Lisbon has won the award for best weekend city travel - several times. So we decided to take a weekend trip to this beautiful city. The following is our experience and hopefully this can inspire those of you who never traveled to Lisbon, to actually do so.
Lisbon Airport - Transportation to city center
Whenever I travel, I always have a rental car "pre ordered" waiting for me at the airport. However, when traveling only for a weekend or so, and when the stay is within the center of a big city, I highly recommend not renting a car. Most big cities have great public transportation. And Lisbon is not an exception. It is so easy to get around by Metro, or Trams.
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 is the largest and most important. Terminal 2 is used by low cost airlines such as easyJet, and only for outbound flights. For changing terminals you can use the shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes.
From the airport, there are several options. You can either take:
- Taxi: which will cost around €12-15
- Buss: Busses 705 , 722, 744, 783 and 208 (Night buss) take you to city center. But you can only take these busses if you have NO MORE THAN 1 piece of hand luggage. Ticket: €1,80 or use the 24 hour ticket € 6.
- Metro: We took the Metro and it is highly recommended. But be sure to buy the 24 hour ticket which costs € 6. Metro departs every 6-9 minuets from the airport. The trip takes about 20-25 min depending on which part of the city your hotel is. It is very easy to understand and get around by Metro in Lisbon, as they operate on "Colors" like many other cites. You have the red, blue, yellow and green. So by following the colors, you won't get lost.
Link to: Lisbon Airport and: Lisbon Metro
The airport is at the end of the red line.
Here you can see how well connected the public transportation is in Lisbon
The most famous landmarks in Lisbon
One of many beautiful authentic trams that operate in Lisbon - Nikon D4S ISO 100 48mm f/10 1/200sec
Perfect way to start a travel guide in my opinion is by watching a short youtube information clip about the place I want to travel to. This always gives me the warm feeling of almost being there, and inspires me to learn more. For those of you who agree with me, here is a short introduction clip of Lisbon:
Lisbon, the city set on seven hills - as the legend tells, with its beauty and the combination of ancient and modern, is a great place and many peoples first choice to spent weekends in.
There are endless sights, magnificent churches, renovated palaces, and a impressive castle overviewing the city, that mirror the city’s rich cultural heritage. Its charming blend of neighborhoods, culture and its unique architecture makes this city stand out from other capitals in Europe.
Lisbon is situated on the north banks of the River Tagus. Most popular sights in Lisbon are located around Praça do Comércio, Rossio and Baixa - situated on the hill around George’s Castle, Alfama and Mouraria, and set on Tagus River, Belèm.
Sightseeing:
There are endless places to explore. Here are some of the famous ones and the ones we managed to visit:
Lisbon Cathedral - Sé de Lisboa
Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest and most important church in the city - Nikon D4S ISO 100 32mm f/9,0 1/640sec (5 photo panorama)
A little history: According to legend, this site was home to a mosque that was converted to a cathedral after the city was conquered by Crusaders in 1147 (led by Portugal's first king, Alfonso Henríques). Its complete name is Santa María Maior.
You can feel the glory as you enter the cathedral
Inside the Cathedral - Nikon D4S ISO 10 000 24mm f/6,0 1/50sec
The church has suffered various natural disasters. The great earthquake of 1755 destroyed several parts of the church.
Cathedral treasury
In the upper part of the cathedral you can visit the treasury. This is made up of four halls with suits, jewels and relics from different periods.
Tip:
As we were walking past the Cathedral, an antique shop caught our attention. The shop is not so big, but they have beautiful items. We ended up buying more than we should. Beautiful items. I personally am very fond of rosary crosses. And I bought one from 18th century, beautiful made from olive tree wood. I highly recommend this shop. It is located within a few steps from the Cathedral. The street is called Rua Augusta Rosa 11. The shop is called : RICHARDO HOGAN ANTIGUIDADES. Opening hours: MON-FRI 11.00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00, Saturdays 11:00-13:00
Hogan Antiguidades
Praça do Comércio - in English: Commerce Square
Reading a little about the history of a place is so important to really appreciate the sight when you visit that place. It helps to understand it better:
King Manuel I built a new royal palace by the river just outside the city walls. This area was further developed with the building of a port and ship building facilities and other administrative buildings that regulated the commerce between Portugal and other parts of the Europe and Africa, Asia and America.
