Lisbon, Portugal was once the center of commerce for Europe and Asia. At the peak of maritime discovery and exploration, bold adventurers brought back riches and treasures from around the world. Today, Lisbon is an intriguing mixture of the old and the new.

The Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon. Hop aboard the ubiquitous red and yellow streetcars (Number 28) from the Baixa area. Sit back and enjoy the ride as it chugs and clanks up steep streets to the Alfama. Keep your camera ready. This is one of the most picturesque tram routes in Europe. Leave the tram at Largo das Portas do Sol, the gate into the old Moorish city that faced the rising sun. Churches, businesses and homes are decorated with intricately hand-painted tiles. Wind your way through the maze of Moorish-built narrow cobblestone alleyways and whitewashed close-quartered homes for a glimpse into the heart of old Lisbon. At the top of the hill, Castelo São Jorge, Lisbon's acropolis built in 1147, towers over city. Through the centuries, it served as a royal palace, a theater and arms depot. Today, it offers sweeping views of Lisbon. You’ll find plenty of entertainment. Take a break at a local restaurant for a glass of port and people-watching.

Avenida de Liberdade is a wide tree-lined boulevard flanked by shops on each side running through the center of Lisbon to the Tagus River. Cross the 25th de April Bridge over the Tagus. A visit to the Tower of Belem offers the opportunity to explore more of Lisbon’s colorful history. Climb to the top story for a panoramic view of the Tagus and western part of Lisbon. Nearby, the Monument to the Discoveries honors the maritime history of Lisbon. Built in 1960 to honor the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, it is shaped like the prow on a 15th century boat. In the bow of the boat, Henry the Navigator leads a group of people looking forward “toward the future.” A huge map of the world bears the names of the important Portuguese discoveries. The Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum) is one of the finest maritime museums in world with over 17,000 exhibits and archives containing 30,000 photographs and drawings. Warning: a visit to this magnificent museum may stir the urge to run away to sea.