Cheap and cheerful with a vibrant nightlife – Lisbon’s the perfect destination for a city break
By Rodney Farry
While Portugal has been  popular with Irish holidaymakers for decades, it’s only in recent years that the country’s captial, Lisbon, has established itself as a destination in its own right.
Built in the shadow of St.George’s Castle, Lisbon has all of the traits (great night life, sun, beautiful local women, plenty to see/do) that makes Barcelona so enduringly popular but at a much reduced cost. It’s Western Europe’s cheapest capital, but the city certainly doesn’t have the look or feel of a budget destinaltion and is perfect for either a romantic break with herself or a blow out with the lads.
Things to do
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to the aforementioned St George’s Castle. Constructed on the highest hill in the city, the castle, whose earliest foundations date back to the sixth century, affords stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. For anyone harbouring any dungeon and dragon fantasies you and your wench can dress up in medeval clothes and get a picture taken on the castle’s ramparts.
On your descent from St. George’s make sure to explore the narrow streets of Alfama the oldest residential district in the town and home over the centuries to Lisbon’s once large Moorish and Jewish populations, each of which left their architectural mark on the area’s still inhabited buildings.
As Portugal was the world’s first superpower one thing Lisbon is not lacking in is impressive architecture, but Alfama with its labyrinthine streets and small squares has a charm all of its own.
Another excursion well worth pencilling in to your diary, especially if you have spent the night over indulging in one of the city’s many inviting bars, is a cruise along the Tagus. Not only will you clear the cob webs from the night before thanks to the cooling sea breeze, you can also become acquainted with some of the city’s best known sites from the comfort of your chair while partaking in the hair of the dog- highly appealing at this time of year when the afternoon temperatures regularly top 35 degrees.
An even better way to escape the sometimes stifling summer heat of the city is to take a day trip to one of the many coastal villages dotted along the aptly named Lisbon Coast. Situated less than 30km or a 45 minute train ride from the city centre, the former fishing village of Cascais has been a favourite of Lisbon’s most well-heeled residents for over two centuries. Although a little pricey by Portugese standards, with its chilled out atmosphere, great beaches and seafood restaurants, Cascais is well worth a visit.
Fans of the Beautiful Game should note that Lisbon is home to two of Portugese footballs traditional powerhouses- current champions Benfica and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first professional club, Sporting.
Tours of both clubs’ grounds are available all year round, while the league itself runs from mid August to mid May.
Eating and drinking
One of Lisbon’s greatest attractions is its vibrant nightlife, which centre’s around the trendy shops, bars and restaurants of Barrio Alto. Situated slap bang in the middle of the city, the Barrio Alto area is remeniscent of a latin Temple Bar without the vomit, fake tan or menancing athmosphere.
At this time of year Lisbon’s hip young things converge on the district in their thousands every evening to eat and drink al fresco well into the early hours . With beers costing as little as one euro for a paint and Mohijtos costing little more it may be a good idea to pack some paracetemol and an extra dark pair of sunglasses.
When it comes to dining out  Portugese cuisine may not be as renowned as that of its neighbour Spain, but there are a number of local specialities such as salted cod fish and custard pies  that are worth sampling (not simultaneously of course). As in all major cities, visitors to Lisbon certainly won’t be lacking in choice when it comes to chow time with the Barrio Alto in particular home to a number of very good ethnic restaurants.
When to go
Unless you’re a real sun worshiper or have a sweat fetish, then Lisbon is best avoided in high summer. Late spring and early autumn are probably the best times to visit if you want to explore the city on foot.
What to watch out for
Although generally quite safe, pickpockets can be a problem especially around the stops for Tram 28, an extremely popular vintage tram service whose route takes in some of Lisbon’s most famous sites. As the city is built on seven large hills, its not a bad idea to become acquainted with its excellent tram service particularly for ascents, just keep your wits about you.
Getting there
Aer Lingus fly to Lisbon from Dublin and Cork, with Dublin flights starting at €48.99 (inc. taxes, one way).Check out www.aerlingus.com for more details.
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