On november 1. 1755, a great Earthquake followed by a tsunami and fire, destroyed most of Lisbon. José I’s Prime Minister, the Marquis of Pombal, started a massive rebuilding effort of Portuguese architect Eugenio dos Santos.
He designed a large rectangular square in the shape of a «U» open towards the Tagus. Buildings have galleries on their ground floors, and the arms of the «U» end in 2 towers, reminiscent of the monumental tower of the destroyed Ribeira Palace.
The main piece of the ensemble was the equestrian statue of King Josè I, placed in the center of the square in 1775.
The square got its name, to indicate its new function in the economy of Lisbon. The buildings of the square were filled with government offices that regulated customs and port activities.
The "Gateway" to the city
The view from the rooftop. Klick the image for direct link to our face book with this image.
Statues on top of the tower
The ceiling
Opening towards the Augusta Street, which links the square with other traditional Lisbon square, the Rossio, was realized in 1875. This arch, usually called the Arco da Rua Augusta, was designed by Verìssimo da Costa. It has a Clock and Statues of the Glory, Ingenuity and Valour.
To get to the top of the tower, it costs €2,50 and the entrance is on the left in R. Augusta street (main street)
The view from the top of the tower is fantastic - This is a panoramic picture made by 8 pictures
The view towards Tagus
Elevador de Santa Justa - The elevator
panoramic view of the Elevador de Santa Justa. Nikon D800 ISO 100 195mm f/22 1/80sec ( 8 pictures panorama )
Fantastic view. Here you can see the lisbon Cathedral. I have used 110mm.
Klikk here for the official site of Elevador de Santa Justa
A little history:
Also called Elevador do Carmo (Carmo Elevator), it is arguably the world's most elegant elevator. It is the work of engineer Raul Mesnier, who was one of the outstanding disciples of Gustav Eiffel.
This iron jewel communicates the districts of Baixa Pombalina (downtown Lisbon) with the top of the Chiado where you find the ruins of Convento do Carmo.
Opened on 10 July 1902, it was for many years one of the few public Lisbon vertical elevators, since the remaining elevators are rather funiculars. With its 45 meters high, it offers a privileged panoramic views of the city with St. George Caste in the background and the Baixa overflowing into the Atlantic.
Tip: Show your day pass ticket and enter for free.
The view from the Elevator is truly magnificent.
Tram nr 28
Everyone who has ever been to Lisbon recommend a ride on Tram nr 28. And that for a reason. The route passes through many of Lisbon’s finest districts including Baxia, Graca, Alfama and Estrela. And for us tourists a perfect way to climb the hill from Baxia to Alfama and the castle. This is actually the longest route in Lisbon. The tram departures every 11 minuets every day. Remember that the final departures are around 21.00!
The best time to take this tram for sightseeing is first thing in the morning or early evening when passenger numbers are low. Pickpockets work on this route. So be careful. The tram is from the 1930s.
They don’t lack any charm:) But do not expect a comfy ride! Uncomfortable polished wood benches and sharp brakes, will make your buttom hurt after a while. That is of course if you can get a seat! But trust me when I say this, no tourist want to change any part of this experience:)
Castelo De Sao Jorge - Lisbon Castle
How to get there:
To see the Castle, the easiest way is to take the famous Tram 28. The stop for the Castle is called «Lg. Portas do Sol»
Saint George's Castle can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Its oldest parts date from the 6th century, when it was fortified by the Romans, Visigoths, and eventually the Moors. It served as a Moorish royal residence until Portugal's first king Afonso Henriques captured it in 1147 with the help of northern European crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. It was then dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of England, commemorating the Anglo-Portuguese pact dating from 1371, and became the royal palace until another one (that was destroyed in the Great Earthquake) was built in today’s Comercio Square.
