When you think of shopping in Europe, the cities of Paris, London and Milan automatically come to mind. Lisbon, still completely undiscovered in every aspect, doesn’t even enter a top 10 list in that category. But a recent study says otherwise. The Economist Intelligence Unit analyzed shopping in 33 European cities and Lisbon ranked in seventh place behind London (not surprisingly at number one), Madrid (a surprising number 2), Barcelona, Paris, Rome and Berlin. The Portuguese capital actually ranked better than other cities that receive much bigger buzz such as Amsterdam, Milan and Vienna. The Globe Shopper City Index says Lisbon has competitive prices, affordable hotels and a wide selection of restaurants. Naturally, it also points out the sunniest weather in Europe, ranking number one in climate. Another category in which it ranked at the top was international cuisine (the number and variety of restaurants), and also scored high in safety and quality hotels. Unsurprisingly, it was also found to be Western Europe’s most affordable city.
In terms of culture it ranked sixth behind Paris, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona and London. However it did poorly in accessibility for the number of available flights.

Lisbon has just won the European City of the Year 2012 award from the Academy of Urbanism based in London. That’s an autonomous, politically-independent organization made up of a diverse group of people involved in the development of towns and cities, and the award results from the votes of over 500 members. A total of 15 European cities were considered after visits of assessment this summer.

Lisbon was singled out for its local character and distinctiveness, environmental and social sustainability, and most improved urban environments.
According to the Academy, Lisbon is a city which has survived two millennia, facing enormous challenges over time. It’s now a unique setting for the expression of Portuguese culture while attracting influences from Portugal’s links to Brazil, Africa and other world regions.
Among the projects analyzed in the Portuguese capital were the renovation of the historic Mouraria quarter and of the riverfront.

So what if the weather won’t allow you to have the typical Lisbon experience (culture and beach)? Even if it rains, it won’t be freezing cold (even in December), and you’ll be able to catch some world-class temporary exhibitions that invite you to go indoors. Here’s what’s happening in Lisbon until 2012:

“THE ART OF WAR”
There are even more reasons to visit the free Berardo Museum. One of its temporary exhibitions (which can be seen together with the permanent collection) is a fascinating display of war propaganda. It includes over 200 original posters from the United States, Germany, England, France, Italy, Japan, and the former Soviet Union.

“FRIDA KAHLO – HER PHOTOS”
The City Museum presents a selection of 257 photographs from the Frida Kahlo Museum’s collection. Kahlo is recognized as one of the top female artists of all time, and these works served as a record and working tool. You can see it until January 29.

“THE PERSPECTIVE OF THINGS – STILL LIFE IN EUROPE”
The Gulbenkian Museum has put together works by some of the world’s major artists, including Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Matisse. What each piece has in common is still life imagery. Some belong to the museum’s own collection, others are loans from other museums from around Europe. It’s all on display until January 8.

“THE WORLD OF DINOSAURS”
The Cordoaria Nacional building (found on the way to Jeronimos Monastery) is presenting a great attraction for families. It’s Europe’s largest dinosaur exhibition, allowing visitors to understand the natural setting of these extinct animals. Portugal is one of the countries with the most dinosaur fossils, found in the last couple of decades by the coastline north of Lisbon (a total of 25 dinosaur remains have been found). On display until January 1st are life-size replicas of these gigantic reptiles.

PAULA REGO’S NEW WORKS
The Paula Rego Museum in Cascais has added new works by Rego, considered one of Europe’s greatest living artists. They’re in two temporary exhibits (to be seen until December 31st) and include more than 100 iconic pieces from the permanent collection. It’s all free, and a must-see if you’re going by the sea in Cascais now that it’s no longer beach weather.

Visiting a city during the colder and rainy season means spending less time outside. Tourists tend to go to more museums than they would on warm and sunny days, and also end up retreating back to their hotels earlier. For that reason, making the most appropriate hotel choice at this time of the year is even more important. The perfect “winter hotel” is one that is itself a destination, that is also a cultural or sightseeing attraction. It should be in a central location, within a short walking distance to major sights and transportation so you don’t spend too much time running in the rain. In Lisbon, these are the choices to consider:

ALTIS BELÉM
With rooms overlooking the river between two of the city’s icons (the Discoveries Monument and Belém Tower), you’re experiencing Lisbon right from your bed. You won’t get too wet if it rains, as those monuments are just steps away, as is a number of museums across the street. The hotel also has some of the city’s best dining options, meaning you don’t even have to go far for memorable meals.

