Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. Its centre has a population of 547,773. The entire urban area has a population of 2,986,162. The city’s population increases each year and, according to recent studies, the urban area’s population is said to rise to 3,124,833 by 2035 in an area of 3,015.24 square kilometres. Lisbon’s urban area is the largest in the European Union and grows each year. Lisbon is visited by 140,000 tourists annually, while more than 20,000,000 people travel to and from the capital through the Humberto Delgado airport. You can explore Portugal’s capital through travel tips provided by Hostelling International Slovenia and umbrella organisation Hostelling International.
The present-day capital area was settled by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC and named Ulyssippo after the Phoenician word Alis-Ubbo, meaning pleasant haven. The settlement was later conquered by the Greeks and the Carthaginians, until it was conquered by the Romans in AD 205 and renamed Felicitas Julia Olisipo. During the dictatorship of the Roman politician Gaius Julius Caesar, the settlement of Felicitas Julia Olisipo became legally defined as a municipium under a regulation, thus gaining self-rule. Felicitas Julia Olisipo was part of the Roman province of Lusitania, but became part of the land of the Germanic Suebi people after the fall of the Roman Empire in AD 409.
Explore Lisbon’s cultural landmarks in an electric vehicle which you can rent through the Lisbon: tickets to the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower offer. The electric Renault Twizy is suitable for two people. With a GPS audio guide, you can explore the capital’s history and visit the Belém neighbourhood, the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. You can go live with your adventure during the ride around the city and share your experience with friends or family on social networks. You need a driver’s licence and a passport to rent the electric vehicle, though. The offer includes two tickets for the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower each, free parking in the city, Wi-Fi, a video of a seven-hour experience and insurance for two people and the electric vehicle.
The construction of the Jerónimos Monastery began in 1506 in order to commemorate the memory of the return of the Portuguese sailor and admiral Vasco da Gama. The building was designed by architect Diogo de Boitaca in the Gothic or Manueline, named after King Manuel I. The finishing works were completed in the 17th century. The project was supported by King Manuel I with funds he gained by importing spices from African and third-world countries. The Santa Maria de Belém church, which is part of the monastery, houses the remains of Vasco da Gama, Luis de Camões and Fernando Pessoa. The Jerónimos Monastery was listed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
The Belém Tower was built on the north bank of the Tagus between 1514 and 1520. It was designed by architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda in the Manueline style. The building was used as part of the city defence, but was later transformed into a lighthouse and customs office. The tower has four floor levels and a rooftop terrace. The floors are connected by spiral steps that rise from the ground floor all the way to the top where the terrace is located. The first floor contains the Governor’s Hall, the second floor houses the King’s Hall, the third floor has a hall for the public and the fourth floor houses a chapel. The four-storey tower was built using limestone and is 30 metres high.
Lisbon offers countless possibilities if you want to explore its history, visit the cultural sights, and enjoy sports activities, relax and have fun. The interesting Lisbon: hop on, hop off bus tour let’s visitors explore the city with an audio guide that’s available in thirteen languages. Save money and explore Lisbon with the Lisbon Pass: 24-, 48- or 72-hour access that comes with unlimited public transport use, access to 39 city museums and various benefits in restaurants, shops and other locations. Discover one of the seven wonders of the world with Lisbon: private car tour – the Jerónimos Monastery and explore the cultural landmarks and the collection at the National Coach Museum.
If you’re into sports activities, you can go for an adrenaline-filled experience at Arrábida Park offered by Lisbon: a kayak adventure with diving. Try out kayaking, go for a dive, jump off a cliff and explore caves. You can avoid the long queues at the Saint George’s Castle with the unique Lisbon: Saint George’s Castle skip-the-line ticket with escort. Learn about the 10th-century castle with the typical archaeological Moorish site. Relaxation on a sailboat with the Lisbon: Tagus River Sailboat City Cruise brings a two-hours experience combined with a sunset, music and a glass of a refreshing drink.
Another fantastic experienced can be enjoyed with the Lisbon: Immersivus Gallery Lisboa Experience Ticket where you can marvel at the art of Ancient Egypt, Klimt, Monet, Michelangelo and da Vinci through art projections. Sintra: Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket grants access to the Palace of Pena, designed in the Romanesque and Neo-Manueline styles. Explore the 19th-century palace, which was listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. And if you’d like to go surfing, then the Lisbon: Guided Surfing Tour & Lessons will be the right offer for you. You’ll get familiar with the basics of surfing in two hours with the help of professional instructors and all the necessary equipment.
Hostelling International Slovenia and Hostelling International provide all travellers with tips on how to best spend time abroad and where to enjoy HI services, which are the standard of sustainable travel. You can get practical travel tips in Globetrotter Web Magazine articles where Hostelling International Slovenia’s journalists explore various destinations. Read the article about Lisbon titled The Most Beautiful Parts of Portugal and learn about the cultural and natural attractions in the city and its surroundings. You can find even more useful tips in the Lisbon article, which contains advice about how to self-organise a trip. All those who would also like to visit other parts of Portugal should check out the article A Trip to Portugal.
HI services offer travellers benefits and comfort in accommodation that can be found all throughout the world. Hostelling International’s motto is to offer travellers the best possible service and a pleasant experience in sustainable accommodation where both young and old travellers are welcome. The organisation’s been successfully co-operating with the Movijovem hostelling organisation which follows the same vision and offers travellers quality hostels with beaches, nightclubs and cultural attractions in close vicinity. It guarantees unforgettable and memorable experiences. The HI Lisbon hostel awaits you in the heart of Portugal’s capital. It offers its guests shared and private accommodation with a common area, a billiard table and a TV.
Wherever you go, your trip can be safe, with simple and customisable international travel insurance for solo travellers and families. Get travel insurance through World Nomads and get a policy with 24-hour assistance and transport for medical emergencies, as well as cover for more than 220 sports and leisure activities on snow, water, air and land. The insurance policy may include, among other things, coverage for experiential activities, such as au pairs – part-time or voluntary work with children, working in a bar, fruit picking, office work, teaching and some other work abroad. Protect yourself or your family with World Nomads travel insurance.
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