The lively and fascinating Portuguese capital of Lisbon has undergone a recent revival after successfully hosting the 1998 World Expo. Lisbon’s bleached limestone buildings and cobblestone streets hark back to its years as a prosperous and powerful maritime city, and friendly natives, affordable cost, and vibrant nightlife attract visitors throughout the world.

Lisbon’s Portela Airport, Portugal’s largest and receives daily flights from several worldwide destinations. The airport also serves as an important Lisbon car hire hub. Touring the city by car rental is especially recommended if visitors wish to explore the area’s several attractions at their own leisure.

Majestic Castelo de São Jorge overlooks Lisbon’s legendary Romanesque cathedral and the city’s oldest district, Alfama. Lisbon car hire will also take visitors to Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the continent’s largest oceanarium, the shopping district of Chiado, the breathtaking view from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, and the wild nightlife of Bairro Alto.

Most popular Lisbon daytrips are under an hour from the city by cheap car hire, such as nearby Belém, where two massive monuments dedicated to Portugal’s proud maritime history greet visitors to the massive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery. Novelist Ian Fleming was inspired to write his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, after visiting the casino at Estoril, a scenic seaside resort, while the colourful castle at Sintra was once a summer playground for royalty and famous authors. All of these destinations are worth visiting and easily accessible by Lisbon car hire.