Looking for a warm escape from the winter chill? Lisbon, Portugal's stunning capital, could be your perfect holiday destination with its beautiful streets, delicious food and balmy temperatures. With the heat reaching up to a summery 21C in February, it's an affordable hot getaway with flights from London as low as £32.
Lisbon was also voted the cheapest option for a European city break meaning you won't break the bank to afford a trip down to our warmer neighbours, reports the Express. A pint of beer will set you back around £1.60, according to PintPrice, which is pretty decent compared to London's massive £4 to £5 prices.
It's not just beer that's cheap. Hiker's Bay – which monitors in real time the average cost of holiday expenses – puts the average cost of a bottle of wine at jut £3.85. Plus, a three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could cost just £42.72. That's not unaffordable for a starter, main and desert!
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But, Lisbon offers far more than just cheap food and drink. The city boasts a variety of beautiful landscapes and heritage sites which you can explore during your holiday. Despite its hilly terrain, it's a walkable city so you can stroll along in the sunshine rather being stuck on public transport or in taxis.
The city also has breathtaking viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, perfect for enjoying sunset views with a glass of white port and tonic. Plus, don't miss out on a stroll through Belem, home to the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery – a 16th-century masterpiece from Lisbon's 'Age of Discovery' boasts stunning limestone cloisters and beautifully sculpted columns.
Just a stone's throw away, you'll find one of Lisbon's lush botanical gardens, a peaceful haven on sunny days where you can sit and read or simply admire the verdant green plants and flowers. Even without a plan, Lisbon is bursting with hidden treasures like a charming church decked out in blue-and-white Azulejo tiles, a lovely art gallery tucked away in an old grocery shop, or a quiet square hosting a local craft market (perfect for retail therapy or finding hidden gems to take home as souvenirs).
The city's food scene is a tasty mix of old and new flavours too so you'll be bound to find a new favourite. Top treats to try include pastel de nata, a type of custard tart, bola de Berlim, an incredible custard filled donut, and fresh seafood. Head to the Lisbon Time Out Market for dozens of great food stalls from pastries to pizza, traditional sandwiches and great ice cream. Alternatively, enjoy fresh seafood at the famous Mercado da Ribeira.
Lisbon isn't just any city break though – it also boasts beautiful beaches so you can have the best of both worlds.Just 30 minutes from Lisbon’s centre is the golden sand of Costa da Caparica. You can hop on a bus to get there and enjoy cocktails at the beach bars, swimming and sunbathing.
For a budget-friendly - and cosy - winter break, Lisbon is a great spot just a quick two-hour and 45-minute flight from London. Plus, you can bag some reasonably priced accommodation too. Over on booking.com, You can stay at the #Private room C for a tiny £16 – and it has room for three so if you’re in a group that’s just £5.33pp per night. Alternatively, stay at the attractive Sri-Indo Guest House for £27 a night between two.
