Lisbon, Lisboa... the Portuguese capital stands for colourful tiles and architectural contrasts, the most sunshine hours in Europe and a very special light, for stockfish tascas and cafés, for traditional shops next to postmodern shopping centres. Lisbon is in fact the oldest city in western Europe: even the ancient Phoenicians knew they would always find safe harbour here.


Today the city is booming again like no other time since the days of the great voyages of discovery. Foreign investors are buying into it, facades are being surrounded by scaffolding. The goldmine of tourism has created a new international flair, brought jobs and attracted film teams, scrubbing away at the morbid charm of urban decay. Lisbon's lively cultural life now includes a young blossoming street art scene; it is a city with rather reserved, friendly people and an unflustered multicultural identity. With the help of this book, track down the Portuguese soul - and the famous saudade!