The Portuguese capital may be in Europe, but walking through the city you could almost be in Africa, Asia or Latin America, with the country’s former colonies weaving their exotic influence into the urban fabric.
One of the world’s oldest cities, Lisbon boasts a riot of historic castles, palaces and churches. Sitting on the banks of the River Tagus and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hilly metropolis is green in more ways then one.
It snared the European Green Capital Award for 2020 in recognition of the strides it has made developing green spaces, waste management, its cycling infrastructure and an efficient, environmentally friendly public transport network.
Planes tend to fly over the River Tagus, so those seated on the right-hand side will get the best first sight of the city.