- Lisbon
- (149)
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Portugal
I stayed here a few weeks ago and was completely floored by the level of accomodation provided. I stayed here because it was a hostel and I am trying to stretch the pocket book as much as possible theses days, but was blown away by the interior, activities and amazing staff. This is more like a boutique hotel than a hostel, without the sticker shock. Can't recommend enough! Fantastic!
www.oasislisboa.com
Rua Santa Catarina 24
1200-402, Lisboa
Close to Bairro Alto (nightlife neighborhood)
Google map: tinyurl.com/ya6j5vu
Red Tour electric vehicles equiped with a GPS talking guide are perfect to drive around Lisbon and discover some hidden gems. I tried the Alfama Segway Tour and it was so much fun.
Next time i will try Belem tours in one of their silent buggies.
Rua dos Fanqueiros nº18 next to Praça do Comércio.
www.redtourgps.com/
The 28 tram is THE iconic method of transport in Lisbon and a great way to see some of the major sights of this gorgeous city: the Se, Castelo de Sao Jorge, the Baixa and more.
However, it can get really crowded with tourists during the summer months and around the middle of the day. Many visitors often appear not to realise that this is not a tourist tram specifically for them but an integral part of the city's transport system used by many old grannies and locals with little children etc.
A tip for getting a seat is to take the green metro line (LInha Caravela) from Baixa-Chiado or Rossio to the Martim Moniz stop. From here you can jump on board the 28 tram at the start and be assured of a seat - and a fantastic view, unless there's a giant bottom in your face - all the way through town to the terminus at the other end by the Cemiterio dos Prazeres.
Be sure to give up your seat for a grannie, though!
Martim Moniz metro stop (Green line - Linha Caravela)
Tram No. 28
Gocar is a whole new way to explore and discover a city. It is a GPS guided tour that once you step on the Gocar will start telling you all about Lisbon but in a funny way. The car tells jokes, teaches you to speak Portuguese and even tells you all about the main sights of Lisbon. As a Portuguese, I tried and had a lot of fun.
Rua dos douradores,16
Nice clean guesthouse with original features and generally nice decor, and a secluded roof garden. Two metro stops from the centre, and very reasonably priced for what you get- I paid E120 for three nights in a single ensuite room.
Rua dos Anjos, close to Intendente metro station
I found a great restaurant in the Alfama on Rua dos Remedios, I think it’s number 127.
It’s small and new, very homely, serving a lovely mix of Portuguese cuisine with an Italian accent. The owner, Nino, is of Italian/Portuguese descent and grew up in South Africa, so he speaks perfect English (Afrikaans too if that helps anyone) and it turned out we have mutual friends there too!
The first night I had a delicious Lasagna al forno, even better than my own, and my partner had a typically Portuguese dish, Feijoada a Portuguesa which is a pork and bean stew, very tasty and much better than it sounded.
They also have things like fish lasagne, Lasagna al Bacalhau, lots of pastas such as bolognese, putanesca, aglio olio, peperoncino with a breaded steak, prawns in a cream and cheese sauce, and Bacalhau com natas (cod with potato cream and cheese). They’ll do pretty much any combination you want and it’s all good. We ate there twice and wished we’d discovered it earlier.
With a nice bottle of wine, neither of our meals for two came to more than about €25, as the main courses are mostly well under €10. Even for Lisbon that’s good value and the place is fun!
The Alfama, as I’m sure anyone reading this will know, is a very typical and ancient area of Lisbon, full of lovely little corners and alleys, it used to be more or less a slum but is now clean and safe.
Alfama on Rua dos Remedios. Next to a metro station.
Fantastic custard tart available from most pastelarias around the city, although the original ones come from one shop in Belem (Antiga Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belem - you can spot it by the queues outside) where they call them Pasteis de Belem. Custard tart really doesn't do it justice, they are truly stunning and one is never enough.
At pastelerias across the city, or at Antiga Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belem, Rua de Belem 84-88, Belem
Best place to book your accommodation in Lisbon. Their website allows you to search and book from their vast array of apartments all situated around the city centre. They suit all budgets and needs and also have lots of photos of each apartment so you can choose the perfect one for you.
They will also send someone to meet you on arrival who will give you the lowdown on what to do, where to go and how to get there. A truly excellent service.
They go out of their way to please, from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
Excellent, friendly restaurant serving traditional, delicious Portuguese fare.
Reasonably priced food and an excellent wine list to boot.
The fish is particularly good and the customary cheeses and meats to start are the best I've tasted in Lisbon (especially the Queijo de Azetao).
