Lisbon Zoo

With 135 years, Lisbon’s Zoo was the first park in the Iberian Peninsula to have fauna and flora. Hosting two thousand animals from 300 different species, Lisbon’s “Noah’s Ark” plays an important role in the protection of endangered species and their habitats.

Lisbon’s Zoo is one of the world’s most important parks with one of the largest animal collections and it centers most of its activity in animal protection and reproduction.

Thru daily presentations, visitors can watch, from a short distance, species from all over the world and be amazed by its curiosities.

A visit to the Zoo offers an unforgettable experience: a ride in the cable car; a visit to the “Quintinha” (a small farm dedicated mainly for children) where you can find domestic animals; a surprising passage thru the Reptile House and finishing with a Dolphins’ presentation.

By visiting Lisbon’s Zoo you’re contributing to its mission to develop and promote a zoological and botanical park, as preservation, reproduction, and reintroduction of endangered species center, through scientific studies and environmental enrichment programs.

Ginjinha

Ginjinha is one of the most Portuguese typical drinks and today, we’ll introduce you to it. Present in every market or any typical tavern, it has its “hotspots” in Rossio Square.

The morello (or sour) cherry is the fruit of the morello tree (Prunus cerasus L.), which belongs to the same species of the cherry tree (Prunus avium L.). Although from distinct species, the fruit of both trees have great similarities, the morello cherry is more acidic than the cherry which is sweeter.

The morello tree had its origin in the Southwest Asia but was brought by the Romans to various places of their empire.

In Portugal, there are written references to its presence since, at least, the 1st century A.D.. In the 15th century, the use of the morello cherries was already very common in our country, either for fresh consumption or for medicinal applications. In the 18th century, due to conventual recipes, a handmade drink of morello cherries dipped into brandy started to be marketed. This experiment recipe later evolved into the well-known ginjinha (little morello, in Portuguese).

Nowadays, ginjinha is a liqueur obtained through the maceration of the morello (sour) cherries with sugar and aguardente (a Portuguese brandy), without preservatives. But still, it is frequently flavored
with other ingredients such as cinnamon stick or vanilla. It has a red or ruby color, it is fruit-scented, with velvety and sweet or bittersweet intense flavor.

With an alcohol content of around 20%, it ought to be savored at a temperature of about 10°C, as a digestive, or simply whenever you feel like it.


The ritual of drinking this liqueur is very simple as you can either have it without the morello cherries, "ginjinha sem elas” (ginjinha without them) or with the morello cherries, "ginjinha com elas” (ginjinha with them).

Like other fado singers, the eternal Amália Rodrigues dedicated a fado song to ginjinha, praising it. It is a typical product of some Portuguese regions such as Serra da Estrela and Algarve, with a higher reputation in the regions of Óbidos and Alcobaça. In Lisbon, ginjinha is especially popular and it is one of the capital’s ex-libris.

Lisbon’s Viewpoints

Bathed by the Tejo River, Lisbon was built on hills during 2000 years and on top of each hill a different perspective of the city.

On each hill, you will find a viewpoint with its own history but with the same finale... our beautiful city: Lisbon!

The only man-made viewpoint is the Santa Justa lift, which was built by a student of Gustave Eiffel and offers views of St. George's Castle and the "Baixa Pombalina".

St. George Castle's viewpoint is probably the best sight of the city: you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Tejo River all the way to the bridge and, on the opposite side, a beautiful view of the downtown area up to the Parque Eduardo VII.

Another famous viewpoint is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, with a perfect view of the river and harbor.

Moving up in the city you will find São Pedro de Alcântara, which you can reach by taking the Glória lift, and that allows you to enjoy views of St. George's Castle and of the Avenida da Liberdade.

On the opposite side, it is possible to find the Senhora do Monte and Graça's viewpoints, hidden behind the castle and from where you can see the Bairro Alto district and Martim Moniz.

These are only some of the options. There are other wonderful places to visit such as Penha de França, Monte Agudo and Parque Eduardo VII.

On our App, you will find a Route that will help on your visit

Lisbon Leading Golf Destination

The Sun is shining, the sky is light blue and you have green trees shaken by a small breeze but not enough to spoil your stroke, this is just the right scenario for a perfect Tee.

