The Saturday City: Lisbon

The Saturday City: Lisbon -

As you know, I was recently in Portugal and loved every minute of it. The highlight of my trip was not the scenery or the abundant port wine I drank, it was the city of Lisbon. I had always heard good things about Lisbon, but nothing could prepare me as amazing that actually city.

I loved the gritty lived in feel, the friendly locals, the delicious food, the Fado music bars, parks, beaches, history - I loved them all. I can not think of one thing I do not really like

I was not long in Lisbon -. Just four days - and maybe the next visit will not be as electrifying as the first, but usually when I connect to a city, so deeply and so quickly that feeling sticks. (Paris, I look forward to you!)

And so I find it fitting to my Saturday city profile series with the city to restart I recently enamored with in it. I have not profiled a city in many months, but I want to go back, to bring the series. There were too many wonderful cities that I have visited that I have not spoken.

So let's talk about Lisbon. I have not seen much of the city, since I was there only for a short time, but there was plenty to fill my days.

If you go to Lisbon, what should you do?

• Jardim Botânico - This is one of the best public gardens in Lisbon. In the heart of the city (but hidden from the surrounding streets), the 10-acre garden is a haven from the bustle. Bring a picnic or just wander through and enjoy the exotic plants
• Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art -. The Berardo Museum has a large collection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock and more, representing dozens of modern movements. I'm not a big fan of modern and contemporary art, but this is an excellent museum if you are. There are more than 1,000 units, has plenty to keep you busy for a few hours
• Castle of St. George -. Located in the historic district of the city, this is probably the most high-profile attraction in Lisbon. The oldest parts of the castle date from the second century, and while most of it was destroyed over the years, a long stretch of the walls and 18 towers are still standing. You can climb the walls and from here take photographs of the city; You can also in the garden and watch sitting on the Tower of Ulysses. There is an entrance fee of 8 euros for the castle and grounds, but to pay if you do not want to get, there is near a viewpoint, which also has an impressive view of Lisbon.

• Praça do Comércio - Lisbon's largest and most monumental place sits along the riverbanks and is a photogenic and interesting place to visit. The last renovated in 2010, it is famous for two marble columns that used to be part of the royal palace. The area is now home to a variety of good shops and is ideal for people watching or sitting down with a cooling gelato
• to the old town in -. Alfama is the historic area of ​​Lisbon. It is filled with narrow, winding streets that make it a confusing place to go lost. I wandered through the maze of streets, small squares, to explore hidden alleyways, and long abandoned houses while walking locals about their lives. The area around the castle is beautiful, but touristy. For fewer crowds, then partly near the Fado Museum closer to the sea. You can also find a ton of local, hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can practice your nonexistent Portuguese with little old grannies
• Se Cathedral Check out -. Based on the site of a mosque, the church was raised to defeat the Moors in the mid-1100s to celebrate. I happen to stumble upon this place while they go and while I'm not a big fan Romanesque building of the 12th century, the cathedral was very quiet and beautiful. Plus, it's free
• to the trams ride - Lisbon made an old-fashioned trams that you feel like you live in the turn of the 20th century. Sitting in them and riding through the historic and well-worn streets of the city was a simple, but incredibly fun.

• See a Fado show - Fado, local music, is best in Alfama see. There are a lot down near Santa Apolonia metro station, but wherever you go in Lisbon there will be a Fado bar. Drink some port and dance all night
• Hit the beach - .. Lisbon has a number of beaches that allow you in the blisteringly hot summer sun to cool off
• Ride the "elevator" - For some impressive views of Lisbon's rooftops, you might want to take the Santa Justa. It is a century old and used to be powered by steam. (Well, electricity) for connecting the downtown in the neighborhood Barrio Alto, there is a good view of the city at the top and a small restaurant where you can eat.

And speaking of food, the only place that has to hold out in my mind was instinctus near St. George Castle. It was a tiny place - just three tables. I went there for dinner, where the woman he belongs prepared a paired wine with four-course menu. For € 35, it was a good value, and the woman was very friendly.

Lisbon was so amazing that I would move there seriously consider. It seems like a creative, exciting and affordable place to the store where I could introduce myself to write the Great American Novel. I am a champion of Lisbon, and if you have not been there and are looking for a cheap and striking city in Europe to explore Lisbon's it. (And TAP Portugal has cheap flights there!)

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