Lisbon is the capital of modern Portugal and stands almost midway between the north and south of the country. The old town was built on the northern shore of the Tagus river but its skyline is now dotted around seven surrounding hills. Lisbon has managed to retain its traditional charm in the face of the march of progress and is still throned with narrow streets in the old quarter as well as sweeping boulevards in the more modern developments.
ACCOMODATION:
As befitting any major European capital, Lisbon is not short on accommodation. Prices tend to be a shade above other Portuguese cities but on the other hand, supply is plentiful and whether your budget is £30 or £300 a night, there's lots of choice. If you are willing to travel, the resort towns along the coast may offer suitable accommodation and cooler temperatures during a hot June.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
The Baixa: This part of the city was completely devastated by the earthquake of 1755 and was rebuilt by plans from the Marquis of Pombal. Its grid structure contains some of the liveliest squares in the city including the Praca do Comercio, the finest in Lisbon on the site of the medieval palace.
Alfama: This quarter can be approached from above via the Largo das Ports or below by wandering alongside the Tagus is a pleasant maze of cobbled streets highlighted by the cathedral, a 12th century Romanesque building restored and extended over the centuries.
Belem: The Portuguese for Bethlehem is the coastal point from where the ships that discovered the New World set sail from. Take the tram from the city centre and visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Igreja de Santa Maria as well as the Torre de Belem, an elegant tower that gives superb views back iover the city and out to sea.
Oceanario de Lisboa: This is the largest aquarium in Europe housing five main tanks devoted to marine animals and plants from the oceans of the world..
Museo Nacional de Arte Antiga: Housed in the 17th century palace of the Counts of Alvor and in a modern annexe from the 1940s, this has an outstanding collection of art from the medieval monasteries of the 1200s right through to the last century.
LOCAL DELICACIES:
Lisbon's vast collection of restaurants and cafes offer the visitor something to suit all tastes. Fish is again high on the list of regional dishes with sardines a particular favourite. Bacalhau a Bras, a cod recipe from the area and fish balls are also widespread while meat dishes include plenty of smoked ham and sausages.
TO THE STADIUM:
Lisbon boasts two stadia for Euro 2004. The new Jose Alvalade stadium will hold 52,000 and forms part of a large sports complex. It will stage three group games, one quarter-final and one semi-final. The traditional Luz Stadium (Stadium of Light) has been the home of the famous Benfica club but has been redeveloped into a 65,000-seater ground which will stage three group matches, one quarter-final and the final itself.
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