At the end of the day, you return to the hotel and guess what? You are in downtown Lisbon, surrounded by history and culture, just a few walking minutes away from a couple of the most well-known Cafés and Restaurants. Impossible, you may say! Not really, let me tell you why:

Lisbon is not known as a primary Golf destination, but according to a survey made in 2018 by the Lisbon Tourism Council, for 49,3% of the enquired, Golf is the reason they’ve decided to visit Lisbon.

There are several courses available in Lisbon or in the surrounding areas, with easy and quick access by car. This way, instead of staying confined to the resort facilities you can have the best of two worlds and enjoy the pleasure of golfing and still feel the bubbling of a cosmopolitan city.

Here are a few examples of Golf Courses, just at hand:

Quinta da Marinha

The Golf Course at Quinta da Marinha has 18 holes with 5.870 meters of unadulterated nature surroundings and major challenges. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior, this par 71 has great views to the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains. The area, Lisbon Golf Coast, won the IAGTO Award in 2007 - Best Established Golfing Destination Europe.

Paço do Lumiar 

Designed by an American architect, Gary Grandstaff, Paço do Lumiar is a 9 holes Golf Course designed as a challenge for the better player while remaining great fun for all the family. Huge U.S.G.A. tees allowing for constant repair on our 7 par three and 2 par four. Greens designed for any top-rated golf course, and all of this right in the middle of Lisbon!

Aroeira

At only 30 minutes’ drive from the Lisbon center, located on the other margin of the Tagus River, with an extremely mild climate, allowing to play golf along all the year, is Aroeira Country Club with 2 fields with 18 holes which is considered by experts, as one of the best Golf Complexes of Europe. Aroeira "I" was designed by Frank Pennick one of the most well-known and famous Golf fields architects, who achieved here a real masterpiece, to reach, in an exemplary way the requisites of a championship golf with the spontaneous and savage nature harmony which shelters and surrounds it.
This is just a small hint of what Lisbon has to offer.

The Land: Joaquín Sorolla’s Spain

Until March 31st the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga presents the exhibition “The Land: Joaquín Sorolla’s Spain”.

Born in February 1863, Joaquín Sorolla was a Spanish painter that shined in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes. His most typical works are categorized by a dexterous representation of the people and landscape under the bright sunlight of his native land and sunlit water.

In the late 19th century, artistic landscapes painting became a requisite practice rather than a minor genre, Sorolla’s “inland” landscapes reflect artistic trends of the time which involved both experimentations with outdoor painting and significant ideological element.

In a partnership between Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and the Sorolla Museum in Madrid, this exhibition, curated by Carmen Pena, brings together 118 paintings by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida from the museum and from Spanish private collections.

The exhibition shows how Sorolla, the master of the "open air" and the "intense light", unveiled new versions of the various Spanish landscapes, at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, giving them new meanings and participating in a cultural movement that sought another image of the country.

The selection of pieces also includes some paintings representing scenes on the seashore and the work of fishermen on the coasts of Valence, some of Sorolla’s most typical themes.

What to do this weekend

If you’re planning to visit us this weekend here are some of the events taking place in the city.

Exhibitions

Quel Amour
The exhibition brings together 68 artists from different generations, countries and cultures, for whom love has been an inspiration – in its many forms – in the creation of exclusive works. Among exclamations and questions, there are more than 150 works on different supports, including painting and design, sculpture, video, photography and performance, all of which seek an answer to “Quel Amour!?”.

Music

Gavin James
Gavin James is one of the top artists of the moment, and he is coming to Portugal for the first time tohappy sad songs”. “Start Again”, “Put You Back Together” and “Cigarette Break” are just some of the tunes he will perform at this concert.
present his new studio album, “Only Ticket Home”, which was released in October 2018. The Irish musician, who saw his debut album “Bitter Pill” go platinum, said he wanted to leave the world of ballads behind him, and that this new album is different, with “

Alceste
This opera in three acts by Christoph Willibald Gluck starts with an episode of Greco-Roman mythology in which Alceste sacrifices her life to save that of her husband, Admeto, the king of Thessaly. “Alceste” was first performed in Vienna in 1767, with an Italian libretto by Ranieri de Calzabigi, followed nine years later by a French version with a libretto by Le Blanc Du Roullet. It is this French version that will be performed at the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos. This new production will be presented by Graham Vick, with musical direction by Graeme Jenkins.

World Travel Awards

Lisbon was elected Europe’s Leading City Destination by World Travel Awards.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the World Travel Awards 2018 was held, for the first time, in Lisbon and reinforced the city as Europe’s major destination.

