Lisbon, one of the most prosperous and powerful cities in the world during Portugal's golden age of discovery, is experiencing a recent renaissance after successfully hosting the 1998 World Expo. New construction and bustling nightlife stand alongside Lisbon's bleached limestone buildings and beautiful historic landmarks, a difficult combination to resist for most visitors.

Lisbon's Portela Airport, the country's largest, receives daily flights from cities around the world. The airport is also one of the best places to start exploring by cheap Lisbon car hire, an especially recommended option for travellers wishing to visit the area's many attractions on their own time.

There are no shortage of Lisbon locations providing spectacular panoramic skyline views, from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara to Castelo de São Jorge to atop one of Lisbon's seven legendary hills. Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district and one of its most colourful as the rooftops of many Alfama buildings are bright red.

Also easy to access by Lisbon car hire are museums such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum. The Chiado shopping district is the best place to find unique Lisbon souvenirs while Bairro Alto's nightlife is among the liveliest in Europe.

Exploring Lisbon by car hire will also take visitors to many popular sites less than an hour's drive from the city. The seaside resort of Estoril is best known as the home of the casino that inspired Ian Fleming to write his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, while Sintra's colourful castle is a designated World Heritage site.