It is now an oasis of peace, but just past the main gate is a statue of King Afonso Henriques and a series of cannons, reminders of the castle's original purpose. What remains of the Alcaçovas Palace where medieval kings lived, is a stone building now housing a restaurant, and round the back, a small archaeological museum in three underground chambers (including the one where Vasco da Gama was once received by King Manuel).
Most of the castle was destroyed over the years, especially in the Great Earthquake of 1755, but still includes a long extension of walls and 18 towers. Visitors can climb the towers and walk along the ramparts for the most breathtaking views of Lisbon, or relax in the gardens where peacocks, geese and ducks strut around. One of the castle's inner towers, the Tower of Ulysses, holds the Câmara Escura, a periscope that projects sights from around the city.
www.golisbon.com
The view from the castle is breathtaking - Nikon D4S ISO 100 80mm f/22 1/60sec
How to get there
Either climb up the hill from Rossio or take the tram nº28 or the bus nº37 to get there.
Opening hours
Castle São Jorge
9am - 9pm Mar-Oct, 9am-6pm Nov-Feb
Gallery and Olisipónia
These places are from time to time closed to the public.
Torre de Ulisses - Dark Room
10am - 5pm, all the year round
Entrance fee: 5.00 EUR. Concessions available.
The view revealing itself
We just sat there for a long time an enjoyed the view.
Tip: After visiting the castle, just wonder around through the charming narrow streets behind the castle. Here are some random pictures taken from these streets:
Colorful narrow streets
Rua de Espirito Santo
Charming small shops
Beautiful church tower glowing in the sun like gold
As I mentioned above, to see the castle, the easiest way is to take the famous tram nr 28. The stop for the castle is called "Lg. Portas do Sol».
It is like a square with several souvenir shops and restaurants. And it has fantastic view towards the ocean. You can also see the tower of the National Pantheon.
To get to the National Pantheon is a 15-20 min walk in beautiful charming narrow streets, with plenty to photograph.
I wouldn't wanna be a tram chauffeur in this city. Just look where the cars are parked!
The city elevates a lot. And when it is hot, its really challenging to walk long distance with camera gear. Pack light.
You can see the top tower of the National Pantheon.
I can’t say this enough! Get lost in the streets. Just walk and discover new places. And DO NOT forget your camera!
National Pantheon - Santa Engracia Church
Unfortunately when we got here, it was closed during renovation work. So we couldn't enter.
Santa Engracia Church, or the National Pantheon, stands on the site of an earlier church that was torn down after being desecrated by a robbery in 1630.
A Jew was blamed for this and executed, but was later exonerated.
Legend has it that before dying he cursed the rebuilding of the church because of the conviction of an innocent man. The plan to reconstruct (by master stonemason João Antunes, bearing many similarities to Peruzzi's plans for St. Peter's in Rome) did take several centuries to be completed, only finished in 1966.
Today it has been designated the National Pantheon and contains the tombs of several Portuguese presidents, writer Almeida Garrett (one of the country's leading 19th century literary figures), and in recognition of her iconic status, Amalia Rodrigues, the most famous Fado diva.
Beautiful details
The building is on the plan of a Greek cross, and the interior is covered in beautiful, multicolored slabs of polished marble. It is crowned with a dome that provides a 360-degree view of the river and the city.
Belém
Belem is Lisbon’s most monumental and historical area. This is the place from which many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery: Prince Henry the Navigator and the first overseas expedition to conquer Ceuta in Morocco, Bartholomeu Dias to round the Cape of Good Hope, the first voyages of Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama to discover the sea route to India, and Christopher Columbus stopped here on his way back to Europe after discovering the New World. During this time Lisbon flourished with riches pouring into Portugal and saw the construction of great monuments like the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Today these monuments and their surrounding museums are essential viewing for any visitor.
Belem's attractions need a full-day visit, but don't go on a Monday, when many of the sites are closed.
