Tag: lisbon

Travel Smart in Lisbon: Alfama

You will either love or hate Alfama–there’s no half measures! It will either seem an exhausting array of steep streets that slowly climb towards the Castelo de São Jorge or a charming hillside neighbourhood with quaint houses, traditional shops and businesses, lookout points, fado music houses and tiles, tiles and more tiles.

At the Gat Rossio hotel, which is located just a 20-minute walk away, we’re crazy about Alfama, and want to share our favourite things about this amazing area with you.

First, the views
Begin your tour in Martim Moníz Square, where the Tram 28 is ready to take you through the neighbourhoods of Rossio and Baixa to Portas do Sol in Alfama, the stop closest to the castle.

When you alight, head towards the Santa Lucía lookout point before visiting the impressive Castelo de São Jorge, which dates back to the time the city was under Moorish rule (Monday-Sunday, 09:00-21:00).
From the castle, look for Rua do Recolhimento to find the hidden-away lookout point, Miradouro del Jardim do Recolhimento.

Get ready for a thrilling descent!
Enjoy the treasures you discover along the way as you meander back down the hill to the hotel, such as the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, the steps down from Rua de São Miguel, Lisbon Cathedral (Monday-Sunday, 10:00-19:00), the Renaissance palace Casa dos Bicos or the Roman theatre (Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-18:00).

@viamichelin

If the main attractions are the body of Alfama, you need the soul
From Tuesday to Sunday, between 19:00 – 23:00, head over to Tasca do Jaime to enjoy the most authentic fado music house experience in the city (see more fado music houses here).

Finally, if you’re in Lisbon on a Tuesday or a Saturday, you can’t leave without visiting the renowned flea market, Feira da Ladra (for more Lisbon markets, click here).

Saint Travel Lovers’ Day!

This month, Gatrooms wants to celebrate Travel Lovers’ Day! To mark our alternative event, we have a gift for all the intrepid explorers who long to discover the lesser-known delights of Lisbon and Berlin: the Gatrooms travel guide.

It is a bible for anyone who, like the travellers we welcome at the Gat Point Charlie or Gat Rossio hotels, is on the lookout for alternative adventures and out-of-the-way corners to explore; enjoys experiencing culture beyond museum walls; loves to read or eat in extraordinary venues and settings; and opts for the most sustainable form of transport wherever they go.

If this sounds like you, download your guide to Berlin or Lisbon here: https://whereis.gatrooms.com/ebooks-smart-travel/

In this guide you’ll find…
A paradise for bibliophiles in our broad selection of alternative bookshops in Berlin, such as Shakespeare and Sons, where you can eat a delicious bagel while you read to your heart’s content.

@shakespeareandsons

Lisbon’s best-kept secrets, such as the smallest bookshop in the world, which is nestled in the Mouraria neighbourhood.

@fodorstravel

Unusual and sometimes bizarre venues in Berlin, some of which are enough to make your jaw drop, including Madame Claude, the bar in Kreuzberg that flips the world on its head.

@myguideberlin

The best places for enjoying a mind-blowing culinary experience, such as The Food Temple in Lisbon. In the summer, eating on the steps outside will make you feel as if you are at a street party!

@bestguide

We also reveal a large selection of fado music houses, with enough for you to visit a different one on every night of your stay in Lisbon: Mesa de Frades for Monday, Parreirinha de Alfama for Tuesday, Casa do Jaime for Wednesday…the list goes on!

 

@Eltenedor

Stories that shaped history, such as the invention of the bretzel by the Celts to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Wherever you decide to travel this Saint Valentine’s Day, make sure you travel SMART.

Travel Smart in Lisbon: Bairro Alto

@culturetrip

Bairro Alto, along with Chiado, is one of Lisbon’s most bohemian neighbourhoods. Our itinerary begins in Praça Luis de Camões, one of the sites at which the iconic Tram 28 stops (make sure you don’t miss it!). This square, which marks the boundary between Chiado and Bairro Alto, was one of the sites that saw the Revolução dos Cravos, or Carnation Revolution, unfold in 1974 and put an end to Salazar’s dictatorship.

During the day
The history of Lisbon

@paradaconfonda
The Museu da Farmácia (Pharmacy Museum) in Santa Catarina, the MUHNAC (National Natural History and Science Museum) and the Museu de São Roque house original pieces that will take you back through the history of Portugal and other countries. Remember to check out the amazing replica of a 19th century Chinese apothecary.

Nossa Senhora do Vencimento do Monte do Carmo


@bertkauffman Flickr

The ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are a dream for photography aficionados or history buffs. Make sure you explore this picturesque setting to take in the architecture and the incredible views over Bairro de Baixa.

At night
A drink with a view

@traveler

Head to Terrace BA for lunch under the sun or to enjoy your first drink of the evening with spectacular panoramic views. There is also another great rooftop bar in the Park bar–find out more in our post “Afterwork drinks with views in Lisbon”.

Don’t miss these emblematic streets!

@carloscosta

Visit the cool, alternative shops and boutiques on Rua do Norte, then discover the intriguing history of Rua do Diário de Noticias and take a break at No. 39 to enjoy the city’s most authentic fado music in Tasca do Chico.
When night falls, head towards Rua da Rosa, which is packed with bars and clubs, and let your intuition guide you on where to start and end your evening in Lisbon.