Besides been considered Europe’s Leading City Destination, Lisbon was also awarded World's Leading City Break.

Amongst hotels and institutions, Portugal received a total of 15 awards including the most desirable one, World’s Leading Destination, for the second year in a row.

Fado Restaurants by the Concierge

If there’s an experience you can’t miss when visiting Lisbon is going to a Fado Restaurant, where one can really feel how traditional and mystic Fado is.

Although updated and offering all modern comfort, these restaurants still embrace the ambiance of the old taverns and brothels where Fado could be heard in the beginning, surrounded by violence and prostitutes in poor neighborhoods.

The following selection was made by our Head Concierge, and these are, in his opinion, the best Fado Restaurants in Lisbon.

Clube do Fado 
Located in the heart of Alfama and near Sé Catedral, this is the perfect place to enjoy excellent Portuguese traditional cooking, the sound of Portuguese Guitar and to hear the greatest Portuguese Fado voices.

Arcadas do Faia 
More than a half-century of existence always side by side with the big names of Fado, along with the dedicated respect for the rich variety of Portuguese gastronomy.

A Severa
Opened in 1955, got the name of "Severa" from a gypsy singer who was one of the greatest Fado singers ever.

Timpanas
Following the Fado's tradition, the Restaurant "Timpanas" has a typical ambiance and it is located, since 1963, in Lisbon's popular riverside district of Alcântara. Arriving at "Timpanas" you will be transported to an emblematic and genuine ambiance that will take you towards the old feeling sung in Fado.

Parreirinha de Alfama
It started as a charcoal selling store and a tavern and, over the decades that followed 1950, it became a place of reference for Fado and good cuisine lovers, by the hand of the Fado legend, Argentina Santos.

Visiting Lisbon with a Private Guide

There are many ways to visit Lisbon: your own car, public transportation, tuk-tuks, group sightseeing and a private car with a driver/guide who speaks your native language. 

Today we’re going to talk about the private tour with the help of one of our partners, Maurício.

The private driver/guide is one of the many options recommended by our Concierge, mostly because it is the most complete and comfortable way to know the city. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the other options, but if you’re truly looking for knowledge this is the best way to get it.

This article presents a small summary of what a city tour covers, but all this can be totally adjusted, if you wish to spend more time in a certain monument or skip another, you just have to tell it to your driver. It is one of the many advantages of a private tour.

The day starts with our unforgettable breakfast. After scheduling the pickup time with our Concierge, Maurício will be waiting for you at the lobby.

The tour begins, first around the Downtown area, through Rossio down to the Comércio Square and the first glimpse of Tejo River.

After that, the climb starts through the narrow streets of Alfama District. First stop, a visit to Sé Cathedral and its two bell towers, climbin until you reach the top where you will find St. George's castle and an extraordinary view of the city. On the opposite hill is this tour’s next stop.

Chiado, Lisbon´s main shopping District, Bairro Alto, famous for its nightlife, and another sight of Lisbon from São Pedro de Alcântara Belvedere. The visit carries on as we move towards the National Parliament and then Estrela Church.

No time to rest, the visit is about to reach its peak as we arrive to Belém District. Here you will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, landmarks of a history of conquests. Then it’s mandatory to make a shortstop for coffee and the famous Pastéis de Belém, a delicious traditional local pastry.

It's time to return but now through a different route, you will pass by the Águas Livres Aqueduct, one of the most remarkable examples of 18th century Portuguese engineering. Then another beautiful view of Lisbon on the top of Eduardo VII Park.

The tour is near its end and after the roundabout Marquês de Pombal, you will go down the Liberdade Avenue and find the Avenida Palace right at the end.

Now, it is time to freshen up and have a drink in our Bar, listening to one of the many recitals scheduled on our Music Program, as you get ready for the next adventure.

Moda Lisboa

From October 11th to the 14th, the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes hosts the 51st edition of ModaLisboa.

This Thursday sees the beginning of a new era of ModaLisboa as Lisbon and Porto associations will partner for the first time.

The 51st edition of ModaLisboa is once more divided between sites set in Parque Eduardo VII, with one exception: the Nuno Gama fashion show, on Saturday, will take place at the National Museum of Ancient Art.

Find out more in the program below

Augusta Street Arch

The Augusta Street Arch is an icon of Lisbon that catches the eye of every person who walks along the river and it is also a scenario of many pictures.

