Beautiful, cosmopolitan, bathed in light – Lisbon, the multi-faceted city

Steeped in history, the capital city of Portugal is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Wandering through the narrow streets and along countless sights and viewpoints, the friendly maritime atmosphere will get you in the holiday mood in no time.

Situated on the mouth of the Tagus river and built on seven hills like Rome, Lisbon is an often-underestimated gem among the European capitals. The city offers a rare mixture of World Cultural Heritage sites and trips to the beach. With ten NephroCare clinics in and around Lisbon, you can enjoy the pleasures of exploring and relaxing while still getting your dialysis treatments on time. Doesn’t that sound just perfect?

Activities & Sights

Want to see lots of sights without aching feet?

While double-decker buses take tourists to the most important places of interest in many cities, Lisbon offers a more charming alternative. Step a hundred years back in time and take Tram no. 28. Having become one of the most popular attractions itself, the old-fashioned tram starts in the historical centre, mastering the narrow and sometimes steep streets as it always used to. With a 24-hour pass, you can hop on and off wherever you like. It also takes you through the fascinating Graça quarter, where you can sit on the street with the locals, marvel at street art or the findings on the flea markets and enjoy the overall relaxed atmosphere.

Lisbon is a collection of neighbourhoods rather than one homogenous city. If you keep that in mind, you will surely enjoy discovering the charm and personality of the different quarters. Alfama – the old town – is best conquered on foot. If so, wear your comfortable shoes and do it all at your own pace. A stroll over the cobblestoned streets between traditional rustic houses takes you back to the Middle Ages.

World Heritage sites with inspiring architecture

One of the most interesting historic buildings is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Built in honour of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, it combines elements of gothic and renaissance style. The monastery is a monument of immense historical and cultural significance, stunning in its architectural finesse. If one ancient building does it for you, choose this!

Another famous Lisbon landmark, the Torre de Belém is located nearby. Constructed during the Age of Discovery, too, the tower was a symbol of protection for seafarers. Though it was once inhabited by a rhinoceros from India, the white tower is more striking from the outside than the inside.

Overlooking the capital from atop one of the seven hills, the Castelo de São Jorge can’t be missed. St. George's Castle, Lisbon’s oldest edifice, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Enjoy the spectacular views from the observation terrace over the city and the river Tagus to the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Or get a different perspective with the Camera Obscura periscope housed in of the towers. It will give you an unusual 360° projected view of the city.

Not just any museum

What is more to your taste – tilework or art, technology or marine animals? Lisbon has many different things on display, so choose wisely. You’ve probably been to an art museum at some point in your life. But have you ever been to a museum dedicated exclusively to tilework? The National Tile Museum offers a unique collection of decorative tiles. You’ll be able to see some of the stunning azulejos, Portuguese hand-painted tiles, and learn about the fascinating history of tilework in the region.

The MAAT (Art, Architecture and Technology Museum) is the most recent contemporary art museum in Lisbon. It looks like a ray that is deflected off the river. It is worth a visit not only for the architecture, though. It also features interesting permanent and temporary exhibitions. One of the largest aquariums in the world is the Lisbon Oceanarium. Another architectural stroke of genius, it not only houses an abundance of different fish and marine animals but also represents four separate sea- and landscapes plus different ecosystems.

Do not miss the unique LX factory during your visit! Formerly an abandoned factory yard, the whole ensemble has become quite an attraction with lots to do and lots to see in this collective ground. This is where creativity comes alive. New things are created on the spot. Old factory buildings host all kinds of studios, design shops, galleries and restaurants. In the bookstore in LX factory, sky-high bookshelves peep through the industrial stairs. A little café in the middle of the bookstore is a great place to catch your breath after a day of strolling through Lisbon.

Accommodation

It goes without saying that a city with such a special flair as Lisbon offers the most varied accommodations to its visitors. Very modern so-called design hotels mix with converted palaces, princely residences and renovated turn of the century buildings. Do you prefer something more self-contained? As the offer ranges from small serviced apartments to elegant studios, you will easily find something to your taste and purse. A trip to Lisbon offers good value for money and mostly affordable accommodations. Moreover, chances are good that you will find a NephroCare clinic in the vicinity because we thought that shouldn’t stop you from visiting and having a very good time.   

Culinary & Culture

A generous pinch of passion

Checking out the local music scene is a good idea when visiting a foreign city. In Lisbon, you will soon come across Fado which has recently been added to the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. While the soulful traditional Portuguese folk music is played in many restaurants and shops, sitting down for a meal in one of the famous Fado restaurants is the real thing. The melancholy music often tells of the life of the working-class people.

Fado is often played at the annual Festas de Lisboa. During two summer months, Lisbon’s historic quarters are decorated with colourful paper and host different shows and events. The convivial goings-on invite locals and tourists to listen to Fado and other music and celebrate life on the streets. Watch out! The soulfulness and joy are contagious.

The Portuguese are just as passionate about some of their food as they are about Fado. For example, there is a lively discussion going on about where to find the best Bifanas that are available all over Lisbon. To call them sandwiches wouldn’t do them justice. Thin, juicy slices of pork are marinated with garlic, spices and white wine, then cooked to perfection and stuffed inside a crusty bread roll. You might want to drop the topping of yellow mustard or chili sauce. But enjoy the delicious filling!

Bacalhau à bras is popular Portuguese comfort food. Bacalhau is dried and salted codfish traditionally pan-fried with finely sliced potatoes and scrambled eggs, garnished with black olives, and parsley.