Lisbon Beyond the Postcards: How to Explore the Real City
Lisbon, the city of the Seven Hills, is the capital of Portugal and one of the most well-known European cities. Whether you hope to enjoy a walking trip, you are keen to participate in a food tour, or you wish to become enamored by the stunning views, there are plenty of options. Let's examine some popular things to do in Lisbon that are slightly off the beaten path so that you can plan your holiday accordingly.
Explore Lisbon's Hidden Neighborhoods
While walking through the Lisbon city center is certainly a great way to enjoy a day trip, we need to remember that you also have the ability to visit lesser-known neighborhoods to provide a unique glimpse into the distinctive culture of this entire region. We will now examine some stunning locations that can be accessed while staying at a boutique hotel without the need for a tour guide.
Alfama: The Soulful Heart of the City
Alfama is conveniently found within the area of Lisbon that many refer to as the "old town". Alfama is known for its brightly colored buildings, amazing panoramic views, and it is also home to Castelo São Jorge (a Moorish castle on a hill).
Mouraria: A Melting Pot of Cultures
Located within the Moorish Quarter of Lisbon, Mouraria represents yet another opportunity to enjoy a tranquil day trip. Mouraria is famous for the Castle of Moura, the Church of Saint John the Baptist, and a 16th-century fortification known as the Tower of Belem. It is said that more than 50 different nationalities call Mouraria their home.
Graça: Panoramic Views and Local Vibes
Graca is on the highest hill of Lisbon and overlooks the city center, offering wonderful views. Whether you arrive here to browse through the numerous exhibitions of street art, to enjoy a cup of coffee, or even to take a personal food tour thanks to the numerous local restaurants, don't forget to visit Graca.
Savor the Flavors of Local Cuisine
No trip would be complete without sampling the local delicacies that have made this European country famous. Indeed, one of the best things about Lisbon is associated with the many palate-pleasing cuisines that you will encounter. Let's delve a bit deeper.
Traditional Tascas: Dining Like a Lisboeta
The term "tasca" can be roughly translated into English as a tavern or bar that serves food alongside wine and beer. Note that any location is a good place to start your adventure, as delicacies abound. Be sure to look out for foods such as pasteis de nata (vanilla pastries), caldo verde (green soup), and bacalhau a Brás (Brás-style salt cod). All of these options can be further accentuated by choosing the appropriate bottle of wine. Locals are always happy to recommend the best type.
Markets Worth Visiting: Mercado da Ribeira and Beyond
No Portugal tour (or Lisbon tour, for that matter) would be complete without strolling through the many open-air markets that cater to tourists on a daily basis. There are plenty of additional options to enjoy a day out and about. These include the Mercado de Baixa (Downtown Market), the Mercado de Santa Clara, and the flea market found along the Avenida da Liberdade. Note that other options exist throughout the city, so feel free to perform additional research.
Street Food Adventures in Lisbon
Although it is always possible to hire a native guide to explore the culinary delights of Lisbon, a handful of suggestions will also come in handy. Spending the day sampling snacks (known as lanches) is a great way to appreciate the flavors of this vibrant city. Examples include bifanas (pork sandwiches), grilled sardines, and bacalhao (codfish).
Engage with Lisbon's Vibrant Culture
Another one of the best things about Lisbon is that the ability to experience its cultural intricacies will not force you to break the bank. Let's now look at some of the top locations that experts recommend, and what each has in store.
Experiencing Fado in Intimate Settings
Fado is a type of music that has often been described as the "soul" of Portugal. This city offers numerous venues where you can easily become entranced by its melancholic undertones. Pena Palace, Belem Tower, and Fado in Lisbon are three popular locations. These can be reached by taxi, public bus, and with the help of a scenic tram ride.
Discovering the City's Street Art Scene
Similar to other regions throughout Portugal, the city of Lisbon is laden with its own standalone artistic flavor. So, what is a good place to begin? Recommended neighborhoods include Mouraria bairro, Sintra (a short drive from the city center), Calcada do Carmo, and a large avenue known as Rua Rodrigues Faria. You can always consult a local to discover more places to explore.
