2019-03-01 Global Traveler

72 globaltravelerusa.com MARCH 2019

IN LISBON, UNLIKE IN OTHER European

capitals, first-time visitors arrive without a lot of

expectations. There’s no Eiffel Tower, Buck-

ingham Palace or Sistine Chapel. That’s not

to say Lisbon has no outstanding historical

monuments. Of course it does. They’re just

not as well-known as those iconic examples of

European travel tours.

And that just might be what gives this darling

of the must-visit-now lists its special allure. An

unexpected treat awaits around every corner.

Start with the sidewalks. Who would think

the material below your feet could be interest-

ing? But Lisbon’s stone-cobbled walkways with

gray and white patterns are photo-worthy ...

and worth keeping your eye on, as they’re not

always smooth. And then there are the tiles,

the vibrant painted ceramics known as azulejos

adorning walls everywhere across the city. Any

storefront, office building or even a modest

home becomes a colorful work of art.

With a city center filled with every high-end

store imaginable, the Avenida Liberdade still

feels like a place apart, a grand boulevard with

friends & family | LISBON

INFO TO GO

Multiple U.S. and interna-

tional airlines fly non-stop to

Humberto Delgado Airport,

also known as Lisbon

Airport, TAP Air Portugal’s

home base. Because the

airport is located just six

miles from the city center,

getting to your hotel can be

a snap. Frequent and inex-

pensive Metro and shuttle

services get you into the city

in about 20–30 minutes. A

taxi, from the stand outside

Terminal 1, gets you to the

city center in 15–20 minutes

in light traffic.

Ready for Discovery

Lisbon lures visitors with unexpected treasures and

modern-day pleasures. BY TERRI COLBY