Europe's most westerly capital occupies a special place on the Continent. Tucked away far beyond the Pyrenees and only reached by those specifically aiming to go there, it has been both a haven from Old-world troubles and a spring board for adventures in the New. All history's conquering and itinerant hordes have found their way here - Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, not to mention Spaniards and French - while its colonies have brought settlers from Africa, South America, South East Asia and China. Down the centuries this cosmopolitan city has offered shelter to Europe's outcasts, hope to its invalids, pleasure to its tourists and a last refuge to kings who have been kicked off their thrones.

When the Swiss film maker Alain Tanner made his classic about a stranger wandering the streets and alleyways of Lisbon (1983), he called it Dans La Ville Blanche (In the White City). Many visitors before and after him have been struck by the quality of the light in Lisbon. The Atlantic seems to give the air a more subdued, softer appearance than the Mediterranean, even if that means sea fog occasionally rolling in off the ocean. This is a satisfying city to visit, sufficiently off the beaten track to offer the traveler that pleasant feeling of discovery. It is accessible yet layered, so that a visit of a few days can be as successful as one of a month. There are breathtaking monuments to dazzle, and private corners to charm.

The Insight FlexiMap of Lisbon is a great travel addition. Here is an innovative laminated folding map that marries durability and convenience with accuracy, utility, and readability.

Produced with state-of-the-art technology, FlexiMaps feature detailed city street and road maps clearly marked with all the sites and services of particular interest to travelers.

Text and photographs offer a wealth of valuable tourist information including "10 sights you shouldn't miss," plus information on transportation, visas, currency, important telephone numbers, emergency services, and more.

Price: $7.95