Lisbon Is The Perfect Antidote To The Glitz And Glamour Of Dubai And It’s An Ideal Getaway

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal seems to be at the tip of many’s tongue for holiday plans. The UAE – positioned as one of the most interconnected countries on the globe – often has a host of en vogue destinations, and Lisbon is near the top of the list for just that. 

An eight-hour flight away, Lisbon has become an ideal host to conferences, music festivals and events – and is well worth the journey. 

With a small population of 500,000, hundreds of years of history and gorgeous sandstone buildings, it’s unlike anywhere else. 

It’s a welcome antidote to the glitz and glamour of Dubai 

Although living in Dubai full of positives, variety is the spice of life, and escaping the humming metropolis that is Dubai can be a welcome change (for a brief time). 

Lisbon isn’t about skyscrapers, hustle-bustle, and wealth. It’s small, humble and cultured. 

You can meander down cobble-stone alley-ways around the city centre, finding pockets of hole-in-the-wall family restaurants serving up homey Portuguese food.

And of an evening, the parties spill out of bars – and into alleyway, becoming one giant party

Many bar-hop down the alleyways, socialising with others. Staff of the bars are happy to serve outside, and will often accommodate with plastic glasses and chairs on the sidewalks. 

Lisbon is a foodie haven 

There’s no mention of Nando’s here. 

Lisbon doesn’t have an overwhelming number of chain restaurants, it’s family-owned, smaller joints where you can practically taste the love in every dish. 

The Mercado da Ribeira food market is a humming night spot where diners can enjoy some of the city’s best offerings in a communal style food hall with a glass of the best Portugese grape. 

What it lacks in glamour – it makes up for in culture, delicious food and history 

Lisbon is the second-oldest capital city in Europe so has some of the most stunning architecture and cathedrals in the region. 

A short walk around the city centre will have you immersed in low-set buildings, sandstone carvings and unbelievable stories. 

Even the gyms have character 

A visit to The Bakery CrossFit gym, fitted out in an old bakery with low ceilings, brick archways, and skylights – is unlike any of the gyms with a bright sheen you’ll see in Dubai. 

Lisbon is an eight-hour journey from Dubai, direct via Emirates.