Travel Hotels in Portugal: Exploring Lisbon On and Off the Beaten Path

When globetrotters consider which countries to visit while traveling through Europe, the most popular choices are France, Spain, and Italy. Around 77 million tourists visit France each year. Because of the popularity of these countries, some of the most notable and remarkable destinations are overlooked. With a fascinating history, diverse cuisine, and many sights, Portugal is a great choice for either the savvy world-traveler or the first time visitor to Europe. Hotels in Portugal are also surprisingly affordable. Making your Euro go farther is key in an economic climate where the dollar is weak—so where do you choose when the entire country is laid before you? In the case of Portugal, the traveler’s best bet for cost-savings and a wealth of sightseeing options is Lisbon.

The capital city of Portugal overflows with visual treasures and delights to the senses. Every traveler knows that the best attractions are the ones discovered away from the usual tourist routes. This is not to say that one should avoid all major sights; famed places are legendary for a reason. Two places not to miss both off- and on-the-beaten-track are the Jerónimos Monastery and the National Tile Museum. Whether you decide to follow in the steps of the classic tourist route or decide to explore a spontaneous wander through the city, a multitude of options await you, just steps away from your Portugal hotel room.

Europe is a prime location for vacationers from around the world due to the remarkable number of different cultures, foods, entertainment, and traditions, all within walking distance from hotels in Portugal, Italy, Spain, or France. The many hotel deals Spain offers make it idea for a short weekend get away with family and friends. Equally attractive, hotels in France create the romantic vacation for couples of all ages, with passion-filled attractions like wine tasting, art viewing, and a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. With a number of historic hotels Italy boasts some of Europe’s most amazing architecture and artwork. There is always something worth visiting in Europe and finding deals on hotel stays are never as difficult as trying to pull oneself away from such a wonderful location.

Quintessential Lisbon:  Jerónimos Monastery, the National Tile Museum, and Hotel Portugal

One place to make sure to visit in Lisbon is the Jerónimos Monastery. Rising like a magical sculpture, its pinnacles piercing the sky like the spires of a mythological palace. It is easy to envision history in the making while standing within its walls. It was on this site that Vasco da Gama and his men spent the night in prayer before departing on their journey for spice and fortune.

With its broad arches and the delicate tracery of the windows, the former house of the Hieronymite monks is a stunning architectural marvel. Like the country itself, the structure is an example of the successful amalgam of diverse traditions, including architectural elements of Moorish, Renaissance, Eastern, and Gothic design.

Amid the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced, modern city, the walls of the monastery stand are a white dam, holding out the noise and chaos and protecting the inner courtyard, a green and white bastion of serenity and calm. No matter your plans, be sure to grab a taxi or take a bus to see this wonderful treasure. This tranquil place is just a short distance from the many luxury hotels Portugal has to offer.

Another gem in the heart of the capital city is the National Tile Museum. Housing an array of mosaics and individual artworks, this museum showcases some of the greatest artistic treasures of the Portuguese people. All of these artworks, however, are created on tile. Wall panels, created by painting a large image in a glaze over a canvas of many tiles, display a variety of images, from intricate scenery to iconographic religious scenes.

Enclosed in a former convent, this building is constructed in the Manueline style and holds hundreds of year’s worth of decorative tiles and murals. Techniques, from the classic blue and white style to abstract Moorish-influenced patterns to Post-modern creations, display how one craft can spawn incredible creativity using just one medium. The museum is an excellent repository of the diverse talents of the Portuguese. So leave your hotel Portugal awaits you!