Lisbon is tough to pin down…
Four centuries older than Rome and the second-oldest European capital after Athens, it’s drenched in historical ambiance and holds its own against any other Continental haven in terms of Old World charm.
Then again, it’s a coastal city, found at the point where the River Tagus empties into the Atlantic Ocean, with a swimmable beach only 10 minutes away… Why not describe it as a beach destination?
Where Lisbon stands out most, though, is in its uniquely cosmopolitan attributes…
This is a global city with an important role in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, tourism, and education.
It boasts incomparable museums, galleries, concerts, and theatre and serves up world-class cuisine. It draws on thousands of years of history to provide gorgeous architecture that will have you tripping over yourself as you look ever skyward…
Great weather (perhaps the best of all the Western European capitals with 220 sunny days per year) and track record for safety are a just a few other things Lisbon’s got going for it.
It’s an ideal base for exploring all Europe. Living in Lisbon, you benefit from being within two to three hours flying distance from all the major cities in Europe. Plus, its health care system is world-class… as is its education system.
Lisbon feels easy-going, which isn’t a word I’d use to describe other European capitals, like Paris or London. It offers all the same amenities, but it’s far cheaper than those other two options.
With an authentic view to the past, unique and interesting cultural amenities, and low crime rates, Lisbon offers a high quality of life to its residents, making it one of the most desirable cities in the world to live in.