Participating in Local Festivals and Events
Local events likewise abound. Regardless of your travel itinerary or how many days you plan to visit, it seems as if the fun is never far off. Some notable festivals include the Lisbon Marathon, the annual Kalorama Music Festival, and the famous Santos Populares (a month-long celebration held every June).
Embrace Outdoor and Nature Experiences
While many arrive in Lisbon for its culture, an equal number choose to stay for the natural beauty. Taking a tour of this Portuguese metropolitan area uncovers a host of green wonders that would be difficult to find elsewhere. Let's examine some of the top recommendations and how each can punctuate any day trip.
Hidden Parks and Gardens to Unwind
While there are literally dozens of parks nestled throughout Lisbon, a few hidden gems will help you avoid large crowds, ideal for those hoping to take a break from the city center. Notable places include Parque Eduardo VII, Jardim do Campo Grande, and Jardim do Torel. A quick excursion to the city of Sintra offers additional options, such as the National Palace of Pena.
Scenic Walks Along the Tagus River
The Tagus River has always been a lifeline of Lisbon, and you will regularly see residents walking along its shores. Not only is this an entirely free excursion, but it is also a good way to obtain panoramic views of the city itself.
Day Trips to Lesser-Known Beaches
Why miss out on an opportunity to soak up the sun when there are so many Lisbon beaches to enjoy? Those who hope to avoid crowds of people that can swell into the thousands should consider locations such as Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, and Praia do Magoito. Note that it may be possible to stay overnight by renting a bungalow or reserving a stay at a boutique hotel.
Insider Tips for Authentic Travel
Worried about fitting in during a Lisbon stay? Let's take a look at some genuine Portuguese tips.
Navigating the City Like a Local
Be sure to plan your days in advance, and to become familiar with public transportation options. It is also wise to download a map of Lisbon, to create a clear travel itinerary, and to speak with a guide in advance (if needed). This saves a great deal of time, and allows you to find the true hidden gems of Lisbon.
Learning Essential Portuguese Phrases
Whether ordering food such as nata pasteis, walking through a Lisbon market, or researching the best places for a day trip, it pays to learn basic Portuguese expressions. Examples include por favor (please), bom dia (good day), desculpe (excuse me), and meu nome é (my name is).
Understanding and Respecting Local Customs
Lisbon is a city steeped in culture, and it is always important to appreciate the cultural norms. For instance, be prepared for many shops to close during midday fiestas. The Portuguese likewise place a great deal of emphasis on politeness, so always be sure to introduce yourself. Finally, don't be surprised if you are offered free food samples. You are not obligated to make a purchase; this is simply a way for Lisbon vendors to interact with tourists.
Supporting Local Businesses and Communities
Spending any amount of time in Lisbon will enable you to encounter a host of retail opportunities. It is nonetheless best to deal with local vendors and merchants. These individuals are literally the "lifeblood" of Lisbon, and your purchases will help support nearby communities.
Shopping at Artisan Boutiques
From purchasing a bottle of Portuguese wine to securing a handful of souvenirs before your departure, Lisbon artisans have plenty to offer. Frequenting these establishments will highlight your appreciation of their unique skills.
Staying in Family-Run Accommodations
Those who are looking to find accommodations in this city should opt for a boutique hotel as opposed to franchised properties. Not only do these tend to represent cost-effective solutions, but they enable you to intermingle with local people as opposed to becoming mired within additional throngs of tourists.
Joining Community Initiatives
Are you planning to stay in Lisbon for a longer period of time? If so, there are many opportunities to help the community. The LABIC Project, The Community Lisbon Programme, and Impact Hub Lisbon are three opportunities to examine in greater detail.
Embracing the True Spirit of Lisbon
We can now see why Lisbon has always represented one of the top European tourist destinations. Whether spending a day in Belem exploring the Jeronimos Monastery, taking a road trip to Sintra, enjoying a boat ride down the Tagus River, or remaining in the city center, get ready to enjoy the travel experience of a lifetime.
The people here are extremely friendly, a bottle of wine is never far off, and the weather is simply immaculate. However, developing a local perspective is arguably the best way to ensure a memorable stay. Feel free to refer back to this article for additional inspiration. Visiting this city will provide memories to last a lifetime!
