Welcome to one of the most connected capital cities in Europe! Lisbon is famous for its picturesque hills, and one of the must-do experiences is riding the 28 city’s bright yellow tram. Don’t forget to make time to stroll around the Mouraria district and enjoy the local street art. Stop at a bakery to try some delicious egg-cream custards topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar, called pastéis de nata. In the afternoon, make your way up to the 11th-century Castelo de São Jorge to get the best views over the city at dusk. The “city of light” was the 2020 European Green Capital Award winner. Part of this prize was due to Lisbon’s smart city strategy piloting energy-efficient districts, an intelligent street lighting network, e-vehicle charging points and a digitised public transport platform, among other innovation projects.
Why visit? Badajoz is undoubtedly not the first Spanish city you’ll hear about, but it has lots to offer. So, we recommend adding the town to your DiscoverEU itinerary. Its proximity to the Portuguese border has always marked Badajoz. The Spanish town is full of architectural treasures brought by its multicultural heritage. A stroll around the historic quarter will reveal Arab walls, exciting monuments as well as picturesque streets and porches. At La Alcazaba, the ancient Moorish citadel, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of the city! The historical city is committed to becoming smart. It has set innovative city-wide services, including intelligent waste management, smart water cycle management
Why visit? From world famous museums to vivid nightlife bars, Madrid offers many options to all types of visitors. While in Madrid, amble to the Plaza Mayor, an architectural landmark that was the starting point of King Phillip II’s modernisation of Madrid in the 16th century. Next to it is one of the busiest parts of the city, the Puerta del Sol public square. If you are looking for quietness, the majestic Parque del Buen Retiro is also nearby for a stroll and some respite. When in Madrid, you’ll be able to use free mobile phone charging points in the metro and free WiFi on every intercity bus. If you feel arty, we recommend you go to the Prado Museum and enjoy a 360-degrees VR experience. It will allow you to get closer to the artworks and artefacts than ever!
Be ready to stop in one of the most intelligent cities in the world: Bilbao! When visiting the city, you’ll be able to connect to one of its 200 free WiFi hotspots. Enjoy venturing into its cultural heart with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum and the Azkuna Center and find the best “pintxos” to eat in town! Bilbao is also one of Spain’s most avant-garde cities. It has uniquely committed to championing human values through smart city objectives. In 2018, Bilbao published its Charter of Values, setting out its aspirations on championing social justice, gender equality and diversity & inclusion. In 2013, Bilbao also received a special mention for accessibility, owing to several initiatives such as an independently certified accessible website and videoconference services for sign language users.
While many come to Bordeaux for the wine, there’s so much more to the Port of the Moon! In this southwestern French city, you’ll be able to taste fantastic food, make great shopping, experience a fun nightlife scene and more. While in Bordeaux, you’ll be able to have access to free WiFi, supplied throughout the city centre. Connect to it and take a street art tour of the Chartrons neighborhood with your smartphone! Since 2017, the French city deploys internet of things to be more innovative and more sustainable, and improving its public services, such as smart lighting, waste management and mobility. It lastly launched a smart traffic application to reduce jams, accident risks and pollution.
As surprising as can be, you'll see an elephant in Nantes! This iconic animal has become a symbol of the city. Head to the "Machines de l’Île" to see it and take a stroll along the Loire to visit the "Hangar à bananes". Then go green and visit the "Jardin des Plantes" to discover the surprising sculptures and the Exhibition greenhouse. Continue into the old town and walk through the stunning shopping mall Passage Pommeraye. Although Nantes is a historical city, it was named the 2019 European Capital for Innovation. It is committed to businesses' digital transformation. The "City of the Dukes" now helps to drive city-wide innovation. While in Nantes, download the "Nantes dans ma poche" app to get all the helpful local information. The city also earned the 2nd place Access City Award in 2013 for its approach to making Nantes accessible for all and a variety of activities to raise awareness of accessibility in everyday life..
Welcome to the world’s only sovereign Grand Duchy! Luxembourg City is a charming combination of ancient and modern, local and global, simplicity and luxury. Wander around the old town, in the narrow, winding alleyways. This area is excellent to enjoy spectacular views of historic buildings and the city‘s stone bridges across the river, and the former fortress of Luxembourg’s original city walls. Luxembourg City has excellent public transport system featuring several innovations for people with disabilities, which helped it win the 1st place Access City Award for 2022. Luxembourg City launched their city app in 2020, providing city-wide information, such as bus times, parking space and public bike availability while allowing users to interact with officials. Use it to reach the ‘floating’ cycle path suspended under the famous Pont Adolphe bridge
