Seven Reasons to Visit Lisbon
Lisbon is the bewitching capital city of Portugal, a city draped across its seven hills and overlooking the wide blue of the river Tagus. Definitely, one of the most vibrant cities of Europe. There are several reasons to visit Lisbon, but here, I will list you seven.
1) MIRADOUROS: THE VIEWS OF THE CIDADE DAS SETE COLINAS.
Stop and admire the view at one of many Lisbon’s Miradouros: At night, from sunset on, the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara gets pretty busy with students who meet here, or at the Adamastor, the views of the Bica and the bridge are amazing at sunset. Off the beaten path tip: for a less known, but equally beautiful spot, head to the Miradouro do Monte Agudo. Miradouros da Graça, de Santa Luzia or das Portas do Sol are good spots to have great views of the city.
2) THE NUMBER 28 TRAM: THE PERFECT CITY TOUR.
Line 28 of Lisbon’s iconic trams was inaugurated in 1914 and today it has a 7km. It runs from the Estrela Basilica up to the eclectic Bairro Alto, down to the Baixa and Praça do Comércio, and up again past the Sé Cathedral and the castle, taking you by all the key areas and sights in a short time. Talking about trams, I also loves elevators, you can find four in the city: Elevador da Bica (the typical and touristy picture of Lisbon, elevador da Lavra, da Gloria, and de Santa Justa.
3) ALFAMA: A WALK BACK IN TIME.
The old Moorish quarter of Alfama is a maze of twisting lanes and alleys that descends from the wonderful Castle of Saint George. It’s also the centre of fado, the mournful music of the city. Get lost through these streets and visit the the Fado and Guitar Museum. You can also go treasure hunting at Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s most famous flea market. Every Tuesday and Saturday, from 7am to 6 pm, you will find hundreds of stalls selling literally anything. Vintage lovers and non will love to seek out weird souvenirs, but pay attention to your valuables while walking.
4) LIVE THE AGE OF DISCOVERIES IN BELÉM.
If one building can be said to symbolise Lisbon, it’s the Tower of Belém, which guards the entrance to the port from which the explorer Vasco de Gama set sail in 1497 on the epic voyage that took him to Africa and India. This historic suburb is also home to the monastery of Jerónimos, which exemplifies Manueline architecture. Located nearby, the pastry shop “Pastéis de Belém” has served its delicious pastries since 1837 and you cannot forget trying them when visiting Lisbon. The Berardo Museum showcasing a world-class collection of international contemporary and modern art is also located in this neigbourhood.
5) PORTUGUESE FOOD, JUST WOW.
Some say Portugal has the best fish in the world. With its large coastline and long history at sea, that could in fact be true. Especially because here fish really tastes like fish and seafood is really seafood. Cod is like the national dish; my favourite is Bacalhau com natas. Don’t forget trying the wonderful soups (caldo verde!), the Porco à Alentejana (Pork with clams, potatoes and coriander), Arroz com Polvo (Rice with octopus, delicious) or “frango a piripiri” a tasty chicken plate, cheeses of every type, delicious wines (vinho verde!)… I love a place in the Bairro Alto called “Principe do Calhariz”. A good plan is going to drink a Ginjinha at the Kiosk in Praça Luis the Camões. If you’re into Ethnic food, Martin Moniz offers a great variety of African food.
6) STREET ART: A LIVING ART GALLERY.
Lisbon is well-known for its excellent street art. Everywhere you turn you will be amazed to see a creative and highly-skilled masterpiece, the spontaneity of which definitely beats going to a museum. The abundance of such artwork adds to the colorful ambience of this cool and artistic city. This explosion of colors combine perfectly with the blck and white pavement of the streets, the typical “Calçada Portuguesa”. Also azulejos, I absolutely love these tiles and they are all over the city.
7) SINTRA AND SURROUNDINGS.
One of Lisbon’s big perks is its close proximity to Sintra, the enchanted city of fairy-tale castles and forests, which is only a 2.15 Euro train ride away. Sintra is a popular day trip destination, as there are extravagant castles and estates travelers can visit, many of which will blow your mind. The breathtaking Palácio da Pena, the Castle of the Moors or the Quinta da Regaleira are three indispensable spots to visit…This charming town never disappoints as a favorite destination for anyone who visits. Other places I personally love are Estoril, Cascais, Cabo de Roca and Praia do Guincho, and they are pretty close to the city.
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