Madrid is a city with many different faces. It’s an art lovers dream with its huge collection of impressive art spanning numerous museums and galleries. It’s also a foodie heaven, boasting an exciting selection of nouveau Spanish restaurants and fusion cuisine. And then there’s the nightlife. Madrid is well known for its after-dark antics, and is home to several super clubs and whole streets filled with bars. But it’s the atmosphere that makes Madrid so appealing, with its lively buzz and energy that pulses around every inch of it. Whichever side of the city you’re looking to explore, check into one of our affordable apartments in Madrid to ensure you have the best trip possible. For a variety of accommodation options, have a browse through our cheap studios and intimate, boutique flats dotted throughout the city – there’s something for everyone.

Lisbon is made up of several different neighbourhoods which all offer visitors something different. There’s the old hillside village of Alfama which was the only part of the city not hit by the 18 th Century earthquake. Today it is a flurry of spiral streets, quirky curiosity shops, and intimate restaurants. Then there’s Baixa, the business district with wide boulevards and office blocks, Chiado, which boasts a collection of high-end, boutique stores, and Bairro Alto, the hip and trendy part of the city that is famous for its bar scene. Belem is the cultural neighbourhood, lying a tram’s ride away from the city centre and housing a large number of Lisbon’s museums, and there’s Cacilhas, located right on the water’s edge and a haven for seafood lovers. Whichever neighbourhood you want to stay in, be sure to choose one of our budget boutique apartments to ensure you have the best stay possible.

• Jeronimos Monastery – Sitting proud on the vast plains of Belem, the Jeronimos Monastery is a beautiful example of intricate architecture.
• Sao Jorge Castle – Perched at the top of Alfama, overlooking the city and its surrounding areas, this Moorish castle is a popular lookout point with tourists.
• Belem Tower – Lisbon’s most iconic landmark sits on the water’s edge in Belem, cutting an ornate silhouette across the city’s skyline.
• Lisbon Oceanarium – Underwater lovers will want to check out the city’s local aquarium, which is the largest in Europe and houses numerous species of exotic marine animals.
• Santa Justa Lift – For great views across the city head up this elaborate lift which sits in the downtown Baixa district.
• Lisbon Zoo – Founded in the late 1800s, Lisbon’s city zoo boasts the largest aviary in Portugal and is home to some incredible creatures from all over the world.
• Igreja de Sao – This church was the oldest Jesuit church in Portuguese civilisation and one of the first of its kind in the entire world. It harbours a beautiful high-ceilinged interior filled with impressive murals.
• National Museum of Ancient Art – One of Lisbon’s top museums, it displays a huge collection of classic works from local and international artists.
• Rua Augustsa Arch – This triumphal archway is a popular landmark in Lisbon, sitting in the downtown district close to the banks of the River Tagus. It was built in 1755 to commemorate the reconstruction of the city after it was destroyed by a violent earthquake.
• Berardo Collection Museum – Lisbon’s top contemporary art gallery is situated in the cultural quarter of Belem and showcases paintings by some of the world’s most famous artists.
• Padrao dos Descobrimentos – This monument sits on the edge of the River Tagus’ estuary amongst the architectural wonders of Belem.
• Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora – A 17 th Century monastery and church located in the heart of Lisbon. It’s a fine example of Portuguese architecture and, inside, it displays a selection of grand religious frescoes and ornate carvings.
• Museu Calouste Gulbenkian – Art lovers should definitely visit this contemporary art gallery which houses a regularly rotating exhibition schedule nestled amongst some beautifully manicured gardens.
• Lisbon Cathedral – Tucked away at the foothill of Alfama, Lisbon’s Cathedral rises proudly against a backdrop of tram tracks and rustic buildings. It is the oldest church in the city.
• Igreja de Sao Domingos – Classified as a National Monument, this incredible church was at one point the largest church in the city. Built in 1241, its interior showcases amazing pieces of craftsmanship.
• Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira – A Moorish-style building with influences from North African design, this palace is a quirky addition to Lisbon’s architectural scene.
• 25 de Abril Bridge – Similar in design to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, this suspension bridge connects Lisbon to Almada and can be seen from most points in the city.

Lisbon airport lies just 6km from the city centre and is easily reachable by numerous modes of transport. Firstly, you can grab a taxi from outside the terminal building. The ride takes just a few minutes and costs barely anything. Then there’s the selection of direct buses that take visitors from the terminals into the downtown areas of Lisbon. However, the easiest and most efficient method is the metro, which has a direct line from the airport into the heart of the city.

Visitors also arrive in Lisbon via train from neighbouring cities or from Spain via the cross-country services. If you’re arriving this way, you’re most likely to end your journey at the Estacao do Oriente, Lisbon’s main train station.

Lisbon boasts an easy-to-use public transport system consisting of buses, trams, a metro, and trains. Trams are the most authentic way to get around town, and there are still some of the vintage models in use in Alfama but, for the most part, you’ll be riding the modern styles, particularly if you’re heading to Belem. The trams are great for seeing more of the city whilst you traverse from one attraction to the next, but the metro allows you to get quickly from one side of the city to the other.

There is also a cheap and reliable train service that runs along the banks of the Tagus to nearby seaside villages and the popular castle town of Sintra.