Natal in Lisbon: Christmas Markets

@vinosycaminos

During the Christmas season, the streets of Lisbon twinkle with festive lights and the intoxicating aroma of roasted chestnuts that fills the air tempts you to indulge in this traditional treat. Every year, a giant Christmas tree presides over the Praça do Comércio and converts the entire square into a spectacular 3D light show.

The festive season also fills the city with small markets that offer shoppers an array of goods at stalls decorated with fairy lights and candles, with heart-warming carols playing in the background. Read on to learn a bit more about them.

Christmas Market at Campo Pequeno


@lisbonidee

When: 29 November–2 December, 11:30–21:30.
Where: Praça do Campo Pequeno
Insider tip: There are 100 stalls to browse here and an almost infinite selection of things to choose from, so pace yourself!

Wonderland Lisboa at Parque Eduardo VII


@wonderlandlisboa

When: 1 December–1 January, check timetables here (https://tvi.iol.pt/wonderland/horario)
Where: Parque Eduardo VII
Insider tip: Wrap the little ones up and bring them along for some festive fun ice-skating, riding the Ferris wheel or sitting on Santa’s knee.

Natalis


@visitlisboa

When: 5 December and 9 December, 15:00 – 21:00
6 December and 8 December, 15:00 – 23:00.
Where: FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Rua do Bojador.
Insider tip: This multi-sectorial, multi-space charity market is a great alternative to traditional Christmas venues. Make sure you don’t miss any of the 4 spaces: the Christmas Market, the Outlet Market, the Chocolate Market and FIL Diverlandia. There’s something for the whole family!

Let yourself get caught up in Lisbon’s magical festive atmosphere and round off your adventure-filled days with a warm glass of traditional mulled wine in Praça do Rossio, from where you’re just a short stroll away from our hotel. Cheers!

Dia das Bruxas in Lisbon

Halloween is an Anglo-Saxon custom of pagan origin with its roots in the ancient festival of Samhain, during which the Celts celebrated the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. In the British Isles, this celebration came to coincide with the Christian feast of All Hallows at the beginning of November, and was soon known as All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween. Over the years, it has been adapted to suit different cultures and is celebrated in many different ways.

In Portugal, children in costumes can be heard asking Doçura ou diabrura? as they knock on doors in the hope of receiving candy or chocolate, just as the trick-or-treaters in the United States or Britain do. However, the traditional celebration held the following day – All Saints’ Day – involves paying our respects to deceased family members by laying flowers on their graves and baking sweet cinnamon cakes.

Modern Lisbon is a fantastic blend of cultures and traditions, and October 31st in the city is always brimming with fun things to do.
In this post, we have prepared a selection of this year’s Halloween-themed activities that are most likely to make you work up a sweat!

Trek through Monsanto Park


@susanadominguez

Info: Parque Florestal Monsanto at 7.50 pm.
Insider tip: Enjoy the views on this spooky 11km walking tour, but make sure you don’t get left behind…

Halloween Run Party 2018

Info: Estádio Universitário at 9 pm.
Insider tip: Break witches’ spells and flee from the spooks on this 6km fun run.

Game Over Escape Rooms: a night of terror


@Gameescape

Info: Rua de O Século 4B, Bairro Alto.
Insider tip: If you think you’re brave enough, try your luck at the escape room based on the horror movie Saw.

Chalet Biester


@timeout

Info: Estrada da Pena, Sintra.
Insider tip: This mansion is the ideal setting for bone-chilling horror stories!

Therapy Sessions Halloween Party


@timeout

Info: LX Factory, Rua Rodrigues Faria, 103, Alcântara, at 11 pm.
Insider tip: We love any excuse for a great night of dancing!

Discover traditional Fado in Lisbon

@BrunoSaavedra

Traditional Fado music is mournful and stirring. This unique expression of Lisbon’s soul can still be heard in the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, a nostalgic song for what once was or could have been that speaks of saudades ‒ melancholy and longing for a time lost. The popular, street form is known as fado vadio, and is spontaneous, informal and slightly more upbeat. Usually sung in bars and taverns, it involves some improvisation and is bound by less social norms. At the same time, it is rarely found in the most touristic venues and differs from the more elite fado music that seeks the romanticism of the meaningful silence that reigns when the first chord is played on the viola or Portuguese guitar.
In this post, we will introduce you to the best Lisbon Fado music in a selection of three venues. To make the evening a truly traditional experience, head to these “Fado houses” for dinner and order a quintessentially Portuguese dish such as “Caldo Verde”, cod, or “Cabidela rice”.

Mesa de Frades

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 20:30 – 02:00.
Address: Rua dos Remédios, 139, 1100-081

@mesadefrades

Tasca do Jaime (Alfama)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 19:00 – 23:00.
Address: Rua de São Pedro, 40, 1100 603
Tasca do Jaime (Graça)
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 16:00 – 20:00.
Address: Rua da Graça, 91, 1170-050

@RodolfoContreras

Parreirinha de Alfama

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 20:00 – 01:00. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Beco do Espírito Santo 1, 1100-222

@BrunoSaavedra

In case you still need any convincing, here is some more inspiration in a video of renowned Fado artist Cuca Roseta singing in Tasca do Chico, which is also well worth a visit.