Did you know that Lisbon was founded on seven hills? That is why when we think about this popular destination we always picture the spectacular views from its more than 20 lookout points. The singular contour of the land on which the city has flourished has given rise to the steep streets where these miradouros have been built and become meeting points frequented by visitors and locals on a daily basis. Here is some information about our favourite lookout points – the ones we think are the most attractive and offer the most postcard-worthy panoramas.
Get ready to fall in love with Lisbon and these views that will have you on cloud nine!
Santa Luzía
Located in the bustling Alfama district, this charming lookout terrace is possibly one of the most beautiful observation points in the city. With sweeping panoramic views over the River Tagus and the dome of Santa Engracia Church in the distance, its timeworn decorative tiles that mark the passage of the years against white walls, and beautiful vines and bougainvillea make this a uniquely romantic place! Photo by @lulu_bepi
Castelo de São Jorge
Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) sits atop the highest hill in Lisbon and offers the most panoramic view of the city. Originally built more than eight hundred years ago, this emblematic citadel rises up above the cobbled streets to offer not only spectacular views over most of the city’s neighbourhoods, but also gorgeous framed vistas like the one you can see in the image above. Photo by @designgipsy
Portas do Sol
These lookout terraces can be found near Castelo de São Jorge and offer a sweeping view over the rooftops of the old quarter of Alfama, the seafront and the River Tagus. There is also a trendy café with a terrace and a lounge bar where you can enjoy a drink or a snack as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Photo by @flaviamag
Senhora do Monte
This Lisbon belvedere (Our Lady of the Hill in English) is considered one of the best for watching the sun go down over the “The City of the Seven Hills”. It offers an almost 360º panoramic view over the city, including a great perspective of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Igreja da Graça church and the old quarter. It is very popular with both tourists and locals. Photo by @americo.leitao
Graça
This loookout point’s official name is “Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen”, in honour of the renowned Portuguese poet, but locals refer to it as the Miradouro da Graça. You get a great view of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa lift) and the Convento do Carmo (Carmo Convent) from up here, along with several more of the city’s key monuments. Photo by @cinna_min
Lisbon possesses a magical quality that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. As you have seen, its many miradouros are part of this enchantment, so make sure you visit them on your next trip to Lisbon and let yourself fall in love with this beautiful, ancient city!
Also known as the “City of the Seven Hills”, Lisbon is home to a gem that is very well hidden from the hordes of tourists. It’s called Marvila.
Lisbon’s so-called secret district is today a very special place, as it is a far cry from those labelled as tourist districts or “cool” and “hipster” districts, offering visitors an authentic, artistic atmosphere that is quite simply enthralling. The walls of its buildings have turned, for some years now, into giant canvases where local and international artists reflect their creativity, giving the area great character and personality.
Furthermore, former 19th century wine cellars, traditional storehouses, small art galleries and work spaces for artists and innovative people have turned this corner of the Portuguese capital, on the banks of the Tajo River, into a melting pot of the city’s past and present. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting, charming and authentic areas of Lisbon to spend a pleasant afternoon or evening. Take note of our hand-picked recommendations in Marvila for your next trip to Lisbon.
Café com Calma
A café that entices you to relax and spend an enjoyable time with someone, or simply with a good book. It is a charming, small place decorated with old furniture that serves hand-made pastries for breakfast and dishes to enjoy a lazy, late lunch.
Address: Rua do Açúcar 10.
Bar Capitão Leitão
One of the new places on Marvila’s entertainment scene. The bar Capitão Leitão is one of those places that has it all: a pleasant atmosphere, very friendly staff, delicious cocktails at reasonable prices and fantastic background music, which is out of the ordinary.
Address: Rua Capitão Leitão 5b.
AR Sólido
AR Sólido is Lisbon’s new, independent project, with visual arts exhibitions created to promote local and international contemporary art by up-and-coming and consecrated artists. Ideal for lovers of avant-garde and brave proposals.
Berlin and Lisbon, despite being very different cities, share a common denominator: both enjoy the Christmas spirit. If you’re thinking of spending the Christmas holidays in one of these destinations, we recommend you check out their Christmas markets.
Are you planning your trip to Berlin? Would you like to explore the most alternative side of the city? To help you explore this exciting side of the city, we have prepared this selection of the best 8 underground places in Berlin to enjoy the alternative aspects of city.
