Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is an instantly likeable place, full of quaint hilly lanes, rambling old trams, pretty tile-fronted houses and vast, imposing squares. Perhaps an obvious place to start your exploration of the city is high above street level, at the Castelo Sâo Jorge, whose Moorish remains loom over the city and offer a great vantage point to get an aerial view of Lisbon's sights. Descend via Alfama - where the narrow winding alleyways have remained unchanged for decades - and stop at the city's peaceful cathedral. On your way down, make sure you spend some time in the Chiado area, home to elegant shops and beautiful art-nouveau cafes, such as the famous A Brasileira on Rua Garrett.

Once you've exhausted the sights of Lisbon's central hub, jump aboard a tram and head over to Belém, departure point of Vasco da Gama's exploration of the new world - don't miss the Torre de Belém and the Manueline Monastery of Jerónimos, as well as an authentic pastéis de nata (custard tart) at the Antiga Casa dos Pasteis. If time permits, take the train to Sintra, home to two fairytale royal palaces, before returning to Lisbon to experience the melancholy strains of the Fado, a Portuguese take on the Blues, which resonates from many a bar in the Bairro Alto - it's a truly authentic Lisbon experience which shouldn't be missed.