Around the World December 2014 | Page 3

Lisbon The Portuguese Capital is one of that destinations that you can go and combine sun and culture and the same time. A city plenty of squares and historical buildings that offers great shopping areas at Baixa a district that is result of a rebuilding conducted by Marques de Pombal on the 18th century. The biggest square at Baixa is Praça do Comercio and there you can find a variety of restaurants. To visit every area of the city you can use the public transport offer in site and of this transports are the Elevadores that area little trams that are taking you to one of the seven hills of the city. Tram 28 is the easiest way to reach the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle has a rich history that takes in a period as a Moorish royal residence. Close to the Castle is Alfama a typical area to hear Fado (mournful and poetic music). However if you prefer nightlife you have to go to the other side of the city and visit Bairro Alto with endless bars and restaurants options with tasteful food and prices. To have sunbaths and enjoy the sea on the Atlantic Ocean you just have to catch the train and go to Cascais or Estoril that are villages in close proximity of Lisbon. Oporto The second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Oporto has a lot to offer. Known as city of bridges there is a lot to explore in the town. Plenty of history and interesting architecture Oporto also provide to the tourists good restaurants, shops and nightlife. Located in the north of Portugal Oporto is one of the oldest European cities and there is produced the Porto Wine, one of Portugal's internationally famous exports. In this Portuguese city you can find an old but stunning bookshop, the Lello. Its NeoGothic exterior is just a part of what you can find inside, panelled walls and central stairs with red steps. The main bridge in the city is Dona Maria Bridge drawn by Gustave Eiffel. Other monuments can be seen in the city such as: Clerigo’s Tower, Casa da Musica and Serralves Museum. In 2011 Oporto was elected as European Culture Capital and also won the European Best Destination 2012 and 2014 awards. Like in Lisbon the city presented provide to all the visitors a range of public transports that you can use to go and explore the city and with all its restaurants and bars.