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Eurosummer is fast approaching. The promises of long, sunny days, mouthwatering food and cobblestone lined streets packed with tourists is what many of us have been clinging to during the winter months. So whether you are a first time traveller looking for a city to explore, or a holiday connoisseur waiting to escape your concrete jungle, Lewis Magazine has the perfect recommendations for you. Ensuring you do not miss out on the city’s hidden gems and still hit all of the iconic landmarks, our chronically online guide to your dream destination has landed in a new capital: Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisboa, or Lisbon, is Portugal’s largest city and cultural capital, its architecture oozes charm and from April to October clear skies and warm weather are practically guaranteed. Compared to its other European counterparts, it is a safer bet in terms of out-of-season travel. Therefore, Lewis Magazine’s recommended first stop to enjoy the summer’s rays is the historical neighbourhood of Alfama. Alfama is the city’s oldest and, in our opinion, most picturesque hub. It is also a standing piece of history with architectural prowesses such as the Castelo de São Jorge and the Feira da Ladra, a long-running flea market which’s origins have been traced back to at least 1272. With so many sights to discover, LEWIS Mag’s guide is here to help you choose what to prioritise.
Touristing in Alfama
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- Bondinho
If you are not one for boots on the ground sightseeing, but would still like to feel as though you are taking in the city’s culture/ what it has to offer, look no further than Bondinho 28. The Trams, known locally as bondinhos, are typical of the area. First introduced in 1873 their role has remained the same, a fast and efficient way to get around the city’s steep hills. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike are able to travel around in remodeled 1930s carriages to take in the scenery. The best way to see all of the landmarks is to jump in at the stop “Se”, which gives you plenty of time to take great pictures of the Sé de Lisboa as you wait for the tram. When you choose to get off is at your discretion, but don’t be afraid to stay on until the terminal.
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- Getting Lost
Our alternative way of touristing Alfama is surprisingly simple: getting lost. The neighbourhood is filled with local vendors, beautiful artwork and adorable cafes; so, take it all in. Explore the alleyways with less tourists, climb the steep hills and fully immerse yourself in these traditional portuguese streets. And while you are marvelling up at the architecture, see if you can spot Portugal’s most reliable security system staring back down at you!
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- Parliament
Arguably, the best part of discovering a new city is that anything, literally anything, could be hiding behind your next street corner. You might just be a few footsteps away from a grand reveal, you just have to keep walking. So, our LEWIS advice to you on your Portugal trip is, keep walking, keep discovering, and keep your curiosity alive. Who knows, you might just be a street corner away from the national Pantheon.
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Miradouros
Another unmissable attraction that Lisbon has to offer are the Miradouros. The miradouros are free, scenic viewpoints scattered on the highest points of the city’s seven hills. Their panoramic views are breathtaking and allow you to appreciate the city’s beauty from a different perspective. Although Alfama has various Miradouros, each with their unique views, there is one that is by far the most iconic: Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Not only does it offer a clear outlook on the Tagus river and the surrounding red tilled streets of Alfama, it also provides an uninterrupted sight of the São Vicente de Fora Monastery.
Another ‘pro’ of this Miradouro is the excellent restaurant it sits next to. Any view looks better with a glass of white wine in hand and any wine tastes better with a scenic portuguese landscape before you. Restaurante Sol is the complete package!
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Summer Evenings
Now, no ultimate ‘eurotrip’ is fully complete without any advice on how to best enjoy your summer evenings. The most iconic night out in Lisbon will always be in Bairro Alto. Whether you are looking for €5 buckets of Mojitos or to bump shoulders with bar-crawlers who wear matching t-shirts, Bairro Alto has it all. The likelihood of it being busy on most nights of the week is pretty high and it promises a fun time for all ages. However, if you are seeking a more relaxed evening out, Principe Real is more likely the neighborhood for you. One of our favourite restaurants is Lost In, a hidden oasis in central Lisbon, with mouthwatering Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes and a large tree-shaded terrace with city views. A perfect dinner spot for all crowds, accommodating from romantic dinner dates to girls’ nights out.
Sunset Cruise
Last but most definitely not least, if there is one experience that you cannot leave Lisbon without doing, it’s a sunset cruise. Although there are tens of cruises being offered along the Tagus in Lisbon, each boat caters for a certain type of traveler. For example, if you are an avid partier who loves a ‘boogie’, you are probably better suited to a boat with a DJ and drinks included rather than a package that provides an audioguide.
Nevertheless, most people are looking to avoid the feeling of being on a mini cruise ship, where everyone is crammed together like sardines on an old, charmless boat. Because of this, LEWIS recommends booking a catamaran tour. The boat’s design makes it much less likely you’ll feel nauseous, and relaxing on the netting feels surprisingly intimate, so much so that you might even forget you didn’t book a private tour! Just don’t get too comfortable and miss the breathtaking views.
Make sure to book ahead though, tickets sell out fast!
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