Did you know, Lisbon is older than Rome? In fact, Lisbon is the second oldest European capital after Athens.
Going into my quick ( 3 nights ) trip to Lisbon, I didn't know much about this coastal country besides that Ronaldo called it home. Recently recovering from the recession and the European bail out, Lisbon is becoming a new hot spot...where the construction nor the locals have managed to catch up with just yet. Before arriving, I didn't have much expectations besides this picturistic city sitting on the Atlantic ocean with amazing seafood ( which I am absolutely crazy about! ) What I found was a city of people that were extremely welcoming, friendly and excited to have you visit their pais ( * yes, Spanish and Portuguese are very much alike and the locals will understand you if you use your Spanish )
Arriving to Lisbon was a quick flight from my Paris trip on TAP Portugal- first time with the airline, super service, great sandwiches and an even better price ( less than 100 Euros from Paris, 1 way) The cab did end up charging us as tourists.... if you are paying more than 20 Euroes to get to the old city, you are paying too much...just like we did..but don't you worry as Uber is at your service as well.
Below are some recommendations from my brief trip :
HOTEL: Fontecuz Lisboa, Autograph Collection ( by Marriott for those you point seekers! ) Great rooms, super friendly staff, killer lemonade and most importantly a safe and convenient location plus the rates were reasonable
RESTAURANTS :
A Gina : hidden behind an abandoned theater and a couple of streets away from avenida de Liberdade. A Gina hit the spot on night 1...a family ran restaurant with HUGE portions in an open kitchen ( if you get a table inside, you are in for a treat) the octopus Portuguese style and meat kebabs were delicious and yet so simply prepared. Make sure you leave room for desert as the Mango mouse is exquisite
Senior Lisboa : Delicious tapas, will need reservations for dinner as its a small local restaurant with his demand...the melon gazpacho will be very intriguing to your taste buds!
Taberna Anti- Dantas: down the block from Senior Lisboa...interesting setting, almost feels like you are in a cava. You have to try the cod fish pasteis...a twist on pasteis de nata but with codfish! Amazing!
Vestigius : right on the Atlantic Ocean...the inside is just as neat as the outside! The white Sangria will cool you off on the hottest day and the watermelon mint gaspacho will have you asking for seconds! You can't go wrong with the octupus... just make sure you bring your appetite as they service you with a whole one!
Delta Q : on Avenida de Liberdad ...if you are a coffee fanastic, this is your spot..you will have a wide variety of options in addition to delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches ( also super close to hotel Fontecruz)
MUST DOs :
Tram 12 - much shorter line than the notoriously touristy Tram 28...its a quick tide...10-15 mintutes tops and it takes you from central Baixa up through Alfama and to the castle. For less than 3 Euros a person you can ride on the pre WWII trams that transport locals and save your legs from the unforgiving hills of Lisbon. Prepare yourself for a bumpy yet fun ride and make sure to get off at Alfama for stunning views of the city!
EAT a pasteis de Nata - all the bakeries sell them and as long as you get them freshly made they will leave a lasting taste. Imagine....creme brulle baked in a filo dough...almost like a stuffed croissant with delicious filling. When you order one, get it with a Bica ( Beba isto com açúcar ...drinks with sugar) just like the locals drink their coffee
FADO - the Spanish have Famenco, the Argentinians have Tango , the Cubans have salsa & the Portuguese have FADO. Fado is traced from Lisbon and is a slower pace, mournful tunes and lyrics....usually singing about life by the sea. Many restaurants do live Fado music ...some include dinner , just be aware that you will be paying for the show with your dinner plate.
Hang out by the water - Lisbon is right on the Atlantic Ocean and even thought it doesn't resemble South Beach nor Veradero, it has its own charm on cement walkways and sitting areas...all giving you a view of the 25 de Abril bridge. The bridge is the second longest in Europe and resembles the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco, California. In addition, there are few restaurants and cafes right on the water with stunning views.
Take a free walking tour - there are several offered, by recommendation, I did the Sandeman's tour. They have a 10am, 11am and 2pm free tours ...you can either sign up online or show up the day/ time of. The tours are done in different languages and the guides are freelancers earning their tips by taking you on a 2.5 hour journey...
Party in Bairro Alto - a traditional Portuguese neighborhood known for its vibrant night life...don't let the small dive bars fool you , the streets are filled with people as they migrate from one to the other as the night goes on!
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
- Bring Euroes as not all places accept credit cards and /or have minimums
- Wear comfortable, non slippery shoes as you will be walking up and down streets filled with cobble stones
- Be ready to get lost...the streets are confusing and often are a dead- end...google maps on your phone goes a long way, or even old school with a paper map :)
- Educate yourself on the rich history...why do all the buildings look the same, what is the carnation war? It will make your experience in Lisbon even more special !
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