Lisbon

Baxia

Downtown Lisbon is a great place for a wander. Totally destroyed in 1775 by a huge earthquake, and rebuilt in fine style, the heart of Baixa is the three squares of Praca dos Restauradores, the Rossio and the Praca da Figuera. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants; look out for those where the Portuguese are eating to get the best food.

Bairro Alto and Estrela

The elevated areas of Lisbon were once inhabited by the city's richest citizens, and today the narrow cobbled streets and excellent views still make Barrio Alto a sought-after area. The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is housed in a grand palace here, and it's also a great location for chic restaurants, shops and bars.

Alfama

A maze of narrow streets and small squares, Alfama has traditionally been inhabited by Lisbon's poorer citizens. More recently, renovations have given the area a facelift and shops and restaurants have moved in, and it's now the best place for Fado nights ? a traditional Portuguese music. St George's Castle and Lisbon Cathedral are also here.

Belem

A little way from the centre of Lisbon, Belem is well worth visiting. The Belem Tower is the symbol of Lisbon whilst the Jeronimos Monastery is an architectural wonder, dripping with detail. The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is also here, next to the Praça do Império, the formal gardens at the centre of this area.

Nations Park

This is the newest area of Lisbon, and it evolved after the area was totally revamped for the 1998 World Expo in Lisbon. The Oceanarium sits at the edge of the park itself, which contains lots of places to play as well as some excellent artwork. Property in this area is now much sought-after and the streets around Nations Park would make a great trendy place to stay on a Lisbon holiday.

Elsewhere

The district of Chicado is where locals and tourists alike shop for their daily needs and local crafts like books and pottery. Alcantara was once the fishing centre of Lisbon but today is mainly commercial, but the lack of residential restrictions means parties here can be loud and long! Across the river looking over to Lisbon is Cristo del Rei, the huge Christ statue, which evokes its inspiration in Rio de Janeiro, and affords excellent views of the whole of Lisbon.