As you may know, Berlin has a strong underground feel and this is shown in most aspects of the city; neighborhoods, bars, theatre, clubs, etc..
Despite the fact that you can find this alternative touch in lots of places in the city, the more underground areas in Berlin are the neighborhoods of Neuköln, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
1-.Chalet
Nightclub in Kreuzberg close to the canal and other bars like Club der Visionaire. The building reminds you of a chalet with its kitsch vintage interior. It has lots of different rooms with carpets, armchairs and big lamps. All of this is accompanied by cool techno music.
It also has a terrace to go for a drink and some fresh air during summer.
One of the most iconic record shops around the world, founded in 1989.The shop is located in an old factory in Kreuzberg and has had as employee DJ’s like DJ Hell or Modeselktor among others.
The perfect place for record lovers and collectors.
How to arrive: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44A. Kottbusser Tor U-bhan
https://www.timeout.com/berlin/en/shops/hard-wax
3-.Luzia
Bar in Kreuzberg famous for its atmosphere and postindustrial interior. Walls without paint, a few lights, with candles, some bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and ambient techno music.Luzia is one of the most know underground places in Berlin.
It’s the ideal place to go for a coffee or a beer with friends in the evening, or a cocktail after dinner. It’s always quite crowded, especially from 9pm.
How to arrive: Oranienstraße 34.Kottbusser Tor U-bahn.
One of the most underground places in Berlin in the nightclub field. A unique, funny club in a huge, old house with lots of vintage style rooms where you can easily get lost. Almost all the rooms have a different ambience and different music; from the hardest techno to the most commercial rhythms.
Entrance and drinks are reasonably priced. Pay attention to where you are around AltStralau Straße number 70, it’s quite difficult to see the entrance.
Famous Berliner club located in an old factory. It’s unique not only because of its music, but also its lighting and setting.
It has two rooms, downstairs the techno music is a little bit harder and it has much dimmer lighting, only for the bravest. Upstairs there is much more lighting, commercial dance music, and techno too.
Bar with live music, perfect for those who want to go for a trip back in time to the 60’s with a cowboy-style interior.
Located in an unknown neighborhood like Kollwitzkiez, its stage is always busy with music live shows, burlesque artists or DJ’s playing dancing music from the 60’s.
Different from most of the clubs in Berlin, in Bassy Cowboy Club you can hear rock and roll, rockabilly, swing, country and other similar sounds from the 60’s. Visitors have said that the best party is on Thursday night.
How to arrive: Schönhauser Allee 176A.Senefelderplatz U-bahn
http://www.cool-cities.com/bassy-club-2439/
7-.Theater Vaganten Bühne
Mythical family theater founded in 1956 in Delphi’s palace basement. Its works, modern comedies, attempt to address social situations in a critical way. From its opening, its most successful work is “Shakespeare.”
From the 70’s, students and undergraduates have been the target audience for its works and workshops.
How to arrive: Kantstraße 12A. Kurfürsterdamm U-bahn.
An old mythical independent cinema with original version films, it has been praised for its reasonable prices.
Located in the charming Hachesches Markt area, surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants where you can go for a drink after the movie. It’s quite easy to find, as it’s close to the city center.
These are our recommendation of the best underground places in Berlin to enjoy and explore the alternative side of the city. Have you already visited any of them? Are you planning to go to any? Leave a comment and tell us!
Are you thinking about what places to visit during your trip to Lisbon? Lisbon’s weather and temperature during the whole year are something to be envied by other European cities. This is why you can find so many options for outdoor leisure. To make sure you don’t miss any of these spots, we have prepared this list with the 8 amazing places to visit in Lisbon to enjoy outdoors.
You should remember that; apart from visiting museums or viewpoints and having dinner in a good restaurant, it’s also worth seeing some of the beautiful outdoor spots to enjoy some amazing views in a unique atmosphere.
As you will see, it is quite obvious that the modern and traditional coexist in a way that makes Lisbon one of the most visited cities in Europe.
1-. LX Factory
A market located in an old factory, recently made famous for its hipster vibe, LX Factory is a good place to get to know the less touristy part of the city. It started some years ago with young artists collaborating to transform it into a creative space.
