Portugal’s capital Lisbon has been named the fourth most beautiful city in the world by travel website Urban City Guides, which places it in the top 10 of the most alluring cities on the planet.
Leading the top 10 is Venice, followed by Paris and Prague.
After the golden era of trade and Discovery from the 15th to the 17th century, Lisbon was massively destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and remained “out of the spotlight” for a while.
Then, in the 20th century the city overlooking the Tagus River re-emerged to the world thanks to Expo 98.
Lisbon is highlighted as one of the most scenic cities in the world, with its attractive old architecture, hills and picturesque streets – a city of “effortless beauty with captivating details” says the website.
Fado music, which was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in November 2011, also makes Lisbon one of the world’s most soulful and inspiring cities.
Other attractions can be found in the city, such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, among other magnificent monuments and palaces. Visitors will find plenty of good reasons to embark on their own voyage of discovery in this ancient and splendid city.
Other cities listed were Rio de Janeiro in fifth place, followed by Amsterdam, Florence and Rome. The ninth and tenth positions are occupied by Budapest and Bruges respectively.
On the same site, Portugal occupies sixth place in the top 10 list of the nicest countries in the world worth a visit, after Italy in first place, Spain, France, Australia and Greece and before the United States in seventh, Brazil, South Africa and Germany.
For other listings, including Top 10 Must-See Museums of the World and 10 Most Romantic Cities in the World, visit:
