In which city does the sun shine up to 290 days a year, and where does the temperature rarely drop below 15°C? What is the ideal city for all kinds of tourism – sun and beach, historical-cultural, religious, nautical, gastronomic, etc.? Which city is famous for its hospitality? We could continue with the questions, but there is nothing to guess. We're talking about Lisbon.
In Portugal capital, the
Youth Hostel is very central, just a five-minute-walk from the Marquis of Pombal and 20 minutes for the historic center. The subway is right outside the Youth Hostel (station: Picoas) and it’s a good starting point for exploring the entire city.
A walking tour around Lisbon is easy. Start in the square Marquis of Pombal, where there’s a garden, continue your walk to Parque Eduardo VII, here you can relax in the grass, or even visit a Greenhouse (Estufa Fria).
After the relaxation, you can go along the avenue Avenida da Liberdade to the Historical Center; any resemblance to the Champs Elysées in Paris is not pure coincidence. If you look at the surroundings, Avenue buildings and shops are built in Art Nouveau style – Rivoli Theater, São Jorge Cinema. Around the avenue, you have several attractions: Glória Tram (which takes you to Bairro Alto), Príncipe Real Garden, and Botanic Garden or, São Lázaro Tram, which takes you to the area Campo das Mártires da Pátria.
As soon as you arrive at Restauradores Square, you’ll find the Rossio Railway Station, one of the most beautiful in the world; there you can catch the train on a half an hour trip, to Sintra, which is known for its wonderful gardens and palaces.
In Sintra you can visit the Moorish Castle, palaces Quinta da Regaleira, Quinta de Monserrate, the National Palace of Sintra and the Convent of the Capuchos. In the village, you can also visit the vineyards and wineries of Colares wine or even go to the most western point of Continental Europe, Cabo da Roca. Ah! Do not leave Sintra without visiting “Casa Piriquita”, the pastry shop, and try some Travesseiros and Quejadas de Sintra.
But let's go back to Lisbon, where we were. You can continue descending to Tagus River and entering Lisbon Baixa, it was built following an earthquake, tsunami and a fire, that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. There, you’ll find a traditional trading area with some of the best shops in the country.
Look for the Santa Justa Elevator, built by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, and go up to Carmo Church ruins. Alternatively, continue to one of the biggest squares in Europe Terreiro do Paço with its magnificent arch.
Next to the Tagus River, walk on the river beach Ribeira das Naus, and enjoy the view, it’s a beautiful sunset with the bridge and Cristo Rei, the Christ Statue in the background. At the end of all this walking, you deserve to recharge your batteries at café Confraria Nacional, where you can choose all the sweet delicacies of Lisbon.
On the Martim Moniz square, we advise you to take the tram 28, which takes you on a trip through some of the most typical Lisbon neighborhoods. You can sit at the window and admire the former parish Graça, non-profit organization The Worker’s Voice (Voz do Operário), Portas do Sol viewpoint, one of the oldest districts in Lisbon Alfama, Santa Luzia viewpoint, São Jorge Castle, Cathedral, Chiado Square, Bica tram, Basilica and Estrela Garden. The route ends on Campo de Ourique neighborhood, where the famous Portuguese poet’s Fernando Pessoa’s House is located.
Tired? I hope not. There is still so much to see! In front of the Youth Hostel, you can catch a bus to the district Belém. There are many interesting points – National Coach Museum, the Republic Presidency Museum, The Electricity Museum, Botanic Tropical Garden, Jeronimos Monastery, Navy Museum, Planetarium, Monument of the Discoveries and Belém Tower.
Don’t forget about the Portuguese food! In Belém there’s a pastry shop Pastéis de Belém, and you have to visit it. The best thing to do is to get some pastry for the return trip.
In Youth Hostel you can catch the subway to Lisbon Zoo and watch a show with the dolphins. Or go to the Park of Nations and visit the Thematic Gardens before entering the Oceanarium, Pavilion or attend a beautiful concert at the Altice Arena.
If you like to go to the beach, we advise you to take a bus towards Costa da Caparica. And if time lets you, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or practice some sports activities. Return to the 25th April Bridge and try to discover the dolphins, they are increasingly in Lisbon.
Lisbon nightlife starts by having dinner at Ribeira Market. After a good meal, head to Cais do Sodré or Bairro Alto. You will find an electric atmosphere in the street. To dance you have the nightclubs in the Santos area or in the industry complex Lx Factory.
Lisbon has a lot to visit. Stay a while! At the
Youth Hostel we’ll be happy to suggest new experiences every day.
Did you know that Time Out London has just considered Lisbon one of the best cities to visit? That's right, after Chicago and Melbourne and before New York. Why wait?
