Portugal is gaining the attention from US travel-goers in recent years. And what's not to love? It has incredible food, unbeatable views, Port Wine, architecture unique to its cities - not to mention an overall friendly and welcoming atmosphere from locals. We have fantastic partners in Portugal for wonderful tours and day trips, and we love to build in down time for you to explore the city and feed your wanderlust. For those days - here are some of must-visit neighborhoods of the capital.
Alfama
Alfama is one of the oldest sections of Lisbon and is probably what you think of when you imagine Portugal - alleyways through brightly colored buildings, the yellow tram climbing the hills, and overlooks that see beyond the orange roofs to the bright blue of the Tagus River. Surviving the city's damaging earthquakes and fires, Alfama's historic cobblestone alleyways and steep staircases through charming neighborhoods paint a picture of the past. In fact the views are so famous that viewpoints are built into the city - at old monasteries, behind churches, down pathways, and above residential homes. One of the most famous viewpoints is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which overlooks the old city and straight out to the ocean. This area often has live musicians performing - capturing the beauty and culture of the city. Alfama also has a plethora of museums and historic sights for history buffs. See the historic Sé, the city's cathedral or the National Pantheon - both which offer architectural beauty and great sights of the city. Then visit the architectural wonder of Castelo de São Jorge with gardens full of peacocks and surroundings of medieval structures. For a slower day, stop into one of the many museums of the area. The interactive Museu do Fado is a well-known place to learn about the musical roots and famous musicians of Portugal through the ages.
Best for: history, sightseeing, walking
Belém
Along the Tejo Estuary, Belém offers a quaint escape with outstanding tourist attractions, informative museums, and beautiful views. Belém is unlike the rest of Lisbon because it is filled with parks, tree-lined plazas, and green open spaces which is a breath of fresh air in the bustling city. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit in this section of the city - the Belém Tower, a historic fort and modern entrance to the city, and the Jerónimos Monastery which combines history and elegance as you walk through the grounds. Enjoy the MAAT - the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, which emphasizes this section of Lisbon's history and influence on artists and culture as the city developed through the ages. If you stop in Belém, you must try Portugal's most famous treat, custard tarts - or Pastel de Nata - which were made famous from the monastery. Today the famous Pastéis de Belém is known to sell thousands of these pastries a day!
Best for: food, art and architecture
Chiado & Bairro Alto
Though two separate neighborhoods, these quaint smaller sections of Lisbon are often referenced together as they are adjacent. Chiado is an elegant and bohemian neighborhood that is frequently compared to Paris’ Montmartre district. Rebuilt after it was destroyed by a fire in 1998, the most famous streets are Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett. If shopping is on your to-do list - you'll want to wander these cobblestoned streets lined with boutique shops. Then you can walk to the square of Chiado with its surrounding streets full of famous cafés, theatres, and museums. Once you cross the city square of Praça Luís de Camões, where the Carnation Revolution took place, you cross borders from Chiado to Bairro Alto. Contrary to it's neighbor, Bairro Alto has a more alternative feel. This area is a great part of the city to find "fado" restaurants - where you will hear the centuries old Portuguese melancholic music (a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognized art). The streets are full of graffiti and laundry hanging outdoors. Traditional music can be heard throughout the streets. Both places have a culture of rest and relaxation. In Chiado enjoy the Entretanto Rooftop Bar, at the Hotel do Chiado that offers stunning views of Lisbon's skyline, along with tasty drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. In the heart of Bairro Alto, try BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto Hotel, another rooftop bar that offers breathtaking views of the city and delicious local wines in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Best for: rest and relaxation, cafe stops, shopping
Pro-Tips
There can be a lot of walking when explore sections of Lisbon. Know your limits - especially when it is warmer outside - and plan ahead by finding places to rest and take a break. (Many times there are trams to take you up major hills).
There are many fabulous areas of Lisbon, from the elevated hills overlooking the city to the waterfront ports. Check your VBJ itinerary to know how much time you have to explore and plan accordingly!
Lisbon is gorgeous throughout each season. Consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season - there are less crowds and the weather is still a gorgeous escape (especially for those of us from New England).
Portugal during the Winter? Ask us about the amazing Christmas Markets!
Some other notable neighborhoods of Lisbon: Príncipe Real, Alcântara, and Cais do Sodré. Ask us if those would be a good fit for you to explore!
Ready for your Lisbon adventure? Schedule a consultation with VBJ!
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