Travessa de Queimada, Bairro Alto
The Solar do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Institute) may sound a bit fusty and the guidebooks say that it's a bit staid, but if you want to try a myriad of different ports that bear no resemblance to the ones your gran used to wheel out each Christmas, this is the place for you.
It's comparatively cheap too, although the staff aren't the friendliest! The place is still pretty relaxing and it's handy for kicking off a night in Bairro Alto. Try the white ports, they're generally all pretty good.
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, at the top of the Elevador de Gloria, opposite the Miradouro Alcantara
One of the best views in Lisbon. The newly renovated gardens have two levels with views across to Castelo de Sao Jorge, the Tagus, Alfama, Rossio, Avenida de Liberdade etc. It's an oasis of calm which is lit up by the sunset each evening.
An azulejo (tile) map shows you what's what.
Rua Sao Pedro de Alcantara (at the top of the Elavador da Gloria)
A great bar in Bairro Alto. Very chilled, wonderful wine expertly served and the staff will recommend good ones by the glass or bottle. Music is billed as electro-pop, but my experience is that it's relaxed bordering on ambient. Beautiful staff, great decor and just the perfect place to unwind after a day pounding the streets.
Rua da Atalaia, Bairro Alto
The villa 'Amalfa' is situated in
Alfama, one of the oldest quarters of Lisbon. With its medieval layout it is not only superbly located (10 minutes walking from the Baixa and Barrio Alto, 5 minutes from the St. George's Castle) but is also the quarter where one can more closely experience traditional Lisbon life. Narrow, curving streets with unexpected corners and small charming plazas offer a plentiful supply of small shops, cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place for a Lisbon experience! Excellent views of the river Tejo are also afforded.
www.belvilla.co.uk
Code: PT-1000-01
Cachilas is worth a visit for the ferry ride across the estuary alone. But take the time to have a look around (it’s not too pretty, but very different from Lisbon) and sample some of the excellent seafood down at the port while you are there.
Ferries: Every 20-40 minutes from Cais do Sodre.
Great little traditional restaurant with azulejo décor, a menu of Portuguese staples and friendly service. No wonder it’s packed full of locals at lunchtime.
Location: Near the top of the Elevador, on Calcada do Combro.
A buzzing outdoor terrace, quality coffee, history and that atmospheric, cavernous interior – damn the critics, this Brazilian lady is a Lisbon classic.
Address: Rua Garrett No. 120, Largo do Chiado.
Telephone: (351) 213469541.
Boasting one of Lisbon’s best views, at U Terracao you can enjoy the panorama of this elegant city from a comfortable chair with the beverage of your choice at hand. Take a break from the climb up to the castle and have a look at where you are.
Address: Calc. Marques de Tancos No. 3, Lisbon.
Telephone: (351) 508507413.
Even for non-football fans, a trip to one or other of Lisbon’s two sporting cathedrals is a must. The Estadio da Luz is a legendary arena that has hosted great Benfica teams through the years and was once lit up by a youthful George Best. The Estadio Alvalade is altogether different. Built for the Euro 2004 tournament and home to Sporting Club de Portugal (aka Sporting Lisbon), it is a colourful modern, art-deco delight. However the venues have plenty in common - above all a passionate, warm atmosphere that draws you in. Buy your scarf outside and enter for a slice of Lisbon life.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the stadia, at kiosks outside, or in advance at the ABEP kiosk on Praca Restauradores.
Getting there: For the Estadio da Luz, take the metro to either Alto dos Moinhos or Colegio Militar/Luz; for the Estadio Alvalade, take the metro to Campo Grande.
Website: www.portugoal.net has fixtures and other information.
In a city of excellent hostels, the Lisbon Poets Hostel stands out. It has everything you could want from a hostel: great central location, clean and comfortable rooms, nice décor and free provision of the facilities which many hostels charge for such as breakfast, internet and lockers. Best of all though is the feeling that the young owner and staff really want you to experience and enjoy their country. They are full of useful information, unstintingly helpful, and even organise meals or events to mark important dates in the Portuguese calendar. Success would be no more than poetic justice.
Address: Rua Nova da Trindade No.2, 5th Floor.
Location: Around the corner from A Brasileira, on Largo do Chiado.
Telephone: (351) 213461058.
Website: www.lisbonpoetshostel.com
If you've always wanted to experience Carnival but can't make it to Rio di Janeiro in February, Lisbon hosts a great European alternative every year, with floats, traditional parades, costumes and parties all night. Rent near the Parque das Nações for the buzzing Carnival at your doorstep.
Lisbon is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe and one of the prettiest. Carnival is a glamorous time to visit the city.
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