admin8570Oops I’m in the West: Lisbon
However someone said to me: if you are in lover with the East, go to the West.
Well yes, all of Europe is worth seeing, although I am a lover of the East even the countries to the West have their own. But Lisbon is not the only city I visited, the first was PARIS.
What’s in Lisbon?
Well if you are looking for a city that offers fun nightlife and a lively daytime life and if you are a good walker you have come to the right city.
Did you read walkers in bold? You are wondering why.
Yes, you read that right, walkers, because Lisbon is a city that sits on seven hills, it is a city as I have always called it ‘uphill’, so don’t be frightened. In fact, arm yourself with comfortable shoes, good will and a desire to discover and start walking. The heart of Lisbon, the citycentre, does not extend over too wide a space, so walk around, visit the sights and monuments on foot, wander through the alleys you will find in the streets of the centre, you will be enchanted by the beauty that will be in front of your eyes, alleys that like some of the shops will take you back in time. The fashionable shops in the Baxia district, the elegant neighbourhoods in Chiado and Barrio Alto and the Alfama district.
One of the many views from above. Going towards the horizon you can see the city rising up.
Lisbon is a city that comments itself, even if you take some bad pictures you will see that it comes out well.
My trip to Lisbon starts as always at the airport, trying to figure out how to get to the hotel. As usual, after settling in, quick shower and down to the street. We set off to discover the city.
Being at 4pm already at the hotel, I had a good part of the day to start getting to know it. First stop, which I recommend to everyone, a ride on the legendary tram No. 28. Tram No 28 is a tourist attraction in itself, it passes through the whole city. Many call it an institution, a wooden tram that takes us to another era with its bell that never stops ringing to warn pedestrians of its passage. The tram runs from the São Jorge Castle to Bairro Alto, a network that stretches a good 10 km. In the evening I stopped in the Barrio Alto, a very elegant neighbourhood with various kinds of bars and very nice people.
Sunday began early in the morning with an exploration of the city. First stop was the Torre Di Belém, Lisbon’s landmark tower, from there straight to the Pasteleria di Belém, where you can taste the delicious Pasteis de Nata. After the tower, I headed to the Praça do Comércio. The square has a ‘u’ shape that opens onto the imposing Tagus River. The square is pedestrian only, a small space is reserved for trams and buses but rest assured that no one will disturb you, if you want to sit in one of the many bars in the square you can order something and enjoy your holiday to the full. Yes because you are on holiday so no one is running after you. I must say that the service in the cafes in the square in general is a bit slow but at the same time will allow you to better observe the flow of life in Lisbon.
After Praça do Comércio, it was the turn of the Elevador de Santa Justa and a two-cabin wooden lift dating back to the early 1900s will take you up to the top where the view of the city is enchanting. Let’s just say that rather than tell you what it feels like in words it would be better to go and see for yourself.
Could not miss the Barrio Alto. Having spent the evening there, on Saturday I dedicated the day to visit the various shops and clubs very captivating. You can also visit some music shops for fans and you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants that are in the area. At the Barrio Alto you can find many shops that will take you back in time but you can find those a bit more ‘IN’.
Also from Barrio Alto I walked uphill of course until I got to a high point where you can admire a majestic view. I post a few photos below.
Essendo una persona che non si stanca mai di scoprire e di vivere la città mi sono addentrato anche nella parte “meno turistica” della città.
Salendo ancora mi sono ritrovato quasi per caso, a dire il vero a volerlo trovare di proposito non ci sarei riuscito mai, in quartiere molto affollato di gente qualsiasi dai turisti agli abitanti del posto, solamente 3 locali molto chic dove potete bere una bevanda fresca, sono andato a Settembre la temperatura era ancora molto calda.
Being a person who never tires of discovering and experiencing the city, I also delved into the ‘less touristy’ part of the city. Going up again I found myself almost by chance, to tell the truth I would never have managed to find it on purpose. In a neighbourhood very crowded with all sorts of people from tourists to locals, only 3 very chic places where you can have a cool drink, I went in September the temperature was still very hot.
Another tip I would give you is to visit Oceanário in Lisbon, an aquarium dedicated to oceans, located in the Parque das Nações, from there you can take the cable car. It is a modern building but it worth it. It is a trip that takes about 8/12 minutes at a height of 30 metres above the Tagus River. You can see an amazing panorama of the Parque das Nações.
I highly recommend going to visit Lisbon. For me, considering the type of city September is the best time, of course you can go at any time of the year, you don’t necessarily have to choose a summer period, but considering that Lisbon is a ‘city by the sea’ I think the best time to visit is in summer.
If you want to see more photos you can link to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/aron.drum
Bye dear friends, see you at the next trip. In the meantime, never miss the opportunity to travel and discover new places.
Francesco
