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If you considering a holidays in Portugal, you may want to make Lisbon the main focus - particularly if it is your first visit! The vibrant capital city has something to offer all holidaymakers - from history buffs to shopaholics - and is well worth exploring. With a history dating back 20 centuries, Lisbon is the perfect place to get a glimpse into the past. It has been the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147 and is home to many historic sites. One way to get a great feel for the city's rich background is to take a trip to just outside of Lisbon for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Pena Palace - passing by historic manor houses and centuries-old farms on your way. If you're keen on learning more about Lisbon's colourful past, you may also want to pay a visit to two other palaces - Ajuda and Fronteira - which are both open to the public. If you're after a cultural escape, you will not be disappointed by Lisbon's extensive collection of world-class museums. Exhibitions dedicated to theatre, costumes, ancient and contemporary art, maritime traditions and military history can all be found within the Portuguese capital and provide a great opportunity to learn and explore. Of course, there is more to Lisbon than history and culture - if you need a break, why not indulge in a bit of retail therapy downtown? The Baixa central shopping district is home to well-known brands, local wares and excellent cafes - a perfect place to rest tired feet and do some people-watching once you have made your purchases. You may also want to venture out of the city - to the west of Lisbon is the cultural area of Belem and it is well worth a visit! From here, explorers set sail in their ships to discover new worlds. The Tower of Belem, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, commemorates these expeditions. And once you've had your fill of Portuguese history, why not sample Pasteis de Belem, a delicious traditional Portuguese cake? If you don't know where to start when it comes to booking your break in Portugal, why not opt for a tailor-made trip? This can help you focus your itinerary and can help you turn your ideas about what to see into reality. But no matter how you choose to explore Lisbon, you are sure to come away from your break with plenty of new memories and a fantastic experience in Portugal. From fabulous shopping to 20 centuries of history, the city has something to offer everyone.
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