A couple of years ago, we visited Portugal that included Lisbon and Porto. For one of our trips this year, I have scheduled another trip back to Lisbon for a stopover option offered via TAP Air Portugal . I highly recommend considering this option to explore two countries and more during your stay. Today’s blog post is reviewing this past trip, recommending some travel tips, and planning for the next visit.
Lisbon, Portugal
Fast Facts: Lisbon wasn’t always the capital of Portugal. The city has a total of 53 districts with the Alfama district being the oldest. This district is still remarkably intact, surviving the 1755 Earthquake due to its many narrow streets and compact squares.
There is quite a bit to see in such a large city that overlooks the River Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean. So, please plan to wear one comfy shoes as Lisbon is very hilly, with some steep climbs up narrow streets for those wishing to capture stunning views over the city.
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River Tagus
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Stairs and Fruit Trees In Lisbon
Places of Interest– Rossio Square (Praca do Rossio)
The largest square in Lisbon is known as Rossio Square (Praca do Rossio). This nerve center of the city has been active since the Middle Ages and where you will find many of the Lisbon’s most famous restaurants, bars and shops. In this square, you will find various monuments and landmarks including the following:
Column of Pedro IV
In the centre of Rossio Square sits the Column of Pedro IV of Portugal or “the Soldier King”. Examining the base of column, you will find four female figures. These figures represent the King’s various qualities: Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation.
Dona Maria II National Theatre
Founded in 1842, the National Theatre D. Maria II replaced the old Estaus Palace, headquarters of the Portuguese Inquisition since mid-fifteenth century. On top of the Theatre’s façade is a statue of Gil Vicente, a Portuguese playwright and father of the country’s theatre.
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Dona Maria II National Theatre
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Fountain in front of Dona Maria II National Theatre
Rossio Railway Station
One of the main wonderful architectural wonders in Lisbon is the late 19th Century style building is the Rossio Railway station. The entrance way has these horseshoe shaped arches and a clock inside (wish I could find the photo….) and is main transportation hub for trains, buses, and taxis.
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in the world dating back to 1290 and is the oldest educational institutions in Portugal. It’s medieval structure and style makes for some viewing pleasure. The university’s location about the medieval city of Coimbra and that the city was once the capital of Portugal only adds to more interest to the history in this region. In addition, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting Around
We often take advantage of Uber or Lyft as a transportation option, if the city is not too large. The alternative is using public transportation. For the Lisbon trip, you will have two main options when arriving to the airport. These are as follows:
1) taxis to your stay option for a very reasonable price or
2) Uber (Lyft was not readily available during our travel)
The Uber option was convenient and affordable costing around 3-6 Euros depending on traffic and distance.
Stay Option
Dare Lisbon House– is where we stayed during our last visit to Lisbon and we highly recommend this boutique hotel with it’s flare for contemporary and modern style. The hotel is located in the Rua dos Sapateiros, which is right in the heart of the Baixa district with your choice of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Other choices can also be found at Booking.com for your next travel advantage.
Tour Options
DiscoverWalk – Free Walking Tours
Lisbon Small Group Food and Wine Tours
drnicktravels.com 