One of the must-see places inside this market is the Ler Devegar bookstore, (it even has an old printing press upstairs), but you will also find other interesting shops like Wish Concept Store deco store, and great stands to eat.
On Sundays, there is an outdoor market with lots of stands run by local artisans and second-hand clothes.
Belém district is located in the west of Lisbon, where most of the tourist attractions at the edge of the Tajo river are located. If you want to walk through and visit the whole Belém area, you only need half-day.
Monasterio de los Jerónimos, and Torre de Belém are considered to be the most outstanding attractions.
One of the other activities worth doing, is going for a Pastéis de Belém, the famous tasty sweet made of pastry and stuffed with cream. But, if you are planning to go, you should take into account that there is always a large queue so, be patient.
How to arrive: Tram 15
http://lisbon-portugal-guide.com
3-. Parque das Naçoes
Parque das Naçoes is where the World Exhibition in 1998 took place. Nowadays, there are both commercial and residential areas side-by-side.
In contrast to other neighborhoods, this area has more contemporary architecture. Moreover, it’s known to be inspired by maritime themes and the famous Orient station dome.
Inside this park, there are different family leisure options to enjoy, like Lisbon Aquarium, Knowledge Pavilion and a cable car, which has amazing views of the whole city and the coastline.
How to arrive: Metro Moscavide
https://www.portugalexperiences.com
4-.Jardim da Estrela
Jardim da Estrela, is one of the nicest places to visit in Lisbon and ejoy spent time outdoors. It has plenty of vegetation, playgrounds, a lake with few ducks, places to do some exercise and even some terraces to relax and have a drink. It also has a public library and a pavilion where live concerts and other events take place mainly in summer.
It is five hectares in total and has six different entrances. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, or even a picnic on Sunday evening with a lot of space to play with kids.
How to arrive: Tram 25 y 28
Opening Hours: 07am-00:00
Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667
5-.Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is the most important square in Lisbon. It is where the old royal palace was. It is an open square by the South side in front of Tajo river, as historically the merchant ships arrive there.
There are two outstanding points you can’t miss: Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta at the beginning of La Baixa street, and the old Lisbon king José I bronze statue. Prça do Comércio is one of most known places to visit in Lisbon.
How to arrive: Metro Terreiro do Paço, Baixa/Chiado
6-. Ribeira das Naus
Fluvial beach with a large staircase at the edge of the Tajo river, and a large landscaped space that connects Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio.
Despite the fact that bathing is banned, this area invites you, without a doubt, to sunbathe and relax for a while after having walked all over the city. You can have a drink on its terrace too.
It is the biggest places to visit in Lisbon located in city center, 26 hectares created in the style of a French garden. It is one of the most frequently visited places by tourists, not only for its beautiful garden, but also for the amazing views of the city and river you can have from there.
On the northwest side of the park, there are the incredible “Estufa Fria”, a botanical garden with lots of exotic plants, rivulets, falls, palm trees, shrubbery and other plants and animals typical of tropical climates.
It is worth visiting the Eduardo VII viewpoint, with a breathtaking view of the Avenida da Liberdade and some city monuments.
How to arrive: Metro blue and yellow line (Marqués de Pombal o Parque)
Opening Hours: 24horas Monday-Sunday
Address: Praça do Marquês de Pombal
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/
These are our recommendation of the 8 best places to visit in Lisbon to enjoy outdoors. Have you already visited any of them? Are you planning to go to some of them? Tell us by leaving a comment.
Would you like to visit some museums during your stay in Lisbon? Are you thinking about a cultural trip? Here you have our selection of the best 9 museums in Lisbon to enjoy your cultural visit. Lisbon has a large cultural offering, so it was a little bit difficult to decide on just nine.
Some of them have free entry, or at least there are a few days when you can enter for free (on the first Sunday of every month, all the museums are free).
There are some other museums in Lisbon where the entrance is included or you receive a discount with the Lisbon Card.
1-. Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado
Located in the city center. After a fire in 1988 it was closed, it was then reinaugurated in 1994.The main collection has paintings from between 1850 and 1950. The pieces are distributed through twelve different rooms, each one with a different theme, showing the development from Romanticism to modernism.
The museum also shows some temporary exhibitions by new artists and other activities like: guided tours, conference, seminars, concerts and other educational work.
