Just because we’ve had a pretty reasonable summer to date… doesn’t mean that we don’t still want to jet off to warmer climes.
And lucky for us it’s always sunny in Portugal. Better still, Lisbon is pretty much the Mediterranean’s most affordable city.
Bairro Alto is considered the bohemian and cultural centre of Lisbon, and it truly is. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its narrow and winding cobble stones, and locals screaming at each other across the alleys (this happens).
At night the place transforms with bars, clubs and restaurants heaving with locals and tourists alike. It’s incredible to walk around but can get a little loud so maybe steer clear of Rua da Rosa if you’re booking accommodation.
Fado houses are an absolute must see, these are usually restaurants where you can go, grab dinner and watch traditional Fado singers and musicians perform. A few of them can be tourist traps so be warned, and the food may not be the most exquisite you’ll try, but remember you are paying for the show, Adega Machado comes highly recommended if nothing else for the sheer quality of the Fado singers and musicians, mesmerising stuff.
Take the 28 tram, it’s a great way to get a feel for the city when you first arrive, and it’s great craic as well! You can get a travel card which you just top up if you want to hop a tram, bus or a metro.
Useful tip; get the tram up to St.George’s castle at sunset then stroll down through the winding streets of Alfama, if you follow the tram lines you won’t get lost, and there’s some pretty epic Instagram opportunities.
Go to the main square in Chiado and join a free walking tour, any history buffs will love the walking tours. Paschal an incredibly knowledgable guide took us through Chiado an area almost entirely destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755.
Go a bit fancy and try some top class wine and cheese at BA wine bar. THERE’S NO FOOD, it’s a proper wine and cheese bar, with cured meats being the extent of the grub on offer. Not overly appealing to the eyes (or nose) but the employees here know their stuff. An incredible experience and you can go all out or keep it relatively inexpensive if you’re selective.
Visit Sintra, it’s a real life Disney land, with pink and yellow castles, romantic tales of war and dewy forests. Guided tours are available, but you can hop on the train and head out (from Bairro Alto it’s around 40 minutes) and explore yourself, Definitely worth a visit. BE WARNED Sintra is a micro-climate, it rains around four times more than Lisbon in a year, bring a brolly!
A few hidden gems and some tips to remember
There are pick-pockets on the tram, they target the 28 when it’s packed with tourists so always be aware of your wallet and belongings.
Alface Hall is a great place to visit for live music, the drinks are a bit steep but it’s worth it for the sheer craic.
(Alface Hall via tripadvisor 2011)
There’s a rooftop bar called Park located right above a carpark. A tough one to find but if you ask the lads working in the carpark below they’ll point you in the right direction.
You’ll seriously question yourself while climbing the (dodgy) stairs but persevere as when you find it the views are breathtaking. Grab a cocktail, have a boogie and forget about the dreary drizzle that awaits you back home.
