Travelling with family and friends who share a passion is a fun way to explore somewhere new. Here, the team from Visit Lisbon showcase six themed stays in Lisbon for people with special interests.

For history buffs

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe and was prominent during the Age of Discovery, when 15th to 17th century explorers from all over Europe sailed across the world to discover new routes, new trade partners, new countries, and even new continents. The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém highlight Portugal's maritime power from this era and include the grand Jerónimos Monastery and the magnificent Belém Tower. Elsewhere in the city, the Castelo de São Jorge is a captivating medieval fortress offering breathtaking views, and Lisbon's rich history is displayed in a selection of outstanding museums, including the  Royal Treasury Museum, showcasing the incredible Portuguese Crown Jewels.

For foodies

Lisbon offers dishes sure to satisfy every appetite. Atmospheric Alfama is one of the best districts for traditional cuisine, with budget-friendly Tascas offering dishes of the day such as bacalhau (salted cod), feijoada (bean stew) and petiscos, which are small bites similar to tapas. Fish is a staple on menus across Lisbon, with the coastal town of Setúbal, south of the Tagus, being the place to find the freshest dishes expertly prepared. Sardines are a speciality, as are the famous choco frito (fried cuttlefish), massadas de peixe (fish stew), red mullet, and oysters. The neighbourhood of Cais do Sodre is popular for its nightlife and features trendy cafes, bohemian bistros, and riverside restaurants with large terraces overlooking the Tagus. It's also home to the Mercado da Ribeira, a vast food market offering local delicacies, food stalls, and pop-ups. For dessert, this city is famous for the pasteis de nata custard tarts, with bakeries still making the original pasteis de Belem with a secret recipe.

For art admirers

Lisbon's art scene can be admired at galleries, museums and through the vibrant street art that has been created by world-renowned artists and local talents and is on display in neighbourhoods that include bohemian Bairro Alto, where narrow streets are covered in colourful artwork. In Mouraria, the contemporary street art includes portraits of famous Fado singers, and LX Factory, beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge, is a creative hub of restaurants and shops where walls are decorated with large-scale murals and artistic installations. Other options that are unique to the city include Museu Nacional do Azulejo, which celebrates Portugal's rich tradition of azulejo, the ornate ceramic tiles that adorn countless buildings, and the iconic riverfront MAAT museum, which merges art, architecture, technology and culture. The city is also home to the National Museum of Ancient Art, covering the 12th to 19th centuries, the National Museum of Contemporary Art for artworks from 1850 to the present day, and the new Museum of Contemporary Art MAC/CCB in Belem, which officially opens on 28 October with exhibitions celebrating First Modernism and the new Avant Garde, with works from famous names including Picasso, Man Ray and Dalí.

For nature lovers

South of the river, at the city's doorstep, lies the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in Portugal and one of the most crucial refuges for migratory birds in Europe. A vast area of marshes and freshwater lagoons, it is home to hundreds of bird species, with others stopping by during their southern migration. To catch a glimpse of this natural spectacle, visitors can explore the 5 km of trails in the area, dotted with hides for watching birds in their natural habitat. Switching from air to ocean, the Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in Europe. It houses a fantastic variety of marine life with over 8,000 sea creatures and four different marine habitats.

For music fans

The sound of fado is ingrained in Lisbon's DNA. Born on the streets, homes, and shores of Lisbon, these poetic tales of love and fate come alive with the combination of the guitar and emotive singing. They can be heard in traditional fado houses in the historic districts of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Mouraria. The Fado Museum in Lisbon offers a comprehensive history of this music, along with group workshops lasting an hour (£17 per person) that ends with participants singing their own fados. Those feeling confident enough can then head to the Mouraria district and into one of the houses offering "fado vadio" or "amateur" sessions, where anyone can stand up and start singing.

Fore! golfers

With an average of 290 sunny days a year and affordable green fees, Lisbon is recognised as an all-year-round golfing destination for all skill levels. The Lisbon Golf Coast of the region boasts a superb selection of outstanding courses, many of which have been designed by renowned golf architects and are set in splendid locations including the foothills of the Sintra mountains, the Atlantic cliffs, and the lush Arrábida Natural Park, all offering a variety of different challenges for players.

For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go to www.visitlisboa.com. 

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About Turismo de Lisboa

Turismo de Lisboa is a non-profit organisation established through an alliance of public and private bodies operating in the tourist sector. It has around 900 associated members. Since its inception in 1998, the main objective of this association is to improve and increase the promotion of Lisbon as a tourist destination and therefore enhance the quality and competitiveness of the city.

For media information and images, please contact Hume Whitehead Ltd:

Rebecca Pasha (rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk / 020 3375 4054 or 020 3375 4050)

Laura Boo (laura@humewhitehead.co.uk / 020 3375 4056 or 020 3375 4050)

Daniel Johnson (dan@humewhitehead.co.uk / 07429 256 670)