Lisbon, the westernmost city in continental Europe, provides a colorful cityscape and relaxing atmosphere.Besides the views, it offers a rich and varied Mediterranean experience and deserves to be called the capital of Portugal. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Lisbon has to offer so you can take full advantage of this dazzling city with convenient pick up locations at the Lisbon Airport. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals to make your money go further.
General Information
Situated on a steep hillside overlooking the Tejo estuary and inhabited by picturesque castles, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is packed full of sights and sounds in a beautiful region of Portugal. The warm climate and long hours in winter makes this an ideal travel destination year-round. There are plenty of historical sights and modern distractions to make your stay in Lisbon incredibly enjoyable. A car hire Lisbon Airport can also take advantage of this charming city and the surrounding areas, enabling you to soak up the local Lisbon culture at your leisure.
To Do
In the Baixa district you can find a wide array of shops, alongside the traditional crafts once carried out in the lower rungs of the city. Visitors may also enjoy the cobbled pavement designs in Avendia da Liberdade and Rossio Square, where the neoclassical National Theater stands proud. An enchanting Coaches Museum is also nearby, where you can see fairy tale carriages in person. You can check out modern art by artists such as Warhol, Picasso and Dali in the Bernado Museum of Modern Art. The Portas do Sol viewpoint in Rua da Conceição provides a stunning view of Lisbon’s oldest and most characteristic neighborhood. At the Oriente Station you can enjoy a showcase of contemporary Lisbon architecture and afterwards you can step into the world famous Ocenarium.
Attractions
Lisbon is overflowing with sights that are wrapped up in history. The Belém Tower is a sensational piece of architecture that is emblazoned with motifs from exotic lands from its days of colonization, along with the gigantic Discoveries Monument. In the same area you can also find the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a magnificent 16th century monastery that has rightfully earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Santa Carina Church in the Chiado district is home to the most sumptuous golden Baroque decorations in the city, followed by the world’s most expensive chapel in the São Roque Church. Lisbon is heaven for church-lovers.
Eating
From contemporary Portuguese cuisine to traditional Lisbon fare, the city has a sumptuous variety of food and drink to offer. Make sure to get your fingers on pesticos, the Portuguese version of tapas and an old habit among Lisbon locals. Tempt yourself afterwards with pastelaria, Lisbon’s aromatic pastry shops. Try Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon’s famous custard tarts, washed down with some strong Portuguese coffee. Make sure to eat some seafood and you won’t be disappointed by the perennially packed Cervejaria Trindade. For a truly Portuguese experience, the Port Wine Institute has over 150 kinds of port served in a classic 18th century building.
Excursions
A Lisbon car hire is essential to experience some of the further-flung sights around Lisbon. No trip to Lisbon is complete without going to Sintra, a collection of royal residences and lush vegetation, with Pena Palace and Moorish Castle nearby. Évora, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a two hour drive away and here you can see an emblematic Roman temple from the days of Iberia. With a car hire in Lisbon you can also easily visit Madeira, and Obidos, a popular medieval village that looks like a living postcard. Obidos is also home to many famous festivals throughout the year, such as its chocolate festival, medieval market and its Christmas Village.
If you want to leave the country to visit the rest of Europe, you can make your way through Spain to expand your experience.