The Portuguese capital is the perfect destination for a short break. A spell-binding city, at the same time it holds on to its historical heritage. It is the city's balance of fine culture and lively nightlife which holds the key to its universal charm. This article highlights some of the many exciting attractions along with information on the best places to stay, eat and party.

A particularly stunning site is the looming Cathedral, established in the middle of the 12th century to after the city regained it's power from the Moors. It resides by the principal mosque of Moorish Lishbuna, ressurected after the Great Earthquake of 1755 caused serious damage to the religious building. but was extensively restored in the 1930s. The Castelo de S'o Jorge is also a stunning spot, and witholds the rather sacred and restored remains of the Moorish palace. The camera obscura in the Tower of Ulysses on the site offers astounding 360 degree views of the city. Be sure to take a walk through the Alfama Quarter, which stretches from the walls of the Castelo to the banks of the River Tejo and is the oldest part of Lisbon. It provides a glimpse into traditional culture, having been the residence of the fishing community for centuries.

Lisbon has a wide selection of restaurants and bars, all offering fresh fish and local fare at a decent price. Lisbon's seafood is well reputed, so for the best on the menu, flock like other fans to the Rua das Portas de Santo, a central street which specialises in it. The Antiga Confeitaria de Bel'm is deservedly famous for its delicious custard tarts and is a great place to watch the world go by. For a full meal, Resto serves tapas and barbecued meat in its lively courtyard whilst more expensive international cuisine is on offer in the upstairs restaurant. Both offer gorgeous views of the river.

Many bars and clubs are located in the Bairro Alto area. Lisbon has a buzzing exciting atmosphere in the evenings and is certainly not to be missed out on. Clubs aren't really busy until 2am and tend to stay open till 6am. Be sure to visit ?A Ginginha?, a small stand-up bar known for its potent cherry brandy that is nevertheless worth sampling. There are many clubs to move on to but Buddha Bar comes highly recommended. It is located on the docklands and features a roof terrace with great views of the 25 de Abril bridge.

Finding a place to rest your head in the capital is light work for most of the year and still relatively straightforward in the summer if you book in advance. Those wanting to meet fellow travellers and seeking a lively base should go to the Oasis Backpackers? Mansion with its friendly atmosphere and well-equipped facilities. For a quieter environment, consider one of the large rooms of the Residencial Alegria. Before jetting off, organise some travel insurance for peace of mind. Make sure you get a great deal for your money by comparing insurers. Lisbon airport is well-linked to the rest of Europe by the budget airlines, with increased services in the summer months.