Searching for the views – the Lisbon panorama
Lisbon, thanks to its location, is often called a city of hills. Standing on the top of each and every one of them you can admire the views of the whole city. Which one guarantees the most extraordinary scenery, worth bringing your photo gear with? Make your way to one of the oldest city quarters – Alfama with its steep, narrow, curvy lanes. Get on tram line 28 in the direction of São Jorge castle. Once you’ve reached the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint you can admire the terracotta roofs of the city and river Tag flowing its curly path all the way down. We also recommend visiting the beautiful viewpoints of Santa Catarina and São Pedro de Alcântara, where you can take the Santa Justa lift, also known as Elevador do Carmo. Unlike other Lisbon lifts, this one moves vertically which feeds your eyes with the most amazing views of the old town. Classic views known from tourist guides can also be found at the top of the Torre de Belém tower, located nearby the gothic Jerónimos Monastery. From there you’ll be able to see how the river Tag makes its way into the ocean.
Only in Lisbon – unusual museums and attractions
Visiting Lisbon is a great opportunity to visit the National Tile Museum, also known as the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. In the building located at the premises of a former Madre de Deus monastery, you’ll find ceramic tiles and azulejos dating all the way back to the fifteenth century! Another unusual collection can be found at the National Coach Museum, called the Museu Nacional dos Coches. Here you’ll find the world’s biggest collection of horse-drawn carriages and vehicles, the oldest coming from the seventeenth century. One national treasure of the Portuguese people is known as fado. A type of a melancholic song performed with a guitar, often about a feeling of loss. You can hear it during an evening walk or a romantic dinner in candle light, especially in the quarters of Alfama, Mouraria or Madragoa. There’s no leaving Lisbon without getting to know it.
Walking Lisbon – sightseeing on foot
Do you like visiting new places while slowly walking the streets and viewing the locals? Lisbon is a perfect place for both long and short walks! The old quarters such as Baixa, are usually inhabited by people coming from all different parts of the world. Till this day the place is known for its different and unique architecture, charming narrow lanes, and specific atmosphere reminding you of small towns and villages. You can feel it especially at the lanes of Pombaline, or at the famous Praça do Comércio square, or when walking alongside the river Tag. Don’t forget to take a ride with the water tram, especially in the evening, when you can admire charming reflections on the waters mixing the skyline with the setting sun. A perfect place for walking trips is also the Belem quarter, filled with many unique things to see such as the magnificent Terreiro do Paço square or Parque das Nações city park offering a pleasant green shade on hot sunny days.
Eat and don’t count calories – Lisbon cuisine
Lisbon is famous not only for its beautiful architecture, fado, and trams but also for its delicious cuisine. The city is famous for dishes based around fish and seafood. When looking through the menu pay special attention to the dishes with dried and salted codfish called bacalhau. For example, bacalhau á gomes de sá (cod baked with potatoes, eggs, and onion) or pasteis de bacalhau (cod and potatoes croquettes). As starters or sides to your drink, you will be served snails – caracois, and among soups, the king is Caldo Verde (it’s a soup made of potatoes, carrot, and cabbage). Taste not only the most popular desserts but also the lesser-known beautiful pastry – Pasteis de Belem, which is usually served with coffee. Where should you eat? If you wish for an unforgettable experience then head to the beautiful quarter of Bairro Alto – famous for its vibrant nightlife and multiple elegant restaurants serving tasty food.
A trip outside of town – Cabo da Roca
If you’re spending more time in Lisbon, why not take a trip to Cabo da Roca – which is the furthest Western point of Europe. A rocky coastline and crashing waves of the ocean can be watched from a viewpoint located 144 metres from the water. You’ll be able to feel the true power of nature here. Cabo da Roca is located between Cascais and Sintrą, led by the picturesque road. Don’t hesitate to stop for a moment and admire the views. At the end of the road you’ll find the reward – the eighteenth century lighthouse, a monument with a citation of a famous Portuguese poet and… the vastness of the ocean. At this point from the coast of the USA there’s over 5500 kilometres distance. Impressive, right?
All in one place – Sintra
Lisbon lovers should not leave the city without visiting Sintra, located North-West from the city centre. Since 1995, the place has been listed as the UNESCO World’s Heritage in the category of Cultural Scenery. Do you wonder why? In Sintra, it’s as if time itself has stopped. architecture and nature living in perfect harmony. In the first category, there are amazing castles and surrounding gardens such as the famous romantic Palacio Da Pena, Queluz, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais, and Monserrate. You’ll find there beautiful antique buildings, waterfalls, fountains, and exotic plants. In Sintra, it’s also worth visiting the archeological museum São Miguel de Odrinhas, as well as the art museum MUSA.
Lisbon offers a wide variety of attractions, experiences, sceneries, and tastes, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Don’t wait for the summer – Lisbon is a perfect destination for a city break anytime during the year, thanks to its ideal climate. Book your flight tickets to Lisbon now.