Antiga Confeitaria de Belém
When you get tired and hungry, there are cafes housed in attractive traditional houses with terraces along Rua Vieira Portuense next to the garden in front of Belem Palace. But the best place for a drink and pastries is the cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belem which has been serving delicious custard tarts in its rooms adorned with tiles since 1841.
You can have a few inside or buy a dozen to savor by the riverfront as you admire the monuments, the river, and 25 de Abril Bridge.
When we first saw this place, it was hard to understand why the queue was so long. It was literary 100 meters out of the store. Boy am I glad I asked a local about it. He told me it was the best tart in the world. And I must admit - It was so good that we went back the next day and bought 24 of them. Så tasty you wouldn't believe it. I HIGHLY recommend it. They make this other places also, but it is only here that it is called Pastèis de Belèm.
Just look at the queue line...
The taste is beyond words
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
This is a 24 picture panorama taken from the top of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which I will write about further down.
This place is so Grand and majestic that whatever you take picture of - will be fantastic. The artwork is amazing. I remember us being hungry but still, we wondered around for 3-4 hours. This is one of those places that can’t be missed. Also remember, if you have a Lisbon Card, most of the entrance to these sightseeings will be free of charge. Klick here for information about LISBON CARD
A little history:
Jeronimos Monastery - the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth, during the age of discovery, is a gigantic magnificent design. In 1502, King Manuel built it on the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator.
This is where Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before leaving for India.
It was built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama's voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success. Vasco da Gama's tomb was placed inside by the entrance, as was the tomb of poet Luis de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads in which he glorifies the triumphs of Da Gama and his compatriots. Other great figures in Portuguese history are also entombed here, like King Manuel and King Sebastião, and poets Fernando Pessoa and Alexandre Herculano.
The monastery was populated by monks of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites), whose spiritual job was to give guidance to sailors and pray for the king's soul. It is one of the great triumphs of European Gothic (UNESCO has classified it a World Heritage monument), with much of the design characterized by elaborate sculptural details and maritime motifs.
This style of architecture became known as Manueline, a style of art that served to glorify the great discoveries of the age.
Address: Praca do Imperio
Hours: Open Tues - Sun 10am - 6pm. Closed Mondays, May 1 and Dec 25
Admission: € 10
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Picture from google
This was built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.
It represents a three-sailed ship ready to depart, with sculptures of important historical figures such as King Manuel I carrying an armillary sphere, poet Camões holding verses from The Lusiads, and many more.
See the pictures above - for names. The only female is queen Felipa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the navigator, the brain of the discoveries.
Inside is an exhibition space with temporary exhibits, an interesting film about the city of Lisbon, and an elevator that takes visitors to the top for some bird's-eye views of Belem and its monuments. You can also choose to use the 267 stairs.
The pavement in front of the monument is decorated with a mosaic that was offered by the South African government in 1960, representing a compass with the map of the world charting the routes taken by the Portuguese explorers.
How to Visit:
Where: Avenida de Brasilia, Belem
How: Take tram 15 from downtown's Figueira Square or Comercio Square
When: 10AM-6PM (Closed Mondays) Elevator : €3,00
Picture from google
I took many pictures, but it was crowded with tourists. So we decided to come back early next morning to get great pictures. But we never got to it.
Torre de Belém - Belem Tower
It is a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument.
The architect, Francisco de Arruda, had previously worked on Portuguese fortifications in Morocco, so there are also Moorish-style watchtowers and other Moorish influences. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.
Pedro Ribeiro Simões
Where: Avenida da India, Belém
How: Take tram 15 from downtown's Figueira Square or Comercio Square
Hours: 10AM-5PM (Oct.-April), 10AM-6:30PM (May-Sept.), Closed Mondays
Price: €5,00
Alvesgaspar
Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland
Patrick Clenet
It was so hot that day. I remember the sun barbecuing my neck. We ended up buying a sun lotion from one of the stands. Not a good idea, I know. It was probably a 5 years old sun lotion. But still, better than nothing.
