So much change !!! And for the better. Much better. Lisbon is definitely on the rise. The city that a few years ago was the “ugly duckling”, reinvented itself and became the new European darling. Who would say? And want to know more? The Brazilians are in love. Easy language, wonderful food, safe country and good prices. Lisbon is irresistible. So write down the tips.
1) Visit Parque das Nações, as it was responsible for the whole change of Lisbon when it received Expo 98. The Oceanarium is the main attraction of the place and can be easily reached by subway. It has several nice restaurants for the hunger hour and if you want to do some shopping, the Vasco da Gama mall is at the exit of the subway, just cross the street. Incidentally, these two buildings (the mall and Oceanário) have a project signed by the super architects Santiago Calatrava and Nick Jacobs.
2) Take a ride on Electric 28. The cable car is a classic, as well as being cheap and fun, especially for those who travel with children.
3) Visit the Tower of Belém, on the banks of the Tagus river, considered a cultural heritage of humanity by Unesco. Very close to it is the Monument of the Discoveries, the MAAT (new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and the unmissable Monastery of the Jeronimos, another patrimony of Unesco. And since you are in the area, take the opportunity to go to the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém to enjoy the Portuguese delicacies.
4) Go to the Commerce Square, the epicenter of the Lower City and important historical site where the kings of Portugal circulated. In one of the corners of the square is the Beer Museum, where you need to sit to taste a Cod Cake stuffed with Serra da Canastra cheese accompanied with a beer from the house.
5) Try the Ginja, a cachaça made with a type of cherry. The oldest store in the city is in Largo de São Domingo. I wonder if you will like it?
6) Climb up to Castelo de São Jorge on the hill of Alfama. It has a beautiful view. When you leave, go down the labyrinth-like slopes and where there are those messy houses full of clothes hanging from the windows. This neighborhood is the stronghold of Fado. If you’re too lazy to walk, know there’s plenty of tuk-tuk in Lisbon. It could be the salvation!
7) Explore Chiado and Bairro Alto. It has nice little shops and many good restaurants in the area. Speaking of restaurants, there are some must-sees: JNcQUOI, Bairro do Avillez and Solar dos Presuntos.
8) Also include in your list the new restaurant complex of Lx Factory, which occupies old warehouses in the Alcântara neighborhood, below the 25 de Abril Bridge.
I really hope you enjoy the tips.
XoXo and see you all next Tuesday.