Price: Free for children up to 12 years.Adult: 4,50 €. Family: 12 €. Senior: 2,25 €
Opening hours: Tueday-Sunday 10:00 a 18:00
https://www.visitlisboa.com
2-. Museu da Electricidade
Located in Belém, one of the neighborhoods with the most monuments in the whole city; Torre de Belém, Monasterio de los Jerónimos, etc..
Museu da Electricidade is a multidisciplinary cultural center: science, industrial archeology, big space for exhibitions and a monumental building that doesn´t leave anyone indifferent.
Suitable for all the audiences, the museum has a permanent exhibition where almost all the machinery of the old Central Tejo is exhibited, and temporary exhibitions of different disciplines: photography, science, painting, etc..
It’s a perfect place to go with kids to see the inside of a carbon-based power plant, and learn in its interactive area.
Price: From 5€ (Included in Lisboa Card and other discounts)
Opening hours: de 11:00-19:00
3-.Museu Do Fado
You will find Museu do Fado in Alfama. It was there where this nostalgic chant (fado) was born.
At the museum, you will learn fado’s history from its origin to nowadays, and how it has been modified by different styles and trends through time.
In the exhibition there are also instruments, sheet music, contracts and photographs to help you contextualize your visit. Taking an audio guide is recommended, so you can understand what are you looking at better.
But it is not only a museum, there are also investigation tasks taking place, seminars and workshops. In 2008, it won an award as one of the best museums in Lisbon.
Museu do Berardo is a reference point in modern and contemporary art in Lisbon. Located in the Cultural Center in Belém, it has the best collection of contemporary art in the world and, it has been among the 100 most visited museums worldwide.
Its founder, José Manuel Berardo, made lots of money in South Africa thanks to gold extraction. He decided to invest in art and he made his collection public in 1997 with pieces of Warhol, Picasso, Duchamp or Mondrian among others.
The museum also has workshops and other educational activities for children.
Price: 5€ (Reduced price for children and older tan 65. Free with Lisbon Card)
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-19:00
5-.Museu do Etnologia
The Museu do Etonologia founded in 1965 includes the collection from different countries where tools and other material related with rural life in Lisbon are shown. It is outstanding.
You can find pieces of several origins: Angola, Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Costa de Marfil, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Indonesia among others.
The Museu Nacional do Arqueologia is a state museum that shows the country’s history (the most complete in all of Portugal) and it’s located in a privileged place; one of the wings of Monasterio de los Jerónimos of Belém, the old monks’ bedrooms.
The museum is now the headquarters of the most important archeology investigation center in Lisbon. The collection consists of prehistorical, Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, Egyptian and classical pieces and an area dedicated to Portuguese goldsmiths.
Price: 5€ (discounts to older tan 65. Young ones, families and disabled people. Free with Lisboa Card)
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
http://vitriolassociacaolusofona.blogspot.com.es
7-. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Located 2km away from city center. This museum has over 2,200 national and international paintings, drawings and sculptures. Among them, El Bosco y Durero, pieces from the XV and XIX centuries and a sculpture from Rodin. They are totally outstanding.
In 2013 the museum had more than 124.000 visits. It was the second most visited museum in Lisbon. Suitable for all the family and with a coffee shop in an amazing terrace with panoramic views of the Tajo river.
Not usually seen on the tourist routes but it is also worth it. Its collection is composed of 6,000 pieces of ancient and modern art, but only 1,000 are shown to the public. The pieces of this exhibition are divided into: oriental and classic art, and European art (Turner, Corot, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir and Degas among other artists) with pieces from the XI to XX centuries.
Its founder Calouste Gulbenkian was an oil tycoon and oriental art lover, which is evident in the collection.
Apart from the pieces that are exhibited, it is worth visiting one of the other attractions: the museum gardens.
Museu Nacional del Azulejo is one of the best museums in the world in its field. It explains Lisbon´s history through tiles, which are essential in Portuguese architecture and decoration.
The collection contains around 7,000 pieces that contain Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Portuguese and Belgian tiles with different styles exhibited in different rooms.
The museum also exhibits ceramics, engraving and pottery pieces.
These are our recommendation of the best 9 museums in Lisbon . Have you already visited any of them? Are you planning to go to any? Leave a comment and tell us!