Ginjinha - The cherry brandy
I must admit. I have never tried Cherry brandy before. I remember watching The travel Channel few weeks prior to our trip to Lisbon. And there was a short - "Get to know Lisbon» -commercial. And it showed many different places and things to do in Lisbon. And I remember seeing this place and they interviewed the people standing in line to get their little shot of bandy. They really seemed to enjoy it.
We were in Largo de Sao Domingos, a square in central Lisbon, and it was a total coincidence that we came across this place. It is the oldest place that serve this in Lisbon. So we stood in line. They serve only cherry brandy. The choice you get, is whether with - or without a cherry. Locals take it with the cherry. They drink it and then chew on the cherry. So thats what we did. It tasted great. So we ended up buying a bottle. Do not miss this. You have to try the cherry. WOW...
click on the picture for more information
Here is my 4. glass, and I am feeling it..Or was it my 5. ?
A tourist trying the brandy
I put in a link to a youtube clip that is about this wonderful cherry brandy. Be sure to watch it.
Lisbon Nightlife
Lisbon Nightlife is considered to be among the best in Europe. It is home to many discos, Bars, Fado houses, and nightclubs, all catering to different tastes and interests and located throughout the city. The prices are very low, when compared to other european capitals.
Nighttime venues begin opening their doors at sunset and often do not close until early the following morning. With bars often remaining open until 3 or 4 AM and discos until 6 AM, a night out in Lisbon often does not end until the next day.
When it comes to Fado houses, where you can listen to original music and eat local food, you must ask the locals where to go. The locals say that the fado houses made for tourists are a joke. Neither the music or the food is near as good as the places the locals go to.
Igreja de Sao Domingos ( Santa Justa e Rufina )
Truely a magnificant churche
This church is just off of Rossio Square, right by a great ginja place. The plaza's designer wanted no churches on the main square so he hid the church behind the buildings around the main part.
The church was damaged by the 1531 Lisbon earthquake and almost completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Rebuilding began quickly but wasn't completed until 1807. In 1959 the church was devastated once more when a fire broke out in the building. The fire, which killed two firemen, took more than six hours to extinguish and completely gutted the church, destroying many important paintings and statues. In 1994 the church reopened. The restoration left many signs of the fire in place. I guaranty that this church will take your breath away!
Flea markets:
I love going to flea markets when I travel. I always try to find out where and when they are held. Thats why I write about it. I always look for antique religious items. This time I ended up buying a big wooden cross that was about 9 kg. It was BIG. But I love it, and right now it is hanging on my wall where I am writing this.
There is a flea marked in the Campo de Santa Clara street, in the district off Alfama. The marked starts at the Arco de São Vicente, an arch near where the famous Tram 28 stops.
From the market, the National Pantheon (which I wrote about earlier) , can be seen, and it is just a short walk away. This market is held every Tuesday and Saturday from dawn til dusk.
Here you can find anything. Handmade artisan goods, CD's, books, clothes, stamps, coins, military objects, antiques and furniture is all on display here, so the occasional bargain is still possible although many of the stores now seem to cater exclusively to the tourists.
Belém flea market
Belém Flea market:
Weekends are the best time to visit a local market, and Belém is a great place to go. Once there, you can spend the rest of the day visiting the attractions it is famous for: The Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, or simply want to taste the mouth-watering pastel de Belém. It is held every first and third Sunday of the month an antiques and second-hand market takes place in the gardens in Belém.
That's a beautiful cross by the way...
Antiques – Belém:
When: first and second Sunday of the month, from 9am to 6pm
Where: Praça do Império, Belém. Near the Pastéis de Belém and Centro Cultural de Belém
Second-hand/Antiques – Feira da Ladra
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6am to 6pm
Where: Campo de Santa Clara. Near St Vincent Church and the National Pantheon
Organic Food – Príncipe Real
When: Saturdays from 9am to 2pm
Where: Praça do Príncipe Real. Near Bairro Alto and Largo do Rato
Feira da Ladra:
The place where you can find anything imaginable
The neat and well-organised stands of Belém would stick out in Feira da Ladra (literally, thief’s fair), Lisbon’s very own flea market, and the most emblematic and oldest market in the city. Here people will mostly just spread a sheet on the ground or over a portable table and try and sell anything they possibly can.
