There is colour everywhere you look.

That is what struck me the most about Portugal’s beautiful capital, Lisbon.

Whether it’s the blue river Tagus which borders the city, the pretty tiles that cover every surface, the rows and rows of terracotta roofs or the streets themselves – one bar-filled road is even called Pink Street – there is so much colour.

There is a public toilet, self-titled ‘The Sexiest WC on Earth’ that even boasts multi-coloured loo roll.

My four day trip to Lisbon was my first time in the city and I instantly fell in love with it.

There are many ways to explore all that is on offer – whether it’s by foot, tram, bus, taxi or the metro, you don’t need to worry about how to get around.

To experience it to the full, you’ll need to venture into all the different sections – the old part, the trendy areas, and the side dedicated to the World Exposition, held in 1998.

I would suggest tackling a different area each day.

High on my list of places to visit is Oceanario de Lisboa, located in the Parque das Nações, which was the exhibition grounds for the Expo.

The second biggest aquarium in Europe, it houses one huge main tank, plus four different ocean rooms. I spent a high proportion of my visit watching the (adorable) otters practising their synchronized swimming (video above).

Just outside the aquarium is a cable car, which was built especially for the expo and provides amazing views of the river. Restaurants, shopping centres and stadiums can all be found close by.

In the centre of town, head to the Terreiro do Paco square and the Augusta Street arch. A lift will take you to the top of the tower for a stunning 360 degree view of the city.

A short walk away, and another elevator ride, will take you to the São Jorge Castle.

The former palace is a National Monument and was a royal residence until the 15th century.

Now lying in ruins following the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon, it offers a magnificent overview of Lisbon’s bridges, the Sanctuary of Christ and of course the Tagus, the widest river estuary in Europe.

To taste a glimpse of the modern sites, check out LX Factory, a former industrial estate transformed into a trendy meeting point for locals. It hosts an array of restaurants, shops and design firms, and you could easily get lost looking through the eclectic stores.

Another highlight of the trip was the amazing food.

Make a trip to the Tasca da Esquina restaurant a priority. Each small dish is a culinary delight.

Other tasty treats to try include Ginjinha, a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from ginja berries.

Also make you sure you pop into Antiga Confeitaria de Belém to try (at least two) of its amazing Pasteis de Belém.

Apparently only three people in the world know the ancient recipe for these little pastries.

Between the weather (blue skies), culture, views, food and drink, I’m not sure what isn’t to love about this glorious city. I for one certainly can’t wait to go back.

Sam was a guest of Turismo de Lisboa www.visitlisboa.com.

How to get there: TAP Portugal flies directly from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Lisbon 60 times a week, return fares starting at £121 including all taxes and surcharges. For further information, visit www.flytap.com or call 0345 601 0932.

Where to stay: I stayed at the comfortable Hotel Olissippo Oriente, in the centre of Parque das Nações and a stone’s throw from where the expo ‘98 was held.
Prices for a standard double room on a B&B basis starts from €200 (approximately £140) per night per couple. Go to olissippohotels.com.
Alternatively, check out the boutique five star Bairro Alto Hotel - which is stunning. Visit bairroaltohotel.com.

Where to eat: You must try the unique Tasca da Esquina (tascadaesquina.com) for lunch or dinner and Antiga Confeitaria de Belém for a tasty treat (pasteisdebelem.pt)