Lisbon is such a charming city. I had the feeling I would enjoy visiting it, but it was beyond my expectations.
Friendly people, beautiful places, adorable streets, facades, and tiles everywhere. The city has all sorts of areas to suit your mood; it doesn't matter if you are more into nature, relaxing, or urban days.
Despite the melancholy of fado, it is a cheerful city with a lot going on, and you can still enjoy some beach time.
ALFAMA
Located on a hill, Alfama is the most charming and oldest area of Lisbon. Have a coffee at MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUZIA or MIRADOURO DAS PORTAS DO SOL, which has the best view of Lisbon, with its white houses, red roofs, and the sea.
You can also take the TRAM 28 to check out the neighborhood in an old style.
BAIRRO ALTO
I stayed in Bairro Alto, which is a bohemian neighborhood with many bars, restaurants, and parties. I believe it is the best area to enjoy the nightlife. For that reason, it is loud! It's best to avoid staying there if you want a good night's sleep.
Bairro alto is very well-located, close to ALFAMA and the OLD TOWN. It is an area where you are not going to feel bored during the day or night. There are many sights to see and places to visit, such as JARDIM DO PRÍNCIPE REAL, with its huge tree, EMBAIXADA CONCEPT STORE for some cool shops; or CAIS DO SODRÉ and the famous PINK STREET for some cocktails.
MAAT - MUSEUM OF ART, ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
Designed by AMANDA LEVETE ARCHITECTS, MAAT is located next to the TEJO POWER STATION, facing the TAGUS RIVER. There is this contrast between MAAT’s new building and the industrial building of the power line station, which today is also a museum about the power station that once was there.
Established in 2016, MAAT is a great spot for contemporary art enthusiasts, focusing its program on contemporary art, architecture, and technology.
NATIONAL TILE MUSEUM
If you love tiles, this is a place to visit. Established in 1965, the museum collection has tiles from the 15th century to the present day, including porcelain and ceramics. The permanent exhibition also shows related techniques and materials . The museum is located in the CONVENT OF MADRE DEUS, an ancient monastery. The inside of the church is shocking due to the amount of gold.
If you love tiles, this is a place to visit. Established in 1965, the museum collection has tiles from the 15th century to the present day, including porcelain and ceramics. The permanent exhibition also shows related techniques and materials . The museum is located in the CONVENT OF MADRE DEUS, an ancient monastery. The inside of the church is shocking due to the amount of gold.
BELÉM TOWER
Situated on the north bank of TAGUS RIVER, Belém Tower was built in the 16th century in the Portuguese late Gothic, or MANUELINE style. Considered the gateway to Lisbon, Belém Tower was built as a fortress and was the departure point for Portuguese explorers who wanted to travel the world, including VASCO DA GAMA and PEDRO ALVARES CABRAL. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower is a symbol of the AGE OF DISCOVERIES in Europe.
COMMERCE SQUARE AND OLD TOWN
You can learn a little about the history of Portugal by strolling through the old town, where you will find beautiful sights such as PRAÇA DO COMÉRCIO and ARCO DA RUA AUGUSTA.
Reflecting the importance of Portugal in the 18th century, the square was considered the entrance to Lisbon and was built where the PAÇO DA RIBEIRA (RIBEIRA PALACE) used to be.
The Ribeira Palace was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.
King Carlos I and his son were assassinated at Commerce Square, culminating in the fall of the monarchy in 1910.
At Arco da Rua Augusta, you will find good shops and, at the top of the arch, a beautiful view of the city.
Reflecting the importance of Portugal in the 18th century, the square was considered the entrance to Lisbon and was built where the PAÇO DA RIBEIRA (RIBEIRA PALACE) used to be.
The Ribeira Palace was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.
King Carlos I and his son were assassinated at Commerce Square, culminating in the fall of the monarchy in 1910.
At Arco da Rua Augusta, you will find good shops and, at the top of the arch, a beautiful view of the city.
BEACHES
Take the train and visit the ESTORIL COASTLINE between Lisbon and CASCAIS. It is a good day trip to enjoy some good weather on the beach. The coastline has 18 sandy beaches; the most recommended are CARCAVELOS, RAINHA, DUQUESA, CONCEIÇÃO and TAMARIZ BEACH.
Take the train and visit the ESTORIL COASTLINE between Lisbon and CASCAIS. It is a good day trip to enjoy some good weather on the beach. The coastline has 18 sandy beaches; the most recommended are CARCAVELOS, RAINHA, DUQUESA, CONCEIÇÃO and TAMARIZ BEACH.