The Arch is a celebration of the pombaline and neo-classic art, but more than that it is a symbol of Lisbon’s strength to rise after the earthquake of 1755.

In 2013, after seven months of renovations, it became possible to climb to the top and get a different perspective of this remarkable monument.

Offering one of the most unique panoramic views of Lisbon, this viewpoint rapidly became one of Lisbon’s most visited sites, with over 835.000 visitors since it opened, and in 2017 it surpassed, for the first time, the 200.000 visitors mark.

The entrance is made through Augusta Street and the ticket, which costs 2,5€, grants you access to the elevator that takes you to the upper level. There, and after 30 steps, you can visit the clock room and, finally after another 40 steps, the viewpoint.

Open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this site is definitely a must-see.

World’s Best Aquarium

In the year it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Oceanário de Lisboa was elected for the 3rd time, World’s Best Aquarium by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2018.

With more than 33.000 reviews, the Oceanário de Lisboa had a global rating of 4,5 out of 5 and was considered excellent by 64% of the reviewers.

Built for the EXPO´98, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a large public aquarium whose prestige is widely recognized, not only in Lisbon and Portugal but also across the world, and has etherealized the centuries-old bond between Lisbon and the ocean.

Its exceptional exhibitions and the architectural features of its buildings, full of symbolism, allows a unique, unforgettable experience. The Oceanário consists of two buildings connected by a large forecourt: the original Oceans Building and the new Sea Building. The forecourt, from which the exhibitions and the educational area can be accessed, boasts a magnificent panel featuring 55 thousand tiles.

Since its opening, the Oceanário de Lisboa has welcomed over 23 million visitors from 185 different countries. After 2015 and 2017 this is the 3rd time the Oceanário is considered the World’s Best Aquarium.

36 hours in Lisbon by The New York Times

A recent article by Ingrid K William on the New York Times made some suggestions on how to enjoy Lisbon on a weekend.

Among the many ideas, the writer highlights the cuisine, the culture, and the nightlife.~

The journey starts by Graça District, where it is recommended to visit the Graça Convent, the chapel and the Baroque Clothier ( just reopened after renovations) and of course the Belvedere with its beautiful view.

The afternoon proceeds with a visit to the Casa Fernando Pessoa, museum and cultural center in Campo de Ourique that allows, through an interactive exhibition, to involve the visitors in the poet’s writing.

Dinner takes place close by in Peixaria da Esquina, with a feast of seafood. Then the writer hits Lisbon’s nightlife, which she considered having gain “new highs” due to the rooftops available.
Topo Chiado is the chosen one for a cocktail in the outdoor lounge.

Saturday starts with a “sugar rush” in the famous Pastelaria Alcôa and the Pastel de Nata is the elected one, the rest of the morning is spent shopping, especially cork made products.
Lunch is on chef Kiko Martins restaurant, A Cevicheria and the afternoon is dedicated to Belém and its monuments, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém and the Museu de Arte, Arquitectura e Tecnologia, praising the museum’s futuristic façade.

The writer then returns to the city center for dinner at the Taberna da Rua das Flores in Chiado, located in an old grocery store with the ambiance of a true antique tavern. The night continues to Principe Real and a visit to the cozy Pub Lisboeta and Gin Lovers, located in a 19th century Palace and where you can choose from over 50 brands of gin.

Sunday begins with coffee and like in Italy, Lisbon’s coffee is a delicious espresso.
To finish the weekend the writer suggests a visit to one of the many kiosks one may find in several gardens and belvederes. With an attractive architecture, these are great options to enjoy some of Lisbon’s specials, such as Ginginha.

5 Lisbon gardens to lie down

Known for its history and traditional districts, Lisbon also has some beautiful gardens that work as a perfect refuge on hot summer days.

In the peak of summer when strolling through the squares of Lisbon is not an option, hiding and lying down in one of Lisbon’s gorgeous gardens is the best alternative.

Among Lisbon’s most beautiful gardens we have chosen 5:

Torel Garden

Turned to the sun and with modern sun loungers this garden enjoys a panoramic view over the valley of Avenida da Liberdade and the hill of São Roque.

Cerca da Graça Garden
Located in a historic area with an area of 1.7 hectares, Cerca da Graça Garden is the largest green space with public access, hosting a kiosk and an orchard.

Necessidades Garden
Designed in1843 by D. Fernando here we find: three lakes surrounded by exotic vegetation, a waterfall, a fountain and tank, various statuary elements.

