Portugal was honored to receive yet another award, this time being voted the best tourist destination in Europe at the World Travel Awards. This year’s ceremony took place on September 29, 2023, in Batumi, Georgia.
At the same awards ceremony, we highlighted the fact that Lisbon was considered, as in previous years, to be the Best City Destination in Europe. Similarly, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira and Arouca also received their awards.
However, it’s not just the cities that have received accolades. For the ninth time since 2009, the Port of Lisbon was recognized as the Best Cruise Port in Europe. In Lisbon, four more hotels received their awards:
- The Verride Palácio Santa Catarina won Best Boutique Hotel;
- The Valverde Hotel won Best Luxury Boutique Hotel;
- The Pestana Palace received the award for Best Luxury Business Hotel;
- The Bairro Alto Hotel was distinguished as the Best Monument Hotel.
Lisbon had already won the Best City Break Destination in the World award in 2017
The World Travel Awards ceremony, in which Lisbon was honored for the first time with the World’s Best Destination Award for City Break, took place on December 10th in Vietnam. Created in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognized the best examples of good practice in the tourism sector on a global scale.
In addition, the vote was carried out by the public and more than 200,000 tourism professionals from 160 countries.
According to the organization, this distinction is awarded to the Portuguese capital for its attractiveness and excellent offer in terms of short stays. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that this year is already the second time that Lisbon obtains a similar recognition
Things to do in Lisbon during a short stay
There are many social and leisure activities to be enjoyed in Lisbon. The city has many good options that can only be found in the Portuguese capital.
Walking is one of them. In the center, areas such as the classic Baixa Pombalina or the traditional neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto are mandatory. A visit to the São Jorge’s Castle is also recommended. And very close are the viewpoints of Graça and Senhora do Monte that provide unique panoramic views of the city. A bit further away, the area of Belém with its monuments or the more modern Parque das Nações are also another great examples.
It is also recommended a tour on the historical tram 28. This is a very traditional and fun way to get to know some of Lisbon’s neighborhoods. From the gastronomic point of view, there are numerous and excellent options available. Important to remember is a “must do” – try one custard tart (or more)!
The highlight of the stay in Lisbon
Today many of those who visit Lisbon recognized that one of the best things to do, is a boat tour. Whether it’s a romantic tour in the sunset, a relaxed cultural tour or a lively party on board. Some can even embark on a regatta!
We often hear people say that taking a boat trip in Lisbon is a must. There are descriptions of how amazed they were by the experience of sailing on the River Tagus and comments that it was the highlight of their visit. So if you’re planning a visit to Lisbon and deciding what to do, take this advice: include one of these experiences on your list. You won’t regret it!
