Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

“Life is what we make of it. Travel is the traveller.  What we see isn’t what we see but what we are”. 

Fernando Pessoa

Lisbon, getting lost in Portugal

I went to Lisbon  and  fell madly in love  with it,  as if  two people  were always destined for each other!  I don’t know why, but I did . Let’s start with the way I loved the enchanting capital of Portugal!

With seven hills that overlook the river Tejo, Lisbon has a stunning location and an amazing light that immediately captivates you. It’s one of the most rewarding destination in Europe, because there are lot of things to do and to see. In addition to this, Lisbon ’s geographic position means great weather all year round. Summers are sunny and warm and winters are mild.

I spent three days traversing the city, which  are good enough to have a general idea of one of the trendiest city in Europe visiting it for the first time. I’ve only picked the attractions which are truly worth it. But my trip tips requires a lot of walking around, as it’ s the  best way to explore a place! My first suggestion for you is to wear the most comfortable shoes you can have in Lisbon, because it’s very hilly!

First day in Lisbon

In the first week of  April I arrived  at thePortela Airport of Lisbon’. It is well organized and close to the city centre and well connected by both metro and bus services.

  • Metroit can get you from the Airport to Saldanha station– just 25 minutes ;
  • Aerobus 1,2 & 3:  just 25 minutes ;
  • Taxi: is a very quick means of transportation. The average fare of a taxi is about €15 although it may increase in the night.

Lisbon, a fascinating city of contrasts

Lisbon is a city full of contrasts, where history lives side by side with modernity. Influenced by diverse cultures and styles,  It manages to be modern and sophisticated while preserving its traditional and more reserved spirit, which conveys the desire to discover it!

At the beginning as I made my way up to my  apartment in the bohemien neighborhood of Alfama’,  I noticed how in Lisbon decadence and the avant-garde come together to create a place where contrasts materialise on every corner! I liked this particular atmosphere, which was everywhere as I took the popular and vintage old yellow tram 28  for a tour!

Lisbon and the ‘saudade’

In Lisbon, it is hard not to want to absorb all the details, to look everywhere. Bursting with treasures, secrets and particulars, Lisbon is the city of the  ‘saudade’ , which is the feeling of  melancholy that is characteristic of the  Portuguese temperament. If you want to understand this kind of sensation:

  1. Visit Lisbon;
  2. Go back home;
  3. Miss it!

That’s all!

‘Alfama’ district and the magic music of Fado

‘Alfama’  is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, spreading on the slope between the ‘São Jorge Castle’ and the Tagus river. Its name comes from the Arabic ,  meaning ‘hot fountains’. It’s winding, tiled streets survived the earthquake, fire and Tsunami of 1755 and they remain in the same format as before the disaster until this day. With its cobblestone alleyways, hilltop panoramas and backstreet restaurants, ‘Alfama is one of the most wonderful and much-visited area of Lisbon

6 things  to do in ‘Alfama’! 

    1. Experienced a Fado’ dinner in  ArcazVelho’, in Calçada do Forte, 56.  Fado’means ‘fate’ , and  is the traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon . The music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with poetic songs related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. Hundreds of ‘fadista’ singers perform every night in the city’s Alfama‘Alfama’  and Bairro Alto’neighborhoods. ‘Fado’ is the expression of the Portuguese people,  of their identity, culture, and history. You won’t hear it anywhere else!
    2. Take in the view from ‘Miradouro das Portas do Sol’, in Largo Portas do Sol1100-411. With stunning views over red roofs out to the Tagus river, and a convenient kiosk serving beer, wine, and snacks, there’s no better place to watch the sun go down and relax after a long day of sightseeing; 

    3. Go to the ‘Castelo Sao Jorge’ , in R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo1100-129. It’s one of Lisbon’s most emblematic landmarks. The silhouette of this castle stands out both by day and when illuminated at night, located on the summit of  ‘São Jorge’ hill, the highest in Lisbon; 
    4. Admire the Cathedral of Lisbon’, in Largo da Sé1100-585 . The oldest church in the city, it is the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon’. Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived many earthquakes and has been modified, renovated and restored several times. It is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles. It has been classified as a ‘national monument’ since 1910;
    5. Visit the ‘Santa Engracia National Pantheon’, in Santa Engracia. This great monument dates back to the  17th-century . It’s where important Portuguese personalities are buried;
    6. Enter the National Tile Museum’  , in R. Me. Deus 41900-312. Appealing blue and white azulejo tiles can be found on buildings throughout Portugal, and this fantastic museum does a great job of displaying and explaining their five centuries of history. 15th century till present days !

Second day in Lisbon

From ‘Alfama’  I walked 20 minutes to the central Praça de Comercio’. It’s the main square of Lisbon , and  for visitors it is both an appealing tourist sight and an important transport hub. The southern end of this plaza  looks out onto the Tagus River. There are two things to see here: