Jens De MaereLisbon is one of my favorite travel destinations in Europe. Not only because of its beautiful architecture and great food but mostly because of the amazing vibe that runs through this city. The weather is great, the people are nice and you can easily get lost in its narrow cobblestone streets. Visit Amalfa, take a walk near the Rio Tejo towards Belem or visit the beautiful churches and monasteries of the Portuguese capital.
Start your tour at Praca do Comércio, this is the gateway towards the city center of Lisbon. Gaze at the 18th-century facades and go to the top of the Arco do Rua Augusta to have a beautiful overview of the city and the Praca do Comércio. Take the Rua Augusta and pass the Elevador de Santa Justa, constructed by Raul Mesnier, Gustav Eiffel’s apprentice. Continue to the Praca Dom Pedro (Rossio) and get a coffee with a pasteis de nata at the Confeiteria National.
From Rossio you can get to the Bairro Alto & Chiado. A quite sleepy part of the city during the day that turns into an alternative party spot at night time. The small graffiti-tagged streets are bursting with small restaurants, cafés, and clubs. During day time the Convento do Carmo is a must-visit. The monastery was devoured by the 1755 earthquake and only the arches and pillars remain today. Grab another coffee at the Café a Brasileira, one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon and continue towards the Estrela and Lapa district to end in Belem.
If you rather visit Lisbon with a guide, then I can recommend Elliot of Monlisbonne. Elliot is a French guy that once took a trip to Lisbon to learn Portuguese but he ended up loving the city so much, that he never left. Elliot has been living in Lisbon for almost four years now and knows the city like the back of his hand. He talks about Lisbon with a contagious passion. His tours are a little alternative, showing you Lisbon in a very authentic way. He will not be taking you to ordinary souvenir shops but instead, he will take you to local craftsmen making remarkable things. He walks you through the city as he is visiting his friends. This makes visiting Lisbon and accidentally stumbling upon hidden gems so much more fun. A tour through Lisbon and its hills can be challenging so one (or more) stops at his favorite eating and drinking spots are obligatory. Whether you would like to know what restaurant you should go to in the evening, where they serve the best bacalhau, where to drink a glass of port wine, or the best spot to discover the famous Fado music in Lisbon; Elliot can give you the answers.
PracticalYou can find all the information on http://monlisbonne.com/
A tour takes 2-3 hours
Wear comfortable (walking) shoes
The tour costs about € 25/person
More pictures of Lisbon
