Lisbon - A Magical Destination

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Hey there, my little travel soul!. In the middle of summer, we are in the holiday season and the ideal time of year for travel and adventure, for checking new experiences and discovering new places that will remain in your heart. Let's talk about Lisbon today, one of my favorite European capitals.

It seems to me that here in Portugal you can find them all:

  • Beautiful places (both urban and wild/rural/beaches).

  • Beautiful music (Oh, Fado!).

  • Irresistible gastronomy and flavors.

  • And super warm and lovely people…

For those who have not been here yet, Lisbon is an ancient city, full of history and traditions, a bohemian and colorful city full of surprises everywhere. Besides, being a city with terraced geography, there are many "Miradouros" (places with beautiful views or panoramas of the town). You can see the colorful streets and buildings covered in azulejos (hand-painted ceramics covering the exterior buildings, especially in the Alfama district). You can take the city pulse and where you can enjoy the view and rest your spirit. The prices and life in Lisbon and Portugal are very OK, everything is affordable. You don't have to make great efforts to enjoy all things and have some unforgettable experiences. Especially if you have traveled all the way here, the westernmost country on the continent.

Tips for an "absolute Portuguese experience."

Airline tickets to Lisbon: for almost all European capitals, you will find direct flights, and since many low-cost airlines are flying to Lisbon or Porto, you just need to find the right bargaining for you.

Transport in Lisbon: if you want to rely on public transportation (which is very efficient), walk or take an UBER, it's all up to you. Everything is super close, cheap, and efficient!

Accommodation in Lisbon: I know this is not the most sustainable in local tourism, but this is the most efficient way. We were staying in an Airbnb, and our host was terrific. We had an apartment with a beautiful view of the river and parking. It was 10 minutes walk to the metro and train station. You can always opt for a hotel! This way, you help the economy, but also you get treated like a queen instead of doing things for yourself.

What to visit?  I will leave here several suggestions, in totally random order. Lisbon is a dream city. You definitely have something to fill your time with 

• Jeronimos Monastery (Hieronymites Monastery) - built in the Renaissance period - Gothic styles, you will find this beautiful building in the Belem district of western Lisbon. UNESCO heritage also impresses its size and is worth visiting even inside - it has gorgeous architecture! There are some extraordinary limestone sculptures, lacy and elaborate on the outside- in the entrances and walls. It's breathtaking!

• The fortified tower Torre de Belém (16th century, the watchtower at the river's naval entrance, towards Lisbon; you can also visit inside) and the Discoverers' Statue - Padrão dos Descobrimentos - it has a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the roof. 

• If you crave something sweet, stop to taste something good at Café Pastéis de Belém (the famous pastry shop in Lisbon, opened in 1837, recognized for, among other things, for the delicious tarts with egg cream and vanilla - Pastéis de Nata. It was created by some local monks more than 100 years ago and was a well-kept secret among the Portuguese)

• If you feel like a long but beautiful walk, you can walk the whole cliff that starts from Belem, passes under the bridge on April 25, and reaches Lisbon's most central area, following the Tagus River line and to Praça of Commerce. 

• Castel São Jorge - an Early Medieval castle - VIIIth century, occupied over time by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and even Moors. Located on the hill of the same name, the only thing Wow! in addition to the old stone fortifications would be the view over the southern part of the city - being the highest point in Lisbon. But in the neighborhood, you will find other Miradouros with a view at least as nice. Admission is 10 euros 

• SE Cathedral (or Lisbon Cathedral) - Built early (c. 1150), it is the oldest in the city; it is on the famous route of tram no. 28. 

• Speaking of Tram 28 - a symbol of Lisbon's city - be sure to go with it on the route from Alfama! The trams are yellow, dating from the early 1900s, with a beautiful wooden interior and paneling (imported from the US to replace the old horse-drawn trams). I think it's best to take it from the Martim Moniz station to make a lap as big as possible because once you get to the end of the line anyway, you'll have to get off. It is a more commercial tourist attraction, so expect crowds. And watch out for pickpockets - they prefer crowded environments with tourists!

