Travel review: Lisbon, Portugal

These are just some of the characteristics of Lisbon – the capital of Portugal. Weaving our way through the streets, we encountered something different at every turn with a colourful array of buildings and statues.

Getting to Lisbon couldn't have been easier. We had flown out of Birmingham with Monarch Airlines on a Friday morning and returned on the Sunday. Monarch launched the flights to Lisbon in June.

Our home for the weekend was Hotel Lisboa Plaza – a boutique hotel in a central location close to Avenida da Liberdade. The hotel was both traditional and charming in style and service. Reception staff were only too happy to help with advice on getting around and dining out.

The hotel was refurbished two years ago and was an ideal base for exploring.

Breakfast at the hotel was a sight to behold with a chocolate fountain and you could also have Champagne to accompany your meal.

After dropping off our luggage, we were keen to get out exploring. Most of the city was accessible by foot, but a word of advice to the ladies – don't attempt to wear heeled sandals on the cobbled streets (most uncomfortable).

In just one hour at the Lisbeo Story Centre you are transported through the years of this vibrant city.

Using sensory experiences and various media, visitors are able to soak up the atmosphere of a 16th-century warehouse and discover products from the New World and watch the tragic events of All Saints' Day in 1755 in an immersive experience of the Great Earthquake. The experience then looked at the Marquis of Pombal as he introduced his far-reaching vision for reconstruction of the city.

Fresh from the story centre we felt we understood the city's roots a little bit more. The centre is in Praca do Commercio square, which was the jewel in the crown of the city, rebuilt after the Great Earthquake. On the centre of the square stands the majestic sculpture of King D.Jose I. Just as impressive was the Augusta St Triumphal Arch. Views from the top are amazing. The arch was built in 1873 and commemorates the city's recovery from the 1755 earthquake.

Augusta Street – the longest and grandest pedestrianised street – runs from the archway, through the middle of Baixa and to Rossio. Street entertainers and shops selling the famous Portuguese custard tarts are en route.

Wandering around the streets of Lisbon is all part of the fun, taking in the historical buildings and various shops. Bustling squares abound, with Rossio Square and its statue of D. Pedro IV taking pride of place, it is surrounded by beautiful post-earthquake facades, including the D.Maria II Theatre.

There is also Praca de Figueira, which used to be home to the city's main vegetable market.

We savoured the various districts with the Bairro Alto, Mouraria, Baixa and Rato areas being just some of the ones visited. The cobbled streets appeared to get narrower, people seemed to be lapping up the wonderful weather.

Various trams and lifts helped us take the strain when we tackled some of Lisbon's Seven Hills.

One such tram journey took us to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, which stands majestically above central Lisbon and was the ancient seat of power for Portugal for over 400 years.

Archeological finds at the castle date back to the 6th Century BC although the oldest castle remains are from the Moorish era.

The views from the castle are astounding, but also the ones from Portos do Sol viewpoint, where you can see the old Moorish quarter – Alfama- and the Tagus River.

Another form of transport was the Yellow Boat, which transported us along the River Tagus, under the

Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the commentary pointed out the landmarks on the way. You could hop off and on the boat and there was also the chance to add a bus to your trip on dry land.

At Cacilhas you could get off the boat and had the chance to climb to the Cristo Rei Sanctuary, which is a 92ft statue of Christ the King spreading his arms.

The next stop was Belem, which is one of the most historical areas and synonymous with Portugal's great explorers.

Torre de Belem is a landmark of Belem with the architecture combining Moorish, renaissance and Gothic elements.

The watchtowers, dungeon and engravings make this a most impressive sight.

Equally impressive is the neighbouring Padrao dos Descobrimentos – an iconic monument in the form of a prow of a ship. It celebrates Portugal's history and Voyages of Discovery. Restoration work is taking place at the moment, but the views from the top, which is still accessible, are incredible.

Belem is also home to an impressive monastery – Mosteiro dos Jeronimos with ornate carvings, the recently re-opened National Coach Museum, which has one of the finest collections of historical coaches, and the Coleccao Berardo Museum – which houses modern and contemporary art.

A visit to Belem would not be complete without a visit to Antiga Confeitaria de Belem to sample the famous Pasteis de Belem (custard tarts).

Baking of the tarts was started in the buildings next to the refinery in 1837, following the ancient secret recipe from the monastery.

This recipe has been passed on through the generations and remains a closely guarded secret.

The takeaway queue outside Antiga Confeitaria de Belem seemed to stretch forever and was a little daunting. We were a little reticent about joining the queue at first, but once we took the plunge we quickly found ourselves at the counter ordering these delicacies.

They were certainly worth the wait and we sat munching the mouth-watering pastries at a nearby park, lightly dusting them with icing sugar and cinnamon.

We are told they sell about 10,000 tarts every day and you can certainly tell why.

Lisbon was an exceptional weekend break and we just broke the surface of this entrancing city. Whether you are a culture vulture, a shopper, or just enjoy your food and drink this city would have everything for you.

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates year round flights to Lisbon from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, from £44 one way (£79 return).

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk

Double room rates at Hotel Lisboa Plaz start from €120. Visit www.heritage.pt for more details.

By Lisa Bailey