Lisbon - A Paradise on Atlantic Ocean ~ Portugal

A Paradise on Atlantic Ocean ~ Lisbon Portugal

Portugal, a colourful paradise, is situated near the Atlantic coast of Liberian peninsula in southwestern Europe and shares the border with another magnificent country-Spain. The northern region of the country is rocky and mountainous while the country’s south, the Algarve, is warm, fertile and flawless. Lisbon city clings to low but steep hills situated on the right bank of the Tagus river. ‘The City of Seven Hills’ and ‘Queen of the Sea’, somehow manages to be both laid-back and cutting-edge all at once.

Some Intresting Facts !!!

Western Europe’s oldest city that serves over million’s of tourists every year.

In 1755 the city was hit by a huge earthquake that destroyed 85% of the present buildings.

The city rebuild itself with the 18th century architecture.

Lisbon is an eclectic city renowned for having colourful nightlife, tonnes of culture, Fado music and a cosmopolitan food.

What to Expect ??

Best Mediterranean Food Experience and world best tarts.

Steep narrow cobbled streets with iconic artistic Portuguese tiles.

Temperatures below 10 degrees celsius in the winter and averaging 25 in the summer.

Lets us take you inside this artistic city and give you a brief idea what you can expect in your next travel. Here are the top places you should not miss while travelling to Lisbon:

1) Sao Jorge Castle:

Our first stop of the day was Sao Jorge Castle, which is an old Moorish fortification that sits on a hill overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus River. There are two ways to reach on top, either you take bus #737 or climb by foot yourself admiring some spots overlooking the city. You can get some nice panoramic views of the city from here, and they also have peacocks roaming the grounds.

ProTip: The ticket price for the castle is 10€ per person. For a perfect sunset view, must go in late evening.

2) Miradouro das Portas do sol:

This one is another look out points in Lisbon that offers postcard-perfect views of the city and just for free. yes ! you heard me correct, consider this point if you just want to save that 10euro from your pocket. This particular terrace overlooks the Alfama district and it is always popular with tourists. The view is definitely breathtaking. Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a great location to take a break from sightseeing, as there are numerous, kiosks, cafes and restaurants. Grab a beer or wine and admire the sea facing city.

3) Carmo:

Carmo is a mediaeval convent of our Lady of Mount Carmel, that was ruined during the 1755 earthquake, and today it is used as an archaeological museum. This church was originally build in 1389 and considered to be the oldest heritage of the city. It’s a strange feeling walking down the ruins of the church and seeing blue skies above your head, but that’s exactly what makes it worth a visit.

4) Belem Tower & Monument to Discover:

You must have heard about these two famous beauties of Lisbon, standing tall on the banks of the Tagus River. The Towers was meant to act as both a defence system and a ceremonial gateway into Lisbon for sailors.

How to reach ?? First of all you can reach these tower by only Tram 15. If you consider walking then it might take 1.5 to 2 hrs as it is far away from the centre of the city. I would highly suggest to take tram.

Best Time to Go ?? It becomes very touristy in late afternoon and evening, so the best time is to visit in the morning to avoid those big queues. There are tickets to go inside both the towers, if you wanna know more about it’s history, you should but its is something that you give it a miss.

Pro Trip: There is a cafe just along side of Belem tower, have a cup of expresso and get best photographed along side of the Tagus river with Belem.

5) Tram 28:

The charmer of the city, Tram 28. A fun way to get around Lisbon’s hilly streets is by riding the trams. These trams have yellow artistic wall from outside but has wooden interiors taking you back to 20th century. There are different lines across the city, but #28 is the most popular one with visitors and get really busy during the day.

Pro Trip: It takes 3 euros to get a ride on Tram 28, if you wanna avoid those extra penny’s, you can find a display tram 28 on its starting point just for some curious photographers and tourist.

6) The Santa Justa lift

The elevator that connects the lower streets of Baixa with Carmo Square, and it is the only remaining vertical elevator in Lisbon. Though it is meant to serve a functional role, it is also quite popular with visitors who find the elevator a novel idea and those who want to have a look out point from the centre of the city.

Ticket price : The elevator cost you 5 € p/p to go up and come down. The elevator is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and until 9 p.m. in the winter.

Pro Trip: There is another way to reach the top through the market and then climbing some steps ( ohh not too much, just 100 steps) by this way you again save yourself from those long queues and tourist traps. Try this one, as it’s all about exploring something new.

7) The Jeronimos Monastery:

The Monastery is one of the most visited sights in Lisbon. It’s one of the best examples of Late Gothic Manueline architecture, so have a close look at the intricate detailing when you visit. Monastery is just opposite side of Monument of Discovery tower, so you can definitely reach by walking. The Monastery is divided in 3 parts, Church, monastery and archaeological museum.

Church is free fro all the visitors but other two have tickets. You can also skip any of one if you not interested in museum or monastery. We skipped museum and choose monastery due to shortage of time. Gothic styled Monastery is very intriguing showcasing the best architecture from medieval times and an overwhelming history of the country.

8) The pink street

Rua Nova do Carvalho, is better known as Pink Street these days. Currently it is one of the most famous and favorite nightlife areas of locals, but you will also find tourists there. The bars in Bairro Alto close earlier than in pink street, making it very pleasant here until the wee hours.

Pro Trip: The most jazzy and famous bar is Music Box with some great live music and dance floor. It opens at 11PM and the music only stops at 6AM.

9) Alfama & Barrio Alto:

My Favorite thing in Lisbon was walking down every alley of Alfama district and admiring those steep coloured houses. As of the Lisbon’s oldest area, cobbled stoned streets were lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. You will find dozens of shops selling products made of cork wood. Yeah this is all over in the city, products like purses, keychains, magnets, etc etc. ( ya i got one too, purse made of cork wood )

Another Happening District is Barrio Alto in Lisbon. Climb those narrow streets and 100’s of steps to reach Barrio Alto for some great local cuisine restaurants. The area was so damn lively in evenings and lit up every bar or cafe with some fresh sea food.

( Trust me you cannot resist )

10) Praça do Comércio:

Commerce Square in English, is Lisbon’s main square.It was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The southern end of the plaza is open and looks out onto the Tagus River. The other three sides have yellow-coloured buildings with arcades all along the façade with some exorbitant restaurants cafes and shopping stores. When the square was first built, the commercial ships would unload their goods directly onto this square, as it was considered the “door” to Lisbon.