11 Things To Do In Lisbon

7 hills 7 amazing views

Lisboa is made up of 7 hills and scattered at the top of each many amazing views await you. While the hills can be quite punishing on foot there are many funiculars (ascensors) and trams that connect them.
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina (right next door) , or known locally as Adamastor, is a must for its views of the river and diversity of patrons (can look quite sketchy but actually is very safe and a favortie among locals of all backgrounds). The statue "Adamastor" in the centre of the square refers to the sea giant that Luis de Camões imagined when writing "The Lusiads". Another favourite is the Miradouro da Graça (with café) nestled above the Castelo and Alfama districts. Probably the most thigh-punishing but considered one of the best places to see the entire city is the Miradouro da senhora do Monte. The 28 Tram will get you close to all three, it is quite a fun ride and an interesting way to check out the city.


Museu do Fado

   Before hitting one of the many Fado clubs in Bairro Alto or Alfama a trip to the Casa do Fado e da Guitarra Portuguesa is a good place for a quick study of Fado´s history. Its well put together audiovisual displays allow the visitor to get lost in the sights and sounds of these bluesy melancholic chants of Portugal. The tour ends in a virtual performance that with the right kind of eyes and ears can be quite moving. Be sure to check out the ever-changing exhibitions. While the Alfama district is the home and birthplace of Fado, many of the venues are quite touristy and can be expensive. For an alternative try Bairro Alto for some good Fado venues.


Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM (last entrance: 5.30 PM).
Closed on 1st of January, 1st of May and December 25th.
3euros  Admission  1.50euros  children under
Tuesday to Sunday  10h-18h (last admissions: 17h30) 
Closed  1st of January, 1st of May and 25 of December
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Thieves Market- Feira da Ladra

  Beside the Igreja de São Vincente de Fora materializes one of the best flea markets in Lisboa. Browse through old wristwatches, religious paraphernalia, cheap clothes, second hand vinyl, and unimaginable arrays of intriguing junk at this entertaining and funky extravaganza. There are also some pretty solid antique shops and stalls.   Take a break from foaraging at the recently opened "Clara Clara" Cafe.  
Every Tuesday morning and Saturday from 8am to about 2pm
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Visit the Clown School (Chapitô-School for Performing Arts)

This funky all purpose rendezvous point occupies the sloping premises of what was built in the 17th century as a women´s prison and that functions today a state funded school for the performing arts.  It lies in the Castelo district and its patio has spectacular views of Lisbon and the river. It is good for drinks, food or just exploring. There are two places to eat here. The restairant upstairs is more expensive and than the patio below.  This space has Fado nights, DJ's and an elclectic mix of performances.  To check the agenda visit www.chapito.org. This is a nice place to have a drink after an afternoon in the Castelo neighbourhood.
Costa do Castelo, 1/7
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Cruise the streets of Alfama

 For a snapshot of Lisboa´s Moorish past spend some time navigating the labyrinth like district of Alfama. This neighbourhood spanning from the Castelo to the river was once an upper class Moorish residential neighbourhood. Now it is home to a working class population where Fado was invented and the grilling of sardines perfected. The best time to visit is during the Santos Populares festival around the 8th to the 13th of June. During this festival the streets explode in pastel coloured streamers and amazingly grilled food.







Belem

 No trip to Lisboa can be called a success without a pilgrimage to Belem. Belem is where the Age of Discovery began. Ships commanded by the likes of Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator set their sails here returning with tales of adventure, bloodshed and riches. Discovering a sea route to India Gama helped aide in Portugal´s rise to one of the world´s greatest empires.
With the Monasterio de Jerónimos, Torre de Belem and many other Museums and open spaces a full day here will not be wasted.  Here you can also get your fill of Lisbon's most famous custard tarts at Pastéis do Belém.  Hint:  If there is a long line, just go inside and find a table, you´ll have your custard tarts in no time.  Once you tire of imperial slpendour you can check out CCB (Cultural Center of Belem),  where you can catch free exhibitions.  If you should feel the pains of hunger head over to what has to be the best sandwich shop in Lisbon, Pão Pão Queijo Queijo. 

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Night out in Bairro Alto

  After stuffing yourself in one of this districts many restaurants ranging from traditional  to experimental or browsing in original and independent boutique shops you should stick around and let loose a little. Whether you want to drown your sorrows at the bottom of a bottle while listening to Fado, catch some Dj´s bump electronically inspired beats, rock in an indie dive bar, cram into what looks like someone´s living room for live African Brazilian music, read Saramago to the backdrop of Jazz, pose as a mojito and cairpirinha inspector or just sample a little of everything while drinking on the streets with thousands of other revellers then a night out in Bairro Alto is highly recommended. Thursday to Saturday are the most crowded but you will always find people out at night in this area. Cheap beer and no covers guarantee that Lisboa is one of the hottest nightspots of all Europe. Hint:  The nightlife doesn´t really get jumping until 22h30.  Best night Thursday, but everynight there are always people out in the "bairro."  this is a good website to see what happening www.ilovebairroalto.com


Museu Gulbenkian (and Park)

This Museum is a great collection of art spanning almost every major period in Western history. They also have some impressive Eastern Art.  Of note to all you Art Nouveau heads is the fantastical collection from designer Rene Lalique. Across the way is the Centro de Arte Moderna, which has Portugal´s best collection of 20th Century Portuguese art. Connecting the two museums is a very nice park that can serve as a refuge from the hustle and bustle that accompanies all major cities.

 The Lalique Collection at the Gulbenkian

Wednesday to Sunday 10am- 6pm, Tuesday 2pm- 6pm. Closed Monday.
Free on Sunday.
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When I Cross That River...(Cais do Ginjal)

Head on down to "Cais do Sodre" and catch a ferry to "Cacilhas."  When you arrive head to Cais do Ginjal on foot.  As you walk along the river and by the abandoned buildings you will be able to make out the ever changing contours of Lisboa, and see what has to be one of the best views of the city.   If you´re hungry eat at one of the rustic, river side restaurants. Try and get one of the tables sitting out over the water.  After your belly is full pay 50 cents and take the elevator up to "Almada Velha."   Tip: Have a late lunch and try to catch the sunset...you wont forget it.


TAKE THE LONG WAY

 Ever leave a city and wonder what you didn ́t see?   “Never again” says Bruno from We Hate Tourism Tours.    Bruno and his friends take travellers on truly unique and personal experiences through and around Lisbon.   After a ride with these guys you to will hate tourism tours, but might just ending up loving them.

www.wehatetourismtours.com   / Tel. (+351) 911 501 720

Mãe d’Agua

The water reservoir is the terminal point of the Aqueduto, the city’s ancient water supply system. From the outside it may appear as nothing more than an (although impressive) concrete block, its true beauty is revealed only at the inside. During the week there is a good chance to have the whole place to oneself, except for the security man. Stairs lead up right under the ceiling offering a nice panorama over the water bassin. Finally, the way goes up to the roof, permitting a glance into the aqueduct itself. From up the roof, the view is splendid. You should not miss this silent attraction!

Mo-Sa from 10am to 6pm (closed on Sundays and Holidays) Admission 2.50 euros (Metro Rato)
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