Lisbon (like the rest of Portugal) is a destination that sometimes seems to be in the background despite its proximity. It is the most visited city in Portugal. Perhaps it is due to its melancholic atmosphere, perhaps because of that sometimes-worn aspect of its buildings, or possibly due to its particular light.
The fact is that a trip to Lisbon is always a great idea. Who has not been will be surprised, and who already knows it is sure that he wants to return? Do you want to visit this wonderful city but you don’t know what to do in Lisbon OR what things to see in Lisbon and how to get away from traditional tourism? Withlocals has selected some places to take advantage of your trip to Lisbon lands.
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What not to miss in Lisbon
1. Get on a Tram
Possibly the most unforgettable feeling that can be saved in Lisbon is a trip in one of its old wooden trams. There are more modern ones and you will use them specially to go to the Belem neighborhood, for example, but the charm of crossing the steep hills of Lisbon in one of its traditional trams is absolutely essential.
2. Visit Belem
Since we have named it, we are going to talk about the Belem neighborhood. An area far from the center of Lisbon, in fact it was another town once. However, today it is linked to the city and has become a must-see during a trip to Lisbon.
It is here where you will find some of the most emblematic places of the city, such as the Monument of the Discoverers, the Belem Tower etc.
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3. Jeronimos Monastery
This monastery located in Belem is the great jewel of the historical and artistic heritage of Lisbon. The Jeronimos are the best exponent of the Manueline style, an artistic current that can only be seen in Portugal and characterized by its great decorative joy.
Anyway, that the visit is a pleasure know more about Lisbon tours in one click. And to top it off, at the exit it is best to approach the most famous coffee-pastry shop in the country and take their delicious” Pastéis de Belém”.
4. The Chiado Neighborhood
El Chiado is the traditionally bohemian neighborhood of the city. If you make a trip to Lisbon, at least one night you have to spend it in this neighborhood.
Although it also has day charms, especially for visiting the monumental ruins of the Carmo church. It is the testimony of how much of Lisbon was left during the famous earthquake of 1755, when almost the entire city was razed.
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By the way, if you visit this neighborhood, climb comfortably from the Baixa area in the historic Elevador de Santa Justa.
5. Listen to a Fado at Alfama
Another of the historic neighborhoods is the Alfama, on another of the hills that serve as a seat to the city. Possibly in this popular neighborhood are all the essences of the Portuguese capital. Here houses abound with the typical ornamental tiles. Or there are also traditional taverns, which under their ancient appearance are the best place to eat any typical dish, where cod is never lacking.
And also, in Alfama there are other types of places where you can spend an evening listening to the most traditional songs, that is, fados. Those compositions loaded with nostalgia that both represent the Portuguese character.
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6. Stroll through the Baixa
The contrast with this area is the Baixa, the most elegant area of the city. There the great squares accumulate, since it is the only flat place of Lisbon. There are the Restauradores Square, the Rossio, the Commerce, or the streets of Gold and Silver.
And also, in this area we discover what has been the authentic vital artery of Lisbon for centuries, the Tagus River (Tejo in Portuguese), which reaches here a very wide channel and above all it is of enormous beauty in its vicinity to the mouth in the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Ouro Beach
There are a lot of beaches around Lisbon, but if you want to spend a day a little further from the Portuguese capital, Ouro Beach in Sesimbra, it may be an alternative. It is located in the district of Setúbal about an hour’s drive from the center. The border has several restaurants serving some of the region’s typical seafood, including barnacles and clams, as well as fresh fish.
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