srettig24 Lisbon! I finally made it. I wanted to go to Lisbon after a failed attempt last year- Involving me missing my bus… Oops! Traveling internationally can be confusing and frustrating when things don’t go the way you want, but this makes it even more rewarding when it goes right. And boy, was it worth the wait. Although I didn’t stay long there is something about Portugal that just vibes with me. I hope that my love for Portugal rubs off on you and you enjoy a few of the sights I saw in the country’s largest city.
Pont 25 de Abril
While the sailboats and the clouds dominate this photo-the bridge is a landmark of Lisbon. The bridge was built to commemorate the Carnation Revolution which occurred in 1974, when a military coup overthrew Portugal’s Estado Novo authoritarian regime. It is the longest suspension bridge in Europe and is painted the same color as the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco and is extremely similar in design and function. The Pont de 25 Abril takes cars from Libson to Almada across the Tagus River.
The Estação Rossio is a train station photo on left, where many tourists buy tickets to visit the city of Sintra. The building is located in the center of the Baixa district. It is a 16th-century Portuguese Manueline architecture. The outside is what’s striking as not too much happening inside unless you want a cup of Starbucks.
Praça de Dom Pedro IV
This has been one of the main squares in Lisbon for centuries, with traditional Portuguese mosaic tiles creating black and white rippled lines; as you can see a little in the photo on the right. The tiles were hand polished and cut showcasing Portuguese craftsmanship. The square has two fountains both from France- one pictured above. The 23 meter pedestal sculpture of Dom Pedro IV King of Portugal. Although it is disputed that this is actually first Emperor of Brazil and not Dom Pedro IV at all! (rather a statue bought on cheap after an assassination in Mexico….but I digress).
Sky Line
Check out one of the many Miradouro during the day or at night- it will be worth the climb! Lisbon has great nightlife with many corner stores and restaurants open late if you feel like exploring.
Azulejos in Lisbon
The Azulejos in Lisbon were beautiful and numerous, I took a few photos below! If you are unsure what Azulejos are- check out my post about Porto where I explain. In Lisbon, there is a combination of new and old tile work, demonstrating that while older buildings may need a facelift the tradition is not dying.
Times Out Market
Times Out Market is featured in most travel guides and top sights to see in Lisbon. One section of the market (photographed left) is a trendy food court offering a large variety of food options from fish, and drinks, to sweet treats! The other section of the market is a vegetable and fruit market, which is photoed on the right. I doubt that you will be disappointed with this famous market!
Pink Street
Pink Street or Rua Nova do Carvalho is located in Cais do Sodre in the city’s red light district. It is located near the water and Time out Market. The area is near where the old ports were and has a colorful history providing deprived sailor’s an array of goods and services as soon as they reached the shore. Not much has changed as this part of the city is buzzing with tourists and shops and visually still carrying on the legacy of its colorful history. To check out more recommendations head here.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is in the spotlight as Lisbon’s nightlife scene. With plenty of restaurants with cheap and quick bites, and the many bars that dot the narrow streets Bairro Alto is perfect for those who crave a night out. But don’t be fooled this area is worth exploring while the sun is up as well! Previously home to the Lisbonian aristocracy Bairro Alto translating to Upper Town, Literally and figuratively I assume). Strolling along the streets is a must!
Iconic Street Cars
These beauties were actually sent over from the United States- and I’ve never been prouder to be an American. Of the 58 trams in the city, 40 of them are these vintage street cars- with original wood siding and operating systems. I was struck by how popular the trams seemed to be with locals- but the trams really are a fast and efficient way to get around and low fares make it a no-brainer. Oh and among tourists these trams have a huge fan following.
Sé de Lisboa
The facade you see on the left of the two towers was built in the 11-12th century Romanesque style with the central Rose window. I couldn’t help but think of the Norte dame when taking in the two towers, (check out my Paris post to see photos!) The two towers of the Norte Dame were built between 1240-1250 so it might have been copied… i mean inspired by the Sé de Lisboa.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major or shortened to Lisbon Cathedral. This Roman Catholic Cathedral is the oldest in Lisbon and has withstood many earthquakes most notably the one in 1755, reconstructions, and renovations. The building has undergone renovations which have lead to exciting discovery’s of different periods throughout history, such as a Roman road and evidence that this was a previously a mosque.
Elevador de Santa Justa
This 19th-century industrial-age elevator names the Santa Justa which is part of the city’s transportation system. While there are few vantage points to the Elevator this is the one from the street, be sure to check out the observation deck. This elevator connects the neighborhood to the Baixa and Bairro Alto.
Miradouro de São de Alcântara
While the weather wasn’t exactly the inviting with dark clouds- it did nothing to distract from this view of the city. The photo below is only a fraction of what you can see from this garden viewpoint. You can see the Sè de Lisboa (Discussed above) in the right-hand corner with the two towers visible. On the hilltop is St. George’s castle which you can take tours of, its occupancy dating back to 8 BC, and basic fortifications began in 1 BC.
Lisbon continues to be ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The photos below are just a few of the local streets that I can’t help but to daydream of walking down every day.
J- Thanks for getting me to the airport, I would still be drinking sangria or writing with my head in the clouds
