Lisbon beckons

The Portuguese capital has been quietly gaining traction among discerning tourists

Tram Spotting at Rua Da Bica De Duarte Belo.
Tram Spotting at Rua Da Bica De Duarte Belo. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
Sintra
Sintra PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
St Jorge’s Castle
St Jorge’s Castle PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
Alfama.
Alfama. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
Mafra Convent and Ericeira.
Mafra Convent and Ericeira. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
LX Factory.
LX Factory. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
Pasteis De Belem.
Pasteis De Belem. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
Belem Beauties.
Belem Beauties. PHOTOS: MELODY ZACCHEUS, TURISMO DE LISBOA
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Lisbon is often an afterthought for travellers, compared with European favourites such as Rome, Paris and London.

But Lisbon - which predates the three popular continental cities - has been quietly gaining traction among discerning tourists. It has been topping several travel lists and has claimed titles such as Europe's Leading City Break Destination as recently as last year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on February 23, 2020, with the headline Lisbon beckons. Subscribe