If you were to take a poll, many would include Lisbon on their list of favourite places. It’s small yet immensely charming. Lisbon is a picturesque port city, characterized by romantic cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, rolling hills and pastel houses. It’s also a diverse city, blending a range of cultures. The oldest part of the city, the Alfama quarter, still retains its medieval feel. Lisbon is not stuck in the past, however. It hosted the grand Expo ’98 and was named European City of Culture in 1994. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets to art nouveau cafés, enjoy a scenic ride on an antique wooden streetcar, or take a steep ride up to Bairro Alto in a turn-of-the-century street elevator.