Getaway Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the cities I like most in Europe. In fact, it was the top 1 until I met Porto. Since then, I can say that both cities share podium. I have a special appreciation to the first one and the second captivated me for how beautiful it is and for the charm it has.

What is seen today is the reconstruction that was done after the terrible earthquake that Lisbon suffered in the eighteenth century. Its classic style with the facades covered with tiles and the floor with cobblestones fascinated me.

Praça do Rossio is one of the liveliest squares in the city; In fact, it is the meeting point for both Lisbon and tourists. At one end, there is the wonderful Rossio train station in Manueline style and well deserved visit (I was impressed) and the National Theater. Just in front of this one is the Monument to Peter IV along with the two fountains located symmetrically. Take the opportunity to approach the Praça da Figueira, which is very close and where you can see the statue of Dom Joao with the Castelo de San Jorge in the background.

Returning towards the Praça do Rossio, there is the elegant Rua Augusta. It is the axis of the post-earthquake reform, the main street and the nerve center of the city at the same time. You have to wear comfortable shoes and walk without haste. It is a pedestrian street; so it is not necessary to suffer from traffic. The buildings are beautiful. Apart from a lot of shops, cafes, restaurants and patisseries, on this same street is the Archaeological Center of Rua dos Coreeiros and the MUDE (Do Design and Da Moda Museum) that made the street more attractive.

Just take the Rua Augusta from Praça do Rossio, on the first perpendicular street, on the right you can see the Elevador de Santa Justa. It was built in order to communicate the upper part of the city with the lower; but today it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Lisbon. I think it is one of the most photographed places. It is neo-Gothic and is built with iron. Beautiful... especially at night! It opened its doors to the public in 1902 and is 45 meters high that allow you to enjoy good views of the Baixa neighborhood. Take the opportunity to go up and visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which is located in the elegant Chiado neighborhood along with the famous A Brasileira coffee.

Once here, I recommend entering the Bairro Alto. It is a neighborhood that goes up and has cobblestones; It is not comfortable to walk, but it is so authentic! Small streets alive. There are restaurants with a lot of charm, such as the "O Cantinho do Bem Estar" which is a must. No luxuries, good product, five tables and Tiago spoiling all customers. I have never eaten just what I asked for...

Continuing along Rua Augusta, you will reach the Rua Augusta Arch, which marks the access to Praça do Comércio. I have to say that it is much nicer seen just from the other side. Just cross it, turn around to contemplate it well. There are four statues representing Viriato, Vasco da Gama, Pombal and Nuno Álvares Pereira and two geniuses that symbolize the Duero and the Tajo.

It was a success to reserve an apartment that is located in a street parallel to the Rua Augusta. They had just finished the renovation, it was practically new and being here allowed me to travel the city almost all on foot. Excellent choice.

The Praça do Comércio would deserve a dedicated post. It has earned the reputation of being one of the most beautiful squares in the world and I corroborate it. It has an impressive architecture. It has been designed and built on an esplanade gained from the sea (Terreiro do Paço); in fact, the way it opens to the Tagus estuary makes it very special. Exhibitions of outdoor sculpture are often made here. In the middle is the equestrian statue of Joseph I that replaced the one of Apollo that was in the same location until the earthquake. It is a symbol that has the purpose of perpetuating the memory of the king who rebuilt the city. Also approach the Cais das Colunas: it is the pier where the boats of the great personalities arrived. Take advantage of the visit to try the famous ginjinha, sweet brandy that is very successful and I really hate it.

To have good views of Bairro Alto, Baja, Alfama and Chiado, there is nothing better than going up to the Mirador de Santa Lucía and Castelo de San Jorge. The first is located in the Alfama neighborhood that is famous for taverns where musicians sings Fado live and where Casa dos Bicos is located, residence of the José Saramago foundation and with a curious facade.

It is necessary to get away from the center to go to the Belém neighborhood where there are four things that everyone should see and live before leaving Lisbon. Pastéis de Belém is the most famous bakery in the city. Name the cakes that have already spread throughout Spain. As a curiosity, they have the copyright of the name and only they can call them "Pastéis de Belém". All cakes that are not from here, should be called "Pastéis de Nata". The Jeronimos Monastery was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. It is one of the main examples of Manueline style architecture in Portugal and is a tribute to the golden age of discoveries.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos is an impressive 52-meter-high construction located next to the Tajo River and just in front of the Jeronimos Monastery. It is a ship-shaped stone monolith that goes into the river. The esplanade in front of the monument is a mosaic of the wind rose of 52 meters in diameter with a world map inside where the places that were important by the Portuguese sailors are marked. But... obviously it is so big that you don't appreciate it until you get on the viewpoint from where you have the necessary perspective. The interior of the monument is divided into 7 floors. The elevator goes up to 6, the rest is done by a staircase that leads to the terrace from where you can enjoy one of the best views of Lisbon: Torre de Belem, Tajo River, Ponte 25 de Abril, the port, Jardim da Praça do Imperio, Jeronimos Monastery and even the Castelo de San Jorge in the background. I don't know if the 52 meters high of the monument and the 52 meters in diameter of the wind rose... are a coincidence. I have not been able to find information that explains it. The Belém Tower, which is nearby, is the symbol of the city.

A must that everyone has to do: take tram 28 (the yellow one). And another, go to Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença (Bemfica) to see the bust of the famous singer Madalena Iglesias.

A city that will always be special.

Booking.com

In Lisbon I could spend months; but, with three days well spent, you can see the city.

No problem.

No problem.