Lisboa

As a famous Fado song say, “Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa” (Smells good, smells like Lisbon).

(The 1^st of July 2020 Portugal is celebrating the 100^th Birthday of Amalia Rodrigues, the best and most famous Fado Singer.)

The capital of Portugal is a city of contrast. There is not a lot of people living in the city in comparison with other European and world capitals (near six hundred thousand). Despite this, is always crowded.

But what is Lisbon exactly? In Lisbon, you can find a mixture, a fusion between the old traditions and the new times. Lisbon is old buildings with foreign supermarkets. Is that smell of coffee in the morning and mojitos during the night. Is the Fado in Alfama and electronic music near the river. I am sure that you will find a place, a spot that will make you feel like home.

Speaking about the old and the new, as a staging, I like a lot the mechanical stairs in Rua Da Mouraria:

Is true that you already can find some famous elevators in the city. It helps a lot (not all the people have the willing or the physical condition to climb every day, maybe the temperature don’t help…). Still, you must agree that, in a certain way, is unexpected.
One of the most famous is the electrical “Ascensor da Glória”:

It connects the square of Restauradores with the Garden of São Pedro de Alcântara in a 275 meters trip. But in this case, a single ride worth 3.5€.
The Garden of São Pedro de Alcântara is an excellent point of the city. Really near the Bairro Alto, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lisbon and see the Castel or the Cathedral in all its splendour.

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Moving on the city of the “Sete Colinas” (city with seven hills) walking can be a tiring experience. You will end up going up and down a lot. The metro and the bus works well (usually). Still, the most immersive experience will be the use of electric trams. They are all around, and if you find one that is not extremely full, it will give you privilege views of the city, but you need to take care of your things. It is one of the pickpocket’s favourite spots.

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Another beautiful spot with magnificent views is the “Miradouro da Graça”. Here you can find a place to relax and drink some water, necessary to rehydration after all the climbing!

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During your visit, you will also notice all the astonishing “azulejos” (tiles) that decorate the city. They are everywhere, in different patterns and colours.
They are decorating a lot of buildings in the city, giving the town a particular aspect.

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The problem is when they are not well kept. Well, that’s not the only problem. Many of the tiles are uprooted to sell to tourists as souvenirs. It is easy to spot them in the “Feira da Ladra” (https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/events/feira-da-ladra-flea-market). Still, I would suggest you avoid the temptation and pick another reminder.

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Lisbon, in definitive, is that. The old and the new. And it is patent when you start walking around, mainly, in some “buildings”. Could it be better kept? Sure. Would it be the same?

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The most important part here, no matter if it is winter, spring, summer or autumn, is enjoying a magical city that never defrauds.