And when I say anything, I really mean anything. The place is always packed with all sorts of people selling all kinds of objects, from the most fashionable to the most antique. Literally from trash to treasure. Opening before sunrise, it draws people from all walks of life, from university students trying to raise some travel money, to the old lady trying to earn some extra money to make ends meet until the end of the month.
It takes place in Campo de Santa Clara behind the St Vincent Church, not far from Santa Apolónia train station, every Tuesday and Saturday.
creepy or what?
Great for collectors
To be honest, I got so carried away, that I totally forgot to take many pictures.
Shopping:
CHIADO
The biggest shopping district in town used to be home to the most exclusive local stores, but they're now mostly international names like Zara and H&M. The main streets are Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett, where you'll also find the world's oldest bookstore (Bertrand) and the city's most beautiful jewelry shop (Tous - Ourivesaria Aliança).
PRICIPE REAL
This has become the most interesting shopping district, down one long street (Rua Dom Pedro V which eventually becomes Rua da Escola Politécnica). There are galleries, independent boutiques and design shops for the city's hippest crowds, as well as the most beautiful and appealing shoppling gallery in a palace from the 1800s called Embaixada.
AVENIDA DA LIBERADE
Think of this as the local Champs-Elysées, a long tree-filled boulevard that's home to the major luxury brands. There's Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, but also some of the best local jewelry and shoe stores.
BAXIA
This is a mix of tourist kitsch "Made in China" and more genuine local souvenir shops, international chains, and archaic-but-charming shops like haberdashers surviving on low rents.
The main pedestrian shopping street in town, Rua Augusta, offers both local and international brands. This is where we did most of our shopping.
MALLS AND DEPARTMENT STORES
Lisbon and surroundings has some of the biggest shopping malls in Europe and most are very accessible from the center.
The biggest in the city is Colombo, although the most pleasant may be the light-filled Centro Vasco da Gama on the waterfront with its food court terraces.
The very first one was Amoreiras, today smaller but more upscale and a favorite of those who prefer smaller crowds. In the heart of the central Chiado district is the small but very popular Armazéns do Chiado, often used as a meeting point for more shopping in the neighborhood.
Then you have the large Spanish "El Corte Inglés" uptown.
Picture from Google
Picture from Google
Picture from Google
General Information:
Dangers:
Lisbon has a low crime rate, but take care, as you would in any large city. Most crime against foreigners involves car break-ins, pickpocketing or bag-snatching. Use a moneybelt and keep valuables hidden. Be especially mindful when in crowded trams and buses. If you do get challenged, it’s far better to hand stuff over than take a risk. Park cars in guarded or locked garages. Late at night (especially on weekends), avoid walking alone through the Bairro Alto, Alfama and Cais do Sodré districts; take a taxi. Parks and gardens are best avoided after sunset.
Having said that, we walked around with expensive camera equipment and nothing happened. But it is always better to be on the safe side.
Looking for cultural activities?
I found a site with full information. Follow the link below:
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed this, and hopefully got inspired to visit Lisbon. We had only 4 days and managed to do a lot. It is always a pleasure to travel, but it is alway also great to get back home to my dogs. On long vacations more than 2 week, I always drive and take my two German Shepherds with me.
Last tip I have for you, is that the best way to discover Lisbon is to get lost in its narrow streets and up and down roads. Every narrow street, every staircase will reveal its story that will reach your heart easily. And now I will finish off this by random pictures from Lisbon.
Fishermen in Belém
This man was sitting on the exact same place each time we passed by. He plays beautiful guitar.
Only the lucky ones find a seat in these trams. They get pretty crowded
Some of the buildings look like paintings
The national theater
Portuguese people must be in great shape walking staircases every day
I love rooftops
Amazing how high the hills of Lisbon are
As a catholic, I always try to light a candle in church
Believe it or not, this is NOT a one way street
The show must go on...
The graffiti matched perfectly in
