Lisbon

Portugal’s capital is ripe for the picking. The hilly city affords impressive views across the city and the river just about anywhere you stand. The atmosphere is laidback and friendly, and the distinctive neighbourhoods are just so easy to discover on foot. Lisbon can be whatever you want it to be – a city break focused on fine food and boozy nights, or an action-packed exploration of history and stunning architecture.

Whatever your aim, the one thing you absolutely cannot miss whilst in Lisbon is a visit to Sintra. This historic site of palaces and seemingly enchanted gardens that you thought could only exist in fairytails. Your trip to Lisbon also has to include at least one sunset spent at the hilltop fort of Castelo de Sao Jorge watching the city below you change colour with the sky.

The traditional neighbourhood of Alfama is where you’ll immerse yourself in the best of Lisbon’s culture. The hottest place to be at night is Barrio Alto, where bars spill onto the streets and revellers stroll between watering holes with enormous plastic cups filled with cocktails. Chiado is the posh end of town, perfect for window shopping and sipping coffee in lovely cafes.