Fernando Pessa Garden
Hiding in Avenida de Roma it’s a very nice neighborhood garden, named after Fernando Pessa, a Portuguese journalist. Here was the place where Fernando Pessa used to take a stroll and ride a bicycle.

Ajuda Bothanic Garden
It is the oldest Portuguese garden, planted by the Marquis of Pombal in 1768 with the designation of Ajuda Royal Botanical Garden. It was built with the vocation of a museum and nursery of botanical species from many different parts of the world.

5 Ice-cream shops to visit in Lisbon

Lisbon’s hot summer days are here to stay, and there’s nothing better to refresh you day than an ice cream.

Famous for its traditional cuisine, Lisbon also hosts some of the best ice cream shops, where you can take a break of sightseeing.
Melt yourself with the best ice cream shops in Lisbon…Cup, cone or on a stick.

Santini – since 1949
In Chiado and in more locations scattered through Lisbon, for more than sixty years, Attilio Santini opened doors to, without a doubt, the best known Portuguese gelataria. By serving the first cone of what was quickly considered "the best ice cream in the world", Attilio Santini marked the beginning of something already considered a tradition: go to Santini!

Nannarella
Here you can find one of the best ice creams in Lisbon. Handmade with fresh products supplied by Ribeira Market. Just as the Roman tradition commands, these ice creams are served with a spatula, always with an addition of whipped cream on top, made several times a day.

FIB
As different as it can be, the well-known Lisbon gelataria, where you can almost make a salad on a glass or cone: as the ice creams are made with vegetables. Another of the many novelties are the flavors inspired by cocktails. For now they match with the normal flavors, sorbets of gazpacho, tomato, carrot, beet and even açaí.

Conchanata
One of the oldest gelatarias in Lisbon was founded in 1946. The ice creams still follow the original recipe, are 100% handmade and made only by Michele Tarlattini, who starts working the ingredients at dawn, so that he can open is shop at 2:00 p.m. The machines used by Michele -  the Carpigiani - are dated from the 40s and 50s of last century.

Fragoleto
It offers the best blends of flavors you can find, from "Ginger and Honey" and "Lemon Sorbet with Basil". The space is small and intimate, as if advising the clients to enter, buy the ice cream and leave to continue enjoying Lisbon. An important note to keep in mind is that Fragoleto also produces soy ice creams.

5 Terraces in Lisbon

When the city becomes too busy or even too stressful, it’s nice to get lost in a setting of tranquility. In order to enjoy our 220 days of sunshine, we give you some of the best terraces/bars in Lisbon.

Lost In – A Terrace of Tranquility in the Heart of Lisbon
Lost In welcomes you by the colors of the textiles and the aroma of incense. This seduction is only the teaser. Walk through the labyrinth of rooms filled with a potpourri of Indian merchandise from silken fabrics to finished clothing, and ornamental slippers to colorful scarves. In the rear of the shop, you will find the peaceful oasis.

House of Wonders
In Cascais, fishing village and beach area, this cafe and gallery feature rooftop with sea view in the center of Cascais, up multiple flights of steeped stairs, where you can also get hand-crafted goods and furniture.

Topo
In the city’s most multiethnic neighborhood, opened a bar and restaurant at the top of a shopping mall, on the 6th floor, looking out to the castle. It used to be used as storage space, and it is reached by a small elevator.
On the terrace, there are wooden structures doubling as tables and seats for snacking, while the interior features a long counter serving meals of Portuguese and international cuisine. There are also castle views from here, through the glass façade.

Rio Maravilha 
A former break room of factory workers, on a 4th floor, is now a gastropub paying tribute to the river Tagus and Rio de Janeiro.
It's still meant to be a place for socializing, during lunch, dinner, and drinks and meals in between, and it still offers the same view of the river and of the 25 de Abril Bridge. The curious decor maintains the industrial feel and consists of tables with multimedia projections and tabletops with board games. There is also a stage by the entrance for concerts and cultural events.

Café Noobai
The name Noobai comes from ‘Nu bai’ which means ‘we go’ in the Creole dialect from Cabo Verde, a former colony of Portugal.
Certainly worth a visit for the wonderful view over the Tagus (Tejo) Riverside, located at the trendy Santa Catarina Belvedere. In winter you can sit with a fleece blanket on the terrace but there’s also an indoor room.

Tram 24

Deactivated in 1995 the Tram 24 recently returned to the streets of Lisbon in a route between Campolide and Camões Square.

