’t want to miss The National Museum of Ancient Art, The Berardo Collection Museum, Ajuda National Palace, Museu da Electricidade, Museu da Oriente and Museu da Marinha.

What else do you need for a great vacation? You have an extraordinary cuisine, friendly and comfortable accommodation, awesome places to engage in outdoor activities and historical sites everywhere you look.