This Iconic Destination Was Just Named Europe’s Best City

At this level, Lisbon has virtually an embarrassing variety of accolades. It always ranks among the many world’s best places to retire and was lately named Europe’s best culinary city destination at the World Culinary Awards. Now, it has been named the Best City Break Destination at the 25th edition of the Star Awards.

“This recognition highlights Lisbon as a well-liked vacation spot for UK vacationers searching for a getaway, given the number of high-interest sights town has to supply,” Paula Oliveira, the chief director of the Lisbon Tourism Affiliation, shared in an announcement obtained by Journey + Leisure.

As a resident of town, I can vouch that it deserves all this reward — after which some. 

It is a spot the place the previous and current collide in excellent concord. Begin that metropolis break by weaving your approach by way of the historic Alfama neighborhood, passing pastel-hued properties, ducking into centuries-old church buildings and tabernas, snagging a bica and a bifana alongside the way in which, earlier than climbing to the highest of Castelo de São Jorge to drink in an old-school view of town’s iconic pink roofs, all the way in which to the Tagus River. Then, make your strategy to Chiado and Avenida Liberdade to buy till you drop, or go all the way in which to Belém to see the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower — and do not skip its museums, just like the National Tile Museum or the MAAT. 

And that is all earlier than you get to dig into the meals. Oh, the meals. From third-wave espresso spots like Dramatico and Hello Kristof within the morning to a day crammed with unbelievable bites at Time Out Market and Portuguese dinners at award-winning haunts like Sala by João Sá and Belcanto, there’s one thing for everybody. 

However past the historical past, the websites, and the bites, Lisbon has one thing else that’s its actual secret sauce: a heat that is unmatched. Individuals right here will enable you to discover your approach and fortunately share their favourite must-see, do, and eat spots, too. They might even share their favourite miradouro location so you will get a local-only view. 

So no, I am not stunned Lisbon received. Once more. I am simply ready for the following award to roll proper in. I will be right here consuming pastel de natas till it does.