Portugal’s capital rode the wave of the country’s record 30 million visitors and almost US$27 billion in revenue in 2023, with nearly 800,000 passing through Lisbon Cruise Port alone. But it’s only partially for the 2,799 annual hours of sunshine—the most of any European capital. There’s also the famed public transit, walkability and the miles of new bike paths meandering through the city’s #12-ranked Sights & Landmarks. Not surprisingly, Lisbon also ranks Top 5 in Europe in our Nature and Parks subcategory. Newcomers continue to pour in, lured by numerous “best of” lists singing the praises of the city for both digital nomads and international retirees. Of course, this has sent rents and house prices soaring. The government is tinkering with new remote work visas while ending overly generous foreign residencies. Temporary bans on Airbnb licenses have failed and the city is becoming less and less accessible for residents whose minimum wage is among the lowest in Western Europe. Still, new allures like the recent Michelin-starred, Japanese-influenced Kabuki and Kanazawa keep global travellers flowing in (the city ranks #11 in Europe for Restaurants), as do exciting new hotels like the Mateus, a collaboration with the famed rosé vintner.