Weekend Travel to Lisbon

Lisbon is built on seven hills, two of which rise from the city centre. The streets with climbing hills are full of cafe`s and old shops. The old trams in their bright colour is photographers` delight. Do not miss Baixa and Alfama districts.

There are two large squares, Praca Dom Pedro and Praca Figueira, surrounded with 18th-19th century buildings, mosaics on pavements, statues and fountains.

Lisbon was built on a maritime history and the city has a photogenic waterfront area, especially sunset at Belem tower. You will enjoy  weekend in Lisbon and have many great shots of the city.

Baixa district: The city centre, remains elegantly from 18th-century.

Begin your exploration of Lisbon in the district of Baxia, located in the heart of the city.  Best is to book your hotel in the area of Praca de Comercio and the pedestrian Rua Augusta street, which is easy access to most interesting places like Baixa and Aflama district.

The Praça do Comércio is was historically the gateway to the city. This impressive square was where the trade from the colonies was bought and sold, while expeditions to the far reaches of the world were financed. 

The neo-classical Elevador Santa Justa is an artistic marvel of the industrial age. a favourite local landmark built in 1902.

It starts at 09:00 in the morning, and costs 5 Euro. The lift transports visitors up one of the steepest hills in Lisbon, to the ruins of the Carmo Church.

Carmo Convent

Carmo is a site that you can see few buildings left after the earthquake of 1775. This disaster is estimated to have killed at least 10 000 people. 

The shell of Carmo survived the quake and despite the sadness of the event, the structure that remains is hauntingly beautiful. 

The site that remains today is part monument, part architectural landmark, part archaeological site, and fully a must see experience for first time visitors to the city.

The Praça Dom Pedro IV is commonly referred to as Rossio and is the heart of Lisbon. Rossio is always a great place to watch the capital from one of the cafes that surround the square.

After the 1755 earthquake, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal, on a grid of parallel streets linking Rossio Square to the Tagus river. 

Bairro Alto is one of the main nightlife districts so it is highly recommended for those wishing to experience Lisbon nightlife. There are also lots of shopping here, the biggest shopping mall is Mercado Armazens de Chiado.

Teatro S.Luiz and Teatro S.Carlos buildings are very charming. Basilica dos martires is also in the area, more for locals on Sunday ceremony.

Many tourists prefer Lisbon funiculars, that traverse the hills of the Baixa and Barreiro Alto districts. This transportation have been in operation for almost a century and is a part of your Lisbon experience.

From photography point of view, there are nice narrow streets, yellow houses and trams, with the view of river Tejo.

The old trams of Lisbon are slowly being replaced by more modern trams but the older Tram 28 remains a favourite for tourists and locals alike. 

Take tram 28 and stop at Puerto del Sol, Alfama.

Alfama and St.Gerorge`s Castle

The popular image of Lisbon is captured by the medieval Alfama district:  the original Moorish quarter, red-tiled roofs and labirent streets. 

Attractions of interest include the unique façade of Casa dos Bicos (House of Spikes), one of the only surviving structures following a devastating earthquake in 1755.

You will have a bird-eye view of the city from the Castle of St. George at the top of the hill. 

Walk down from Alfama to Baxia area, Se Cathedral from 12th century is on the way, amazing inside.

A Walk Back in Time:

Belem Tower is the gateway to Lisbon was built in 1515 to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour. It is a former fortress dramatically incorporating both Moorish and Venetian architectural influences.  

It is declared a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. You can reach here by Tram nr.15.

It is located near the mouth of the Tagus, is Belem, from where explorers set sail in Portugal’s golden age. 

If time is short, spend it at the district’s highlight attraction: Jeronimos Monastery, a powerful reminder of Portugal’s glory days with its stupefying cloisters and immense Gothic interior.

Reward yourself with the Lisbon pastry. Since 1837, Belém pastry shop has been selling Lisbon’s favourite custard tart. (Egg and cream, added cinnamon and sugar on top) It’s a must when visiting Lisbon. 

Bridges:

Ponte Vasco da Gama and Parque nas Nacoes:

Europe`s longest bridge (17 km) and the parque with wonderful waterfront promenade, aquarium and a casino.

Final information:

Taxis take around 15 minutes from airport to the city and costs around €10.

One-day travel passes allow unlimited travel on metro, trams, buses and funiculars. You can buy a Lisbon Card for 24 , 48 or 72 hours. 

Recommendation Diary – Day one

• Baixa (rossio square,  commercial square)
• Santa justa elevator
• Carmo convent
• Alfama 
• St.Georges castle
• Bairro Alto

Recommendation Diary – Day two

• Belem tower sunrise
• Ponte 25 De abril
• Pedestrian road Rua Augusta (1,5 km – 20 min walk)
• Ponte Vasco da Gama and Parque nas Nacoes