On April 24th, Carris relaunched the Tram 24, in a route that connects Lisbon’s downtown with the Amoreiras/Campolide district.

Photo DN

The Tram 24 started working in 1905 and at the time it connected the Rossio Square and Campolide. In 1995 the route was suspended due to constructions in the city and has been stopped since then.

In 2015, an online petition was created in order to revive a route that connected the waterfront and the “7th hill”.

Finally, in 2011, the City’s Council approved the reactivation which had its debut on April 24th, 2018.
Climbing Rua Alecrim and Rua da Misericórdia until Igreja S. Roque, then through S. Pedro de Alcântara garden and Principe Real, along Rua da Escola Politécnica until Rato and Amoreiras, the Tram 24 is the perfect way to visit the 7th hill.

Reasons to fall in love with Lisbon

A recent article by Javier Martin del Barrio, in the newspaper El País, lists several reasons for falling in love with Lisbon.

Music, bars, monuments, historic sites, the famous Tram 28 and even the climb to the Pilar 7 of 25 de Abril bridge, nothing is forgotten.

“Pilar 7 Experience” is the first stop as Lisbon’s most recent tourist attraction is mentioned for the incredible views of the city and the river Tejo and the possibility to “climb to heaven”.

“Like the one in S. Francisco, but better” is like Tram 28 is presented, the journalist’s favorite route starts in Estrela all the way to St. George’s Castle through Graça district, not skipping a visit to Vila Berta.

A walk from Parque Eduardo VII through the river Tejo is another suggestion, starting by a small stroll thru the gardens then down the Avenida da Liberdade, crossing the Rossio area to the Praça do Comércio, all of this during the morning.

The Oceanário also makes the list and it is considered “beautiful, fun and didactic”. One of the main reasons to fall in love with Lisbon is, of course, Fado “to enjoy the real Fado song performed by the best Fado singers” one must visit Mesa de Frades.

Finally “if you are a tourist but want to get away from the traditional route, take a taxi and go to Bairro Padre Cruz” and there you will find a unique street art collection, where 30 of the best street art performers painted the façades of this neighborhood.

Lisbon's Popular Festivals

A municipal holiday is celebrated in Lisbon on the 13th of June, Saint Anthony's Day (Saint Anthony - Lisbon, 1195? – Padua, 1231). 

Although the main festive events are held on that day and on the preceding evening,  the celebrations continue throughout the month of June in commemoration of two other saints (Saint John and Saint Peter), together constituting the so-called "Festival of Popular Saints".

During this period, the houses and narrow winding medieval streets of the old quarters, in particular those situated around the castle (Alfama, Mouraria and Castelo) are decorated with arches, flowers and colorful balloons, and anyone wanting to dance, drink and eat the traditional grilled sardines, “chouriço assado” (flamed pork sausages) and “caldo verde” (kale soup) is made welcome. It is also a tradition for men to buy and present their girlfriends vases of sweet basil, decorated with paper flowers and love poems, since the festivities are associated with the summer solstice and ancient fertility rites.

The religious events held during this period include, notably, the St. Anthony's Day Weddings, an initiative whose purpose is to encourage the mass wedding of financially disadvantaged couples and, on the 13th, a procession starting near the Lisbon Cathedral, in the church of St Anthony, built on the site where it is said the Saint was born.

However, one of the highlights of the festivities take place on the evening of 12 June and consists of the "Popular Marches", a tradition that dates back to the 18th century and which has been celebrated in its current form since 1932. Residents of the districts of Lisbon descend to Avenida da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) to compete with each other; marching, dancing and singing songs composed for the occasion, on a Lisbon-related theme announced in advance by the organizers. The varied costumes and choreography imbue the parade with the rare sense of color and exhilaration which make it a unique spectacle.

Best European Leisure Destination

In the 6th edition of the “Leisure Lifestyle Awards” by the magazine “Global Traveler”, Lisbon beats Rome, Paris, Prague, and Venice.

Global Traveler is a business luxury leisure magazine published in Los Angeles and has 300 thousand readers that travel internationally on a regular basis.

Lisbon was elected due to its diversity and to the quality of the touristic offer, according to Paula Oliveira, Executive Director of Portugal Tourism Bureau, who states to Jornal Económico that ”this award values the work that has been developed in the endorsement and viability of major events, but also in the creation and management of projects or equipment of touristic interest that improve the experience of the tourist and of the people who live and work in Lisbon”.