One may ask “Ok, I get it, but why Lisbon?” the answer is simple, Lisbon is a city that appeals to everyone. Culture, arts and architecture enthusiasts, people who just want to have some fun, nature lovers, Lisbon has it all. At first, when I decided to travel there, I wasn’t so sure about it myself. This changed as soon as I got there. I fell in love with Lisbon, so much so that even before leaving it, I was planning another trip there.
A FEW KEY FACTS
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe – it’s even older than London or Rome, as the region was inhabited already by Pre-Celtic tribes.
THE CITY – and its surroundings
Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon. In its cobblestone streets you’ll find many historical attractions: Se (Lisbon Cathedral and the oldest church of the city) and Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval moorish castle.
Another fascinating characteristic of this district are its many miradouros (which means viewpoints). Hike up or take a tram to reach one of them and enjoy the city from up above. The most famous ones are that of Santa Luzia or the Miradouro das Portas do Sol (The Terrace of the Gates of the Sun).
Tip: On Tuesdays and Saturdays you can visit the Feira da Ladra flea market, where you’ll find antiquities.
Bairro Alto is a central area of the city and the center of Lisbon’s nightlife and entertainment. The most characteristic aspect of this area are its many bars and pubs — Drinks are quite cheap too!
But there’s more. In this district you’ll find tourist attractions, like The Elevador da Glória (Gloria Funicular or Gloria Lift), built in 1875 (which connects the Praça dos Restauradores, near the Rossio, with Avenida da Liberdade, a street with designer boutiques, where old and new building blend together)
Tip: One of the most fascinating things about Bairro Alto’s nightlife is the fact that people stand outside bars and pubs to drink and have fun, it looks like one giant open bar! The streets are crowded but it’s really interesting and a night out in these streets is an experience that you’ll surely remember.
Baixa is the center of Lisbon, an elegant district between those of Bairro Alto and Chiado mainly built after the 1755 earthquake.
In this area you’ll find Convento do Carmo a gothic convent that was partly destroyed by the 1755 earthquake (nowadays it’s used as a small archeological museum); the Elevador de Santa Justa, the only remaining vertical elevator in the city, which connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Atop the Elevator there’s a view point, a terrace that’ll give you a panoramic view of Lisbon.
Tip: In Praça do Rossio, besides seeing the old Rossio Station, you’ll be able to taste the Ginjinha, the typical Lisbon cherry liquor, in a tiny place called A Ginjinha. It’s small and full of locals, but don’t be shy, go inside, mix with locals and taste a Ginjinha.
Chiado we can say that this is the shopping district in Lisbon. Here you’ll surely find books, clothes, chinaware, coffee and souvenirs.
Tip: drink a coffee at A Brasileira, an historical café where the portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa used to go and drink his cup of coffe.
Parque das Nações (literally Park of Nations) was built for the World Exhibition of 1998. Here you’ll find the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium), the second largest in the world.
Belém, 15 minutes away from the city center, it’s was the place from which many explorers started their voyage to discover new lands. Vasco da Gama is only but one example. Here you’ll see many other tourist attractions like the Torre de Belém (the tower of Belém), a fortified lighthouse; the Padrão dos Descobrimientos (Monument to the Discoveries) built in 1940 for the World Fair; or the gothic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) that dates back to the 16th century. Both the Tower of Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery have been appointed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Another famous place in Belém, for entirely different reasons is the Bakery that sells the Pastéis de Belém, delicious egg tart pastries. Expect to find people queueing outside this pastry to buy these famous desserts, but don’t worry they usually are quick.
Quick tip: visit Belém in the morning, it tends to get crowded, especially the tower.
Tip: you can find these heavenly pastries in the city center too in a custard pie factory called Manteigaria (it’s in Bairro Alto, in Rua do Loreto 2. Take the underground and exit at Baixa-Chiado), here they make pastéis de nata from a scratch (and for the whole world to see). Even though I disagree, some say those of Belém’s Bakery are the best though.
To reach Belém you can either take the Tram 15 from Praça do Comércio, Buses number 28 or 43, or the train from Cais do Sodré, they all cost the same.
Near Lisbon:
Cascais. It is a coastal town, 15 miles west of Lisbon. It looks like a high-end, sophisticated fishermen town and the beach is quite nice . There are many little shops that sell souvenirs and places where you can eat seafood.
Sintra. If you have time you can’t possibly travel to Lisbon and miss Sintra. It’s only a short train commute away from the center and it looks as though it has just popped out from a fairytale. It’s a UNESCO protected town, with charming little buildings and houses that mix Renaissance, Gothic and Moorish elements.
From the train station take a bus (or a taxi, just do not walk up the hill, it’s quite a hike and you’ll end up regretting it) to the Palácio Nacional da Pena an eclectic, picturesque building. Walk around and see the many things and places Sintra has to offer. Even if you walk aimlessly you’ll find beautiful things. The Castelo dos Mouros is another (worth visiting) tourist attraction. Pack some comfortable walking shoes and don’t visit Sintra in a rush, take your time and really enjoy this experience.
General tips
1. Trams still are a traditional way of transport in the city. Travel backing time and hop on! Another option is to ride the funiculars (or Elevadores) of Glória and Bica.
2. Look around! In Lisbon many buildings have been decorated with huge and fascinating images. Street art is another peculiar characteristic that makes Lisbon worth-seeing.
3. Eat typical Portuguese dishes like Bacalao, Ginginha (liquor…), Pasteis de nata, Portuguese Wine and Sardines – btw A cute place to buy sardines with a nice packaging is the Conserveira de Lisboa a 90-years-old shop where you can buy sardines for the loved ones that are waiting for you back home.
4. If in need, ask a local! Locals are totally friendly, lovely and helpful.