A Quick Note Before We Get Started: We – your humble Parallel team – are making an important pre-New Year’s Resolution. You read it here first: We resolve to do a better job of posting to the blog. Yes, it’s true. If we can even take our posts to one or maybe (holy smokes!) two posts a month, we will doing 12 to 24 times more posts per year than we’ve averaged thus far. They may not always be high literature – but we’re hoping they are informative, fun, and occasionally chuckle-worthy. To get our newly-inspired blog posts rolling, we off the following!
ARRIVING EARLY AND HAVE AN EXTRA DAY OR TWO IN LISBON…?
First of all – you’re going to love Lisbon! It is a magical city of hills, laughter, tiles, thronged squares, quiet alleys, busy markets, live music, and wonderful food from all over the world. It is a city with a distinct sense of its own heritage and yet reflective of so many different cultures and influences.
Because so many folks joining Parallel’s Fishermsn’s Trail trip end up with an extra day or two in the city, we thought we would provide some of our favorite recommendations for spots to check out while you shake off your jet lag and stretch your legs in preparation for your adventure.
This is not an exhaustive list, by any means (and we don’t even touch on our favorite restaurants and hotels here) – if you have recommendations, send ‘em over to us – we would love to add them to our running list!
Alfama Exploration: Take a stroll through Lisbon’s oldest district. Walk its narrow streets, absorb the history, and uncover unique spots tucked away in its corners. Wind your way up to the Castelo de San Jorge at the top. You can wander the alleys inside the castle walls – *Note: This is also a recommended spot to find an AirBnB or hotel!
Catch sunset from a “Miradouro” (viewpoint): Some of our favorite options include the Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro de Santa Catarina, or the Miradouro Nuestra Senhora do Monte (this one is incredible views without the steep climb through the city). Bonus points if you can find the Secret Garden Bar at the Senhora do Monte mirador!
Belém Discovery: Ride the tram out to Visit Belém to see famous landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Treat yourself to the renowned pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém – the most famous spot for this classic Portuguese treat!
LX Factory Visit: Explore LX Factory, a hub brimming with art galleries, eclectic shops, cool cafes, and incredible small bites — a must-visit with a little extra time and a penchant for contemporary culture. As it is tucked in between the city center and Belém, this makes a great stop on your way to or from the famous tower on the river.
Cultural Delights at National Tile Museum: Portugal is, of course, world famous for their tiles. Explore the beautiful art of Portuguese tile-making at the National Tile Museum. Dive into the history and artistry behind these intricate tiles — it is sure to be a unique cultural experience and you’ll learn information you’ll lean on throughout your entire trip.
Riverside Relaxation & Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Take a walk along the Tagus River, savoring the scenic views – even better at sunrise or sunset. Make your way down to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos – a breathtaking monument to the most famous Portuguese explorers from the Age of Sail (and keep your eye out for the massive structure when you’re flying in, too).
Lisbon Aquarium (Oceanário de Lisboa): Located on the Tagus River (quite literally) near the airport, the Oceanário is incYou’ve seen your local aquarium… but nothing compares to Lisbon’s massive world-class tanks. If you have a free couple of hours, it’s a great spot to check out.
Street Cars: OK, confession time – your humble authors have not actually ridden on Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, because the lines have always been long, but they’re great to just take pictures of… If you are going to ride, the one that gets the raves is Number 28, with a pickup spot on the east side of Martim Moniz Plaza
Feira da Ladra: The Feira da Ladra is a flea market/antique market/people-watching-experience on the east side of the Alfama neighborhood that is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even if you don’t buy anything (and we think there is a strong chance that you’ll walk away with an antique tile or two…), the walk alone is worth it. We recommend you make your way over via the charming alley under the “Arco Grande de Cima.”
Ginja Tasting: If you’re anywhere near Rossio Square (and chances are very good that you will be as it is right in the center of the action), stop by the hole-in-the-wall bar, “Ginjinha Sem Rival,” specializing in ginja tastings at about 1 Euro a taste. Ginja is a sweet cherry liqueur you are very likely to love. Keep room in your bag for a bottle…
Fado: The dramatic, very sad music of the bereft made famous in the 1950’s by the iconic Amalia Rodrigues lives on throughout the Alfama and Barrio Alto. While a bit on the kitschy side, perhaps, these shows are wonderful. You’ll have to work hard not to be swept up in the singer’s emotion! Expect to pay 20 to 30 Euro for a show, more if it includes dinner. There are many terrific venues throughout the city – we’ve tried many and never struck out – ask your hotel for their favorite.
Street Art: Give yourself time to walk around with no agenda other than taking in and take in the truly incredible street art on display throughout the
FURTHER AFIELD:
National Palace of Queluz: A quieter alternative to the often-crowded São Jorge Castle. Access it by driving about 15 minutes outside of Lisbon. It’s found on a hilltop and was constructed during Salazar’s reign.
Sintra: This incredibly beautiful, if touristy, town is accessed by a 45-minute train ride that leaves hourly from the Rossio Train Station (not to be confused with the Rossio metro station – they’re about 500 meters apart!).
If you find yourself with an extra day on the front or back end of your trip, use it to soak in the city’s culture, flavors, and take in the views. Set the tone for your unforgettable experience awaiting you on your Parallel trip!
