Lisbon, the beautiful capital of Portugal, offers travelers the very best of any ancient and cosmopolitan European city. There are awe inspiring monasteries, historic museums, and bustling colorful marketplaces and squares around every bend. Some of the best memories made in Lisbon come from exploring the winding backstreets with no particular schedule. While you area here, explore the public baths and the old quarters, sip a glass of wine in a street side cafe, listen to the strong notes of the traditional fado, and when the sun sets, experience the legendary seafood creations of Portugal's best chefs. There are also plenty of ways to experience the natural beauty of this coastal nation. Be sure to explore the Alfama, take a boat along the coast and view the spectacular cliffs and bird refuges, or go diving in the reefs beyond the rocky shore.

Here are a few additional suggestions of things to do in Lisbon:

• Take a walking tour: A guided walking tour around the city can be an excellent way to orient yourself and decide which sites to revisit on your own at a later point during your trip. It's also a good way to immerse yourself in a general sense of this city's beautiful art and architecture.
• Visit the Monastery of St. Gerome: This extraordinary monastery was constructed in the sixteenth century. Explore the interior and the cloisters, including the famous tomb of the explorer Vasco de Gama.
• Visit the Oceanarium: One of Lisbon's best loved attractions is the Oceanarium. Come here to learn more about the dazzling array of marine life and ancient geological formations off Portugal's Pacific Coast.
• Explore the Gulbenkian Museum: This museum offers a magnificent collection of old masters paintings and Persian sculptures.
• Visit St. George's Castle: Perched on the highest hill in the Alfama region, St. George's Castle was once a Visigoth fort in the 5th century and later a Moorish stronghold.
• Enjoy the nightlife: Experience world-class traditional Portuguese cuisine and an energetic nightlife in the neighborhoods of Cascais, The Bairro Alto, and Belem.

You'll find Lisbon beautiful and welcoming no matter what time of year you plan your visit and you'll also have no trouble finding a place to stay here. For your time in Lisbon, book a vacation rental that offers everything you need. Reserve a summer villa overlooking the banks of the Rio Tejo, or reserve an elegant condo in the heart of Lisbon's glamorous night life. No matter where you stay, you'll be close to the most important sites, and a day trip away from many lovely countryside landscapes and quaint fishing villages.