Exploring the fascinating capital of Lisbon

An itinerary and some useful tips through the different districts of the Portuguese capital.

Do you have just few days to visit the capital of Portugal and you don't want to miss the most important places and typical tastes?

Here you have: a short and practical guide to orient yourself around its district and to suggest nice places to try typical food, wine and flavors.

1. BAIXA

It is nice to start the visit of the capital from this point: in fact the Baixa, or lower city, is like the centre and the elegant district of Lisbon. Moreover is the symbol of the capital's rebirth, after the devastating 1755 earthquake.

The Baixa should definitely be explored on foot: its main attractions are all under the open sky.

To see: Praça dos Restauradores, Plaça do Rossio, Praça da Figueira e do Comercio, Elevador de Santa Justa.

2. BARRIO ALTO

Bairro Alto is, in some ways, the neighborhood that "contrasts" the Alfama. Like the latter, it dominates the Baixa of Lisbon, but is located on the opposite hill. Alfama and Barrio Alto are different both in the architecture they are constructed and in the lifestyle: if Alfama is the popular neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Bairro Alto is instead the creative neighborhood, loved by the artists who live and work here in the numerous galleries. Finally, if Alfama is the district for daytime visits for tourists, Bairro Alto is the choice of those in Lisbon who want to discover not only the monuments but also the lively nightlife.

3. BELEM

The district of Belem lies on the Tagus River. Is nice to visit it on a sunny day, thanks to the long riverfront. Here there is no beach, but despite this you can have here the sensation of a seafaring charm (there is also a port with different kind of boats and sailboats). Moreover, a fundamental expedition that completely changed the fate of Portugal in the history of seafaring conquests, departed from here: we are talking about Vasco de Gama in 1497 (in fact you can find also its monument).

In this district it is also possible to taste the famous Pasteis de Belem in the original and historical factory. In fact the Pastel the Nata that you can eat in all the different bars around Lisbon are different from the original Pastel the Belem, which you can eat only here: they are made with the original and secret recipe.

To see: Porto de Alcantara, Ponte 25 de Abril, Monument to Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), Belem Tower, Maat Museum, Pasteis de Belem Factory, Monastero dos Jerónimos

4. MIRADOUROS

Panoramic points of view: you can find different of them above the city (which is built above seven hills).

Here some of them, where you can have a panoramic view of the city especially at sunset:

- Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge

- Miradouro de Santa Luzia

- Miradouro das Portas do Sol

- Miradouro do Elevador de Santa Justa

- Miradouro de Santa Catarina

- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

5. BY NIGHT

LX Factory, Pink street (with different kind of bars and locals open until late, sometimes also with music), port of Alcantara (with different bars and restaurants along the beach).

6. NEAR LISBON

Caiscais: for a long time it was the summer residence of the Portuguese nobility, instead today it is characterized by the most modern and touristic facilities. Here you can have a nice stroll in the centre of the city but also have a suggestive view of Boca do Inferno and Cabo da Roca (the most western point of continental Europe).

See also: Casa Portuguesa (where you can eat the typical Pasteis de bacalhau).

7. TO EAT&DRINK

Atalho Real

Topo Chiado

Java Rooftop

O Boteco

Espumanteria do Cais

The Old Pharmacy: where you can have a nice degustation of the typical Portuguese wine (Porto)

Manah

Pasteis de Belem

Tascardoso

© Claudia Spinato, 2022.