JERONIMOS 8
Facing the city’s must-see monument (Jeronimos Monastery), this hotel places you right by many of Lisbon’s main attractions. The free Berardo Museum or the popular Coaches Museum are just around the corner, and you may also spend a rainy afternoon enjoying the famous custard tarts at the café Antiga Confeitaria de Belém nearby.

AS JANELAS VERDES
The former home of 19th-century novelist Eça de Queiroz is now this charming boutique hotel which includes a library, perfect for rainy days. One of the city’s most important cultural attractions is just down the street, the Ancient Art Museum.

HOTEL DO CHIADO
It’s one of the city’s most central hotels, within walking distance to the best shops, cafés and restaurants. A metro station is also just around the corner. Even better is that the rooftop bar and many of the rooms offer city views which means you may still admire Lisbon even if bad weather keeps you inside.

PALACIO BELMONTE
At this hotel you’re at the doorstep of the city’s castle and you’ll have a privileged view of almost the entire old town all for yourself. Many of the suites come with breathtaking vistas, making you actually want to spend a lot of time indoors.

The word “Baroque” derives from the Portuguese word “barroco.” Portugal is renowned for this architectural style and although Lisbon is characterized by its architectural diversity, it’s essentially a baroque city. That’s because most of it was rebuilt following the earthquake of 1755 and now many of its grandest monuments are filled with baroque splendor. The magnificence of many of the city’s interiors is also the result of the discovery of gold in Brazil, giving Lisbon a profusion of golden decorations. Here we present the 10 baroque attractions you should not miss.

SÃO ROQUE CHURCH
Home to what is said to be “the world’s most expensive chapel,” this deceptively simple church outside has one of the city’s (and Europe’s) richest baroque interiors.

ESTRELA BASILICA
This domed basilica is one of the city’s most monumental churches, covered with marble inside. It includes an impressive baroque nativity scene.

MENINO DE DEUS CHURCH
It’s usually closed, so this church hides one of the city’s most remarkable baroque interiors that mostly survived the 1755 earthquake.

MADRE DE DEUS CHURCH
The church of the convent that’s now home to the Tile Museum is truly magnificent. Covered in gold from floor to ceiling, it also has some outstanding tile panels and paintings.

SANTA CATARINA CHURCH
Also known as Paulistas Church, this is one of Lisbon’s most impressive yet least-known churches, covered with baroque and rococo decorations.

PENA CHURCH
Yet another church with an ordinary façade but with an extraordinary interior, covered in gilt.

SÃO MIGUEL CHURCH
One of the city’s many secrets is this church in the middle of Alfama’s maze of streets. It only opens for mass, revealing a rich baroque interior.

NATIONAL PANTHEON
The resting place of many of Portugal’s leading figures is a domed monument that took centuries to complete.

MARTIRES BASILICA
In addition to a beautiful ceiling painting, the interior of this basilica surprises for the well-preserved baroque details that fill the entire space.

ENCARNAÇÃO CHURCH
Found in the center of Chiado, this church has one of the city’s most elegant interiors, mixing the baroque and the neoclassical styles.

If you’re in Lisbon from October 20th to November 2nd, you’ll want to hop on the train to Porto. That’s when the Restaurant Week of Portugal’s second city takes place, offering the opportunity to try some of the finest restaurants in town at special prices. One euro per person will be donated to charity so you’ll also be contributing to a good cause. In this edition there are over two dozen participating restaurants, and we’re recommending six of them where you’ll be able to try different flavors, from Portugal to Japan:

ARTEMÍSIA – International cuisine.
FOZ VELHA – International cuisine
GÓSHÒ – Japanese cuisine
GREAT – Mediterranean cuisine
PORTUCALE – Portuguese cuisine
SESSENTA SETENTA – International cuisine

Lisbon is already Western Europe’s least expensive city, but in addition to the lower prices in accommodation and restaurants, you can also save on many of the city’s main attractions. Most of them are always free with the Lisboa Card, and others are free all the time, for everyone. Here are the five where money should be no excuse to miss:

MUSEU BERARDO
This museum has one of Europe’s best modern and contemporary art collections and also presents temporary exhibitions. It’s right next to the city’s must-see monument, the Jeronimos Monastery.

MUDE – DESIGN & FASHION MUSEUM
With a permanent collection of fashion and design by many of the world’s leading designers, this will become one of Lisbon‘s main attractions in the next couple of years. At the moment only a couple of the floors of the building are open to the public, and only part of the collection is on display, but it’s enough to make a visit worthwhile, especially when it’s free.

