Despite its rich culture, grand monuments and nearby beaches, Lisbon has not succumbed to the rest of Europe's rising prices.
Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, has gained further recognition as a capital choice for budget travellers, winning the Best City Break on a Budget category at the inaugural Amadeus and WTM Travel Experience Awards.
Well-known TV presenter Tim Vincent presented the award to Turismo de Lisboa‘s executive director, Paula Oliveira, in recognition of Lisbon’s excellent options for the traveller on a budget, with plenty of affordable accommodation and places to eat as well as many free attractions. The awards ceremony was staged for the first time on 6th November 2013 during World Travel Market in London.
Despite its rich culture, grand monuments and nearby beaches, Lisbon has not succumbed to the rest of Europe’s rising prices. When considering the cost of meals, drinks, sightseeing, travel and accommodation, Lisbon was under half the price of Amsterdam and Rome according to the Post Office’s 2013 City Costs Barometer. The survey said visitors to the city can expect to pay only £82 for two nights in a central hotel, with a meal for two averaging £37.38 – making Lisbon the best value city break destination in the Eurozone.
The judges of the Amadeus and WTM Travel Experience Awards, a new venture distinguishing those who are delivering the best in 21st century travel experiences, commended Lisbon as a brilliant budget bet. They praised the city’s outstanding sights and experiences that are free or available for only a few euros, as well as its easy and economical in-city travel. This includes the famous No. 28 tram which covers Lisbon’s key landmarks on an undulating 40-minute journey. Trams run from 6am to 11pm and a single ticket bought on board costs just €2.85 (approximately £2.45).
“We are delighted to have won the best City Break on a Budget award,” comments Paula Oliveira from Turismo de Lisboa. “Lisbon is a very affordable capital and a great choice for those watching the pennies, thanks to our huge array of free or low-cost attractions, value-for-money restaurants and popular beach resorts that are accessible by public transport in only 30 minutes. Our city offers invaluable holiday experiences for every visitor.”
This latest award comes on the back of Lisbon being named Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2013 at the prestigious World Travel Awards. The city is currently nominated in the same category but on a global scale, with the awards ceremony taking place in Qatar on 30th November 2013.
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