Tag: vistas

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Portugal’s capital has always taken a backseat to many other cities in Europe. Travel, however, has become more commonplace and a trip to Europe is becoming the norm for many.   Years ago, most people took a trip (or sometimes two) of a lifetime and visited as many of the main European cities as they could fit into their itineraries.

Now, savvy travelers want bragging rights…

“I’ve been there…have you?”

Portugal is quickly becoming the country that travelers want to brag about.  Plus, with its affordability, it is easily attainable.

If you’ve scheduled your trip to Portugal’s capital, then make sure to fit in all that you can while visiting.

Besides its many landmarks, all worth visiting, there are many other things throughout the city that tourists can not miss.

Here are three that I recommend.

Take a tram or a tuk tuk.  Some cities have modes of transportation that everyone relates to the city…think, London’s double-decker buses.  Lisbon has its trams.  The most popular is Tram 28 which takes tourists on a route from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique, passing through the neighborhoods of Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, and near popular attractions, such as St. George’s Castle and Alfama.   Many of the trams used within the city were also used in World War II, so in addition to seeing what the city has to offer, you are riding on a piece of history.  Expect long waits and crowded cars due to the tram’s popularity, but enjoy the ride up the steep Alfama hill…your feet will thank you!

You will also notice many tuk tuks throughout the city.  A common and cheap mode of transportation in Asia, the tuk tuk was introduced to Portugal a few years ago.  Popular with tourists, for their availability and for their ease of travel through the narrow streets, you can find them outside of most attractions.  Beware, however…the price you pay in Asia is not what you pay in Lisbon.

Enjoy the view.  There are many overlooks throughout the city.  For the most breathtaking views, head over to the Elevador de Santa Justa, an historic attraction that  connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Built in the 19th century and the only remaining vertical lift, it provides an invaluable service by eliminating the steep climb up Carmo Hill.

Largo das Portas do Sol is an original Moorish gateway offering stunning angles over Alfama’s red rooftops and pastel colored houses bordering the Rio Tejo.

Located conveniently near the Cathedral de Se and Castelo Saõ Jorge is Miradouro de Santa Luzia.  A popular observation deck with a pergola that presents dramatic views of the city and the river.

Miradouro da Graça is situated on the hill of Santo André and overlooks many old neighborhoods like Mouraria, Alfama, the downtown area, Castelo Saõ Jorge, the river and 25th April Bridge.  Here, you can enjoy a drink in the esplanade facing Lisbon’s roofs and try to identify the many monuments and landmarks below.  If Tram 28 is too crowded, catch bus 712 (Marquês de Pombal) or 726 and disembark at Sapadores for a short walk.

Have a treasure hunt.  So, not really in the sense you may be thinking.  Portuguese tiles, or azulegos, were introduced during Moorish times and adorn dozens of buildings throughout the city.  Be on the lookout for these vibrant decorations, especially in the neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado and Cais do Sodré.  If you don’t feel like seeking these tiles out on your own and would like to inspect them at a closer distance, head out to the Museu Nacional Do Azulejo which is filled with tiles of all colors and sizes, some dating back to the 15th century.  If discovering how these tiles are made is what you are after, you can also learn about the process here.  If money is no object, you can book at stay at the Palácio Belmonte or Palácio Ramalhete, where you will find interior walls covered in these amazing pieces of art.

With so much to do in this Portuguese capitol, there’s probably not enough time to tackle them all.  So, you may have to return…so then you can say,

“I’ve been there twice…have you?”

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