Lisbon

Lisbon, officially Lisboa, is the capital and largest city of Portugal, situated on the north bank of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city covers a hilly area of central western Portugal and is known for its views, neighborhoods, and waterfronts. The municipality has about 500,000 residents, while the Lisbon metropolitan area is home to around 2.8 million people.

Lisbon's history stretches back to ancient times. It was founded as Olissipo by the Phoenicians, later occupied by Romans and Moors. In 1147, it was reconquered by Afonso Henriques and became the capital of Portugal in 1255. The Age of Discoveries began from Lisbon's Belém district, where explorers departed on routes to Africa, the Americas and Asia; the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos reflect this era and are part of the Belém Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city’s urban core—Baixa, Chiado and Alfama—was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake with the Marques de Pombal's grid plan. Modern Lisbon extends along the riverfront to the Parque das Nações and beyond, with a tram network, notably the iconic tram 28, and metro lines. The city’s economy centers on services, commerce and technology, with tourism as a major component.

Major sights include the Castelo de São Jorge, the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, and the Oceanário de Lisboa. Lisbon has a mild Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence, warm summers and wet winters. Cultural life features fado music, seafood cuisine with bacalhau and pastries such as pastel de nata.