• Every Tuesday and Saturday, in the Alfama area occurs a famous Flea Market (Feira da Ladra / Mercado de Santa Clara).  A vintage and junk market opens around 8 o'clock in the morning, and you can stay until the afternoon around 5 PM. It is worth it because it is picturesque and you can buy small things that you can quickly put in your luggage. 

• A famous Miradouro is Portas Do Sol. It is a lovely place, with a great view of the city and the port. Especially at sunset or in the evening, it is romantic because you can sit and drink on a small makeshift terrace on the sidewalk with the company of a super view. You can see gardens and houses and decks and roofs and some churches and cathedrals and the port - Overall a superb and very chill view

• We leave the Alfama area for a while and go to Carmo Convent Cathedral - the ruin of a medieval cathedral whose roof and a large part of the walls collapsed after the earthquake of 1755. Here, as a sign of homage, the local authorities thought to enhance the building. In this sense, in the evening are organized video-projection shows and video mapping on the interior walls, acquiring a completely different air. The entrance is for a fee, around 12-15 euros as if. This cathedral is located in a very charming square, surrounded by trees that make purple flowers (absolutely gorgeous, I know! It's called Jacaranda Trees). 

The square - is built around a fountain statue from the century. XVIII - Chafariz do Carmo. 

Also on the list is the famous Red Bridge in Lisbon (Ponte 25 de Abril), especially in the evening. This suspension bridge (inaugurated in 1966) connects Lisbon to Almada, across the Tagus river. Many people see it as a copy of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (it is built by a US company, but not the same). If you cross the bridge on the other side, you will be able to see up close, or even as if at the base of the Cristo Rei statue (Christ the King), also built in the '60s and inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

• Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador do Carmo) - is a tall tower, with elevator, with an elaborate metal architecture, created in the style of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which connects the lower streets of the Baixa district with the streets of another district positioned above, Largo do Carmo. Basically, a "shortcut" was invented in the 1900s to relieve some challenging climbs on foot. Today it is one of the main attractions - there is always a queue, and you have a beautiful view while traveling up to the top.

You must go with at least one of the funiculars, Elevador da Bica or Ascensor da Glória. They are located in the center of the town and go up the slope, diagonally, like a strange tram. There are only the right places for pictures.

• Praça do Comércio - down in the harbor - is one of the largest and most beautiful open-air markets.

It is an emblematic place for the weather of Lisbon, a famous place for merchants and traders, craftsmen, fishermen, sailors, and practically a cultural melting pot of the time, here arriving boats from all over the world. It was the place where until the great earthquake of 1755 was also the Royal Palace Ribeira. In the center of the square sits the equestrian statue of King José I. Here near the court, you can visit a beautiful arch - Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta, at the end of the street from the center and faces this square. On Rua Augusta, you can also find many brand stores for shopping.

FOOD

Breakfast/Brunch

• Heim Café (R. Santos-O-Velho 2 e) - with everything you want and don't want in terms of Brunch segment goodies (and it's all day!) - eggs with salmon, English Breakfast, omelets, mesh, healthy bowls with fruits and seeds, various Pancakes & Gauffre. Delicious dishes and OK price. 

• I would also recommend Nicolau (R. São Nicolau 17) - very cool both in design & deco and excellent and good food, especially in the Brunch area. Also, from the family with Nicolau would be the restaurant - sister Amelia (Rua Ferreira Borges, 101). We didn't get to go there, we only saw it on Instagram, but it's about the same style & vibe.

Dinner

• LX Factory - It is a destination in itself, an extensive industrial area, at the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge's base. There you will find all kinds of places, terraces, pop-up stores, small gardens / green spaces where live concerts, tattoo parlors, shops and a lot of Street Art… Here is a fascinating library (which you probably know from Instagram - Ler Devagar). The area is very chill, full of young people, Hipsters, it is worth staying here for a few good hours.

• Time Out Market (Av. 24 de Julho 49) is a massive Food Court - here you will find dozens of stands with various things to eat (pizza to try on the tray - as you enter the main entrance is on the left side - and behind everything is a place with brilliant Cream Pastel). Find everything from burgers and steaks to sandwiches, pizza, seafood and fish, Asian Food, or even Sushi. It is worth walking at least once.

Now that I wrote this post, I am considering to re-visit Lisbon!