| Page Views: 1,545 Last Visit to Lisbon: August, 2005 | Lisbon Explorer by SonOfLusus - last update: Aug 2, 2007 |
Lisbon doesn't reveal itself at first sight, choosing instead to gradually seduce those who venture into its hills and cobbled alleys exploring the contrasting faces that make it one of the world's most soulful cities. First impressions may be misleading, and nowhere is that more evident than in one of its old quarters that is a sleepy neighborhood during the day but transformed into a huge block party at night with peeling façades actually revealing sleek bars and stylish shops that only open in late afternoon. Down by the river former warehouses are really glitzy bars and restaurants, and the unpretentious, ramshackle appearance of the oldest quarters is an harmonious beauty when seen from the top of the hills they are built on. It is in these viewpoints that the city begins to expose itself and its soul takes over, forcing a stop to contemplate its beauty from above.
What is immediately clear is that this is not a European capital spruced up for the tourist, but an authentic place with its own distinctive character. Its setting alone, spreading across seven hills running down to the immense Tagus River makes it one of the world's most beautiful cities, and its superb mix of the old and the new makes it one of Europe's most captivating cities. It is therefore a place for unhurried exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to take some time to understand its past glories and tragedies, and its present treasures and pleasures -- from the Gulbenkian Museum and the Manueline cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery to the sweet pastries of Belem and bar hopping through the alleys of Bairro Alto.
It is a city that feeds curiosity and wonder, so it is not surprising that many of the world's great explorers from Vasco da Gama to Prince Henry the Navigator made it their home and the starting point for so many of the voyages of discovery. After having explored and becoming part of Lisbon's life, I have discovered my favorite city.
For more on Lisbon I suggest you see the www.golisbon.com - Lisbon Portugal sights and hotels guide website.
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My Top 10 Personal Favorite Lisbon Experiences
1. Standing on one of the city's legendary seven hills with their strategically placed viewpoints to admire the effortless beauty of the city below. My favorites are Alfama's Portas do Sol, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara in Bairro Alto and Miradouro da Graça above the Alfama district.
2. Spending an entire day in the Belém district, going inside Jeronimos Monastery and especially its cloisters, the top of the Discoveries Monument, and feeling the spirit of the 15th century explorers in Belem Tower – while also not forgetting to visit the Maritime Museum, Coaches Museum, Ajuda Palace, the Berardo Museum, trying the creamy tarts in the tile panel-filled Antiga Confeitaria de Belem café, and ending in the pleasant Tropical Gardens for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
3. Getting lost in and photographing the village-within-a-city that is Alfama's medieval maze of tiny squares, whitewashed churches, flower-filled wrought-iron balconies, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and romantic terrace views, and climbing towards the castle for the late afternoon glow over the city and unforgettable sunset.
4. Wandering through Bairro Alto at night, browsing through the hip alternative shops, eating at a traditional or trendy restaurant, and bar hopping through the district, ending by the river on the attractive dock area below 25 de Abril Bridge, or at what some have considered Europe's most fashionable club, Hollywood actor John Malkovitch's Lux .
5. Enjoying a ride on a clanking turn-of-the century tram through the old quarters stopping at Estrela's domed basilica and lovely garden, or riding by the riverfront to the monumental Belém district, or underground on the subway for the contemporary artwork of the stations. |
6. Strolling through the main avenue, Avenida da Liberdade, the central squares such as Rossio, and the elegant Chiado district admiring the works of art on the ground – the patterned cobblestone pavements.
7. Walking by the riverfront of Parque das Nações district for the futuristic and contemporary architecture of the site, with views to the seemingly endless Vasco da Gama Bridge, and ending at the spectacular Oceanarium.
8. Visiting the world-class collections of the Gulbenkian Museum, Berardo Museum, and Ancient Art Museum.
9. Understanding the devastation of the 1755 earthquake by visiting the romantic ruins of Carmo Church and its small eclectic archeological museum, followed by a stop at a café nearby – a chocolate croissant in Bernard (next to the more famous Brasileira Café) is one of my personal favorites.
10. Can't leave the city without listening to Fado, and the best option is Senhor Vinho in the serene Lapa quarter, where there are also some of the best and most charming retreats in the city such as As Janelas Verdes Hotel, York House, and Lapa Palace. |
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| Pros: | "Beautiful viewpoints, World Heritage monuments, interesting contrasting old and modern neighborhoods, distinctive architecture." | | Cons: | "A lot of climbing, but rewarding views are found on top of each hill" | | In A Nutshell: | "The captivating and very picturesque city of the explorers that also deserves to be explored." |
SonOfLusus' Lisbon Travel Tips
 Comments for SonOfLusus about Lisbon | | | | |
Vanderklugt Thu Jan 3, 2008 12:52 UTC
We discovered Rei dos Frangos by accident and we loved it. The friendly atmosphere, the service and above all the food. | Maurizioago Thu Feb 8, 2007 20:44 UTC
There are direct buses from Praca Marques de Pombal to Amoreiras Shopping Center. Ciao! | asurfacing Mon Dec 4, 2006 17:17 UTC
Thanks for your comments :) i must say your page on portugal impresses!! I wish i knew about VT before and had read up before my lisbon trip happened. But, now it just makes me want to go back to portugal even more! :)) And to Oriente ;) | arasnosliw Fri Nov 4, 2005 07:40 UTC
my favorite city too! I love when people have such an affinity for it as I do. Thanks for bringing back some great memories. |
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