Stunning Lisbon - a city to fall in love with
Nicole Kratzmann
4 min read | April 2024
Lisbon, the beautiful historical capital city of Portugal, has it all! From fine dining to local restaurants, cool bars to traditional Fado clubs, stylish hotels to local AirBnbs, and not to forget, sunshine most of the year… this city simply offers something for everyone!
The best way to explore this stunning city is to take a walk through it. A perfect starting point would be the “Café a Brasileira“, a wonderful turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque café where Lisbon’s intellectuals and artists used to meet. After a refreshing strong espresso and a couple of “Pastel de Nata” (very delicious puff-pastry filled with vanilla and cinnamon pudding), you’ll be ready to continue your walk to the district “Principe Real” that lies on a hilltop with many small boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. For lunch, you simply have to try the incredible ceviche creations at Cevicheria. The stylish yet relaxed atmosphere is the perfect setting for enjoying these unique dishes. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxing spot, rest on a bench underneath a large, really old cedar tree in the small park, Jardim do Principe Real.
A few steps down the road, you’ll find the impressive antique villa that is the Embaixada Concept Store. This 20th century neo-Arabic palace has been transformed into an innovative commercial gallery where several national brands and artists work on design, crafts, fashion, cuisine and Portuguese culture. Music events and authentic Fado, the traditional melancholic Portuguese music, are also offered in this magical place.
Also stop by at the small park-style view-point “Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara“ in Principe Real. You have a fabulous view over the city and can just sit and relax for a while. Every now and then, the exceptional street-musicians “Nova Afrika” will perfom live with their traditional and entrancing sad-happy music from the Capo Verde Islands.
If you feel tired after a day of exploring, hop aboard the famous tram number 28! This iconic Lisbon tram runs through the city’s most prominent districts, taking you back to our hotel. The white and yellow trams of the city have been a landmark of Lisbon for decades, and they’re still used as daily transportation by the Lisbon people. In the evening, the roof terrace of the hotel “Bairo Alto Hotel” is just perfect for a sundowner and some delicious Portuguese tapas with a stunning view over parts of Lisbon and the Tejo river.The day can’t end much better than with a chilled Gin & Tonic (or whatever you prefer) and a view over the roofs of Lisbon and the sun setting in the distance.
Discover the hidden gems of the vibrant Alfama district
A visit to the Alfama district, the oldest and most interesting part of Lisbon, is a must. Once a neighborhood for the city’s poorer residents, Alfama has become a fashionable and artisanal area. The historical highlight of the district is the castle “Castelo de São Jorge” high above the rooftops of Lisbon. One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lisbon, the magnificent view from the fortress walls is particularly special.
Alfama is an amazing neighborhood to just wander around and get lost in. But this also means climbing steep paths and endless stairs, as Alfama stretches over a steep hill that rises from the banks of the River Tero to the castle. So you might want to skip the walk up the hill and instead take tram number 12 or 28 up the hill.
If you are looking for a cool and stylish hotel in the neighborhood, the “Memmo Alfama” is the place to be. A truly hidden gem in the heart of Alfama and almost always fully booked. In that case, you can always go for a relaxing sundowner on the roof terrace overlooking Alfama and the Tejo.
Another great option in Alfama is the charming boutique hotel “Santiago de Alfama“. Also beautifully integrated into the authentic streets of the neighborhood and a stylish blend of traditional and modern architecture. It is also a great place to have a delicious breakfast or just to enjoy a nice espresso while watching the busy streets of the Alfama.
2B Local Tip: Santo-António-Festival in June
You simply have to check out the Santo-António-Festival in June! It’s a major annual event that the whole city gets into. It’s about celebrating the holy António, the patron of the city of Lisbon. The streets are covered in colorful garlands, sardines (a national dish) are grilled and sold at nearly every corner, and there is party music everywhere you go. Join the party and walk through the small streets of Alfama! Dance, eat sardines like the locals, and just purely celebrate until the morning hours. It’s a blast!
Check out the following blogs for more local tips about Lisbon:
- https://roadbook.com/lisbon/city-guide/my-city-lisbon/
- https://madisonsfootsteps.com/5-days-in-lisbon/
- https://wander-lush.org/visit-lisbon-guide/
Do you want to get more local tips and travel recommendations by real locals? Download the 2B LOCAL app for FREE and experience the city like a local!