ROMAN THEATER MUSEUM
This tiny museum is for history buffs or for those wanting to know more about Lisbon’s Roman past. It’s next to the archaeological ruins of a Roman theater and shows pieces found on the site along with multimedia displays explaining the Roman times in the city.

CATHEDRAL
Most cathedrals around Europe now charge admission, but not in Lisbon. You can visit the rather gloomy interior of this 12th-century monument for free, there is only admission charge for the cloisters and the treasury.

BASILICA DA ESTRELA
It’s one of the city’s biggest monuments and most tourists pass by during their journey on the famous tram 28. Everyone’s free to see the grand marble interior, including a royal tomb and a monumental nativity scene by one of Portugal’s all-time best sculptors.

Every time you travel you naturally want to experience the local cuisine and you often mix that with the familiar food you have at home. But when you’re in a big city you also have the option of trying the other flavors of the world. When looking for something different to eat in Lisbon, check out these ten ethnic restaurants:

A TAPADINHA (Russian) – Eastern Europeans are Lisbon’s third-largest community after Brazilians and Africans from Portugal’s former colonies. Yet this is the only restaurant in the city offering the flavors of the other side of Europe. It serves mostly Russian cuisine and allows you to book online.

ALI-A-PAPA (Moroccan) – This small restaurant in Bairro Alto is a trip to Morocco not just through the food but also in the decor.

BRASSERIE FLO (French) – This sophisticated restaurant in Avenida da Liberdade is known for its oysters and refined French-inspired cuisine. You may book it online.

DERVIXE (Turkish) – Owned by a Turkish family, here you’ll find authentic Turkish food in a very informal ambience and at very inviting prices.

FENICIO’S (Lebanese) – The Lebanese owner presents the food from his homeland (including some intriguing desserts) at this restaurant not far from Avenida da Liberdade.

GEMELLI (Italian) – More than just pastas and pizzas, this is Italian cuisine at its finest. Online booking available.

IBO (Mozambican) – Facing the riverfront, this attractive restaurant offers food from Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony in southern Africa.

LA PAPARRUCHA (Argentinean) – Juicy Argentian steaks are served at this restaurant with one of the best panoramic views in the city. Online booking available.

SUKHOTHAI (Thai) – There’s a little of Portugal in Thai cuisine (the Portuguese introduced the use of eggs and that’s how Thailand first created its first sweets). You can sample it here at this small restaurant in Bairro Alto.

ZAAFRAN (Indian) – There are many Indian restaurants in Lisbon, but this is the most refined. It’s perfect for a dinner for two.

THERE’S A LOT GOING ON
After months at the beach Lisbon gets ready to enjoy city life again in the fall. There are the regular events that happen every year at this time (most of them film festivals), but 2011 is also a year of ExperimentaDesign, the city’s design biennale. It’s already happening throughout the city and will continue until November 27.
Also related to contemporary creativity is the upcoming Lisbon Fashion Week, taking place from the 6th to the 9th of October. Then come the film festivals, with the first one being DocLisboa dedicated to documentaries, from October 20th to 30th. Then in November is the Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival, taking place in the capital and in the seaside suburb of Estoril from November 4th to the 13th. At the end of that month is the annual contemporary art fair Arte Lisboa, from the 23rd to the 27th.

THE PRICES ARE INVITING
As soon as August is over, the prices for accommodation in Lisbon go down. September is still considered medium-high season, but after October you can even find a few 5-star hotels for around 100 euros. You may also find some special deals when booking online, and even more incredibly affordable are the many apartments in the center of the city which through GoLisbon are available for as little as €21.25 per person.

IT’S STILL WARM
It can be rainy in late October and November but may still be warm enough for a t-shirt. The forecast for the first two weeks of October show sun and temperatures in the mid-80s to high-70sF (25 to 30C). They won’t drop so drastically in the days after that, so expect mild weather until December when the rest of Europe will already be freezing.

There’s a new rooftop bar in town. This time it’s found on the top floor (the 9th) of the Mundial Hotel, offering panoramic views of the city. You can see the river and the castle which is beautifully floodlit at night, and you may also enjoy the late-afternoon sun. It opens everyday at 6:30PM (weather permitting) and welcomes hotel guests and non-guests until midnight. It serves cocktails and occasionally also presents live jazz performances.