Planning a trip to the Med this year? Lisbon Travel Tips Inside!
Happy New Year !
For my new year holidays this year I had family visiting me in the Med, and we decided to take a road trip in Portugal. We found so many gems discovering Lisbon and the Algarve’s unique Med Style, that I decided to add Med Travel to my blog series:
Med Style City Guides and
Med Style Road Trips: Off-the-beaten-track
In this 2-part Med Travel blog series featuring Portugal, I share my discoveries on where to stay, where to eat, and the Med Style finds that are inspiring me from Lisbon and the Algarve.
PART 1: MED STYLE CITY GUIDE: LISBON
Med Style: The Magic of Portuguese Tiles
What sets Lisbon apart from other Med cities is the breath-taking display of gorgeous ceramic tiles that cover its buildings creating a vast collage of artful colour and history shining in the bright Portuguese sun.
I could spend several days getting lost in the charming streets of Lisbon, simply viewing all of the hand-painted tiles as a city-scale gallery tour that has been evolving over centuries. Each neighbourhood of Lisbon’s seven hills has a different story to tell.
Reading up of the history of Lisbon’s tiled buildings I learned that "azulejos," the name of traditional ceramic Portuguese tiles, means polished stone in Arabic. Ceramic tiles started being used in Portugal and Spain in the 13th century, when part of the Iberian Peninsula was still being ruled by the Moors of Northern Africa.
Azulejos transformed into an art form, with Portuguese painters incorporating them to depict significant events from the country's history. These intricate details contribute to the unique, rich appeal of Portuguese architecture - blending Moorish ancestry with contemporary expressions.
Fast Facts about Portugal’s Azulejo tiles :
Portuguese azulejo tiles…
were originally created to protect the walls of houses from low temperatures
are influenced by Arab cultures such as the geometric style and flower motifs
have had a large influence on local street art - classic azulejo styles with a modern twist. Maria Keil made the iconic ajulezos that cover the walls of Lisbon’s metro stations in the 1950s.
Since 2013, it’s been forbidden to demolish buildings with tile-covered façades in Lisbon to protect their cultural heritage.
Find stores to buy classical and contemporary Portuguese tiles in Lisbon here.
Learn more about the history of Portugal’s Azulejo here.
Visit the National Tile Museum in Lisbon (Museu Nacional do Azulejo, R. Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon), to view tiles from the 15th century to the present day.
What to See: A 12-Hour Tour
1. Tram 28: €3 per person
When I arrive in a new city I like to get the lay of the land with a 1-2hr city tour that gives me a glimpse of several neighbourhoods to choose what I want to explore in more detail. In Lisbon you can wind through Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods and steep streets on one of its historic tram routes: Tram 28
Tip: Tram 28 has become extremely popular and so taking a ride in the early morning is recommended to secure your seat!
Another option for a 1-2hr city tour is by “jeep tuk tuk”: €25 per person, prices vary and can be negotiated. You can find these tours for hire outside most of Lisbon’s tourist attractions.
We opted for a combo of the two!
2. Bario Alto, Santa Caterina & Ascensor da Bica
One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Lisbon is the elevated Bario Alto for its charming streets, spectacular views, and convivial atmosphere. It is easy to get everywhere from here. I love the view from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina (photo above, and see Where to Eat below). Two of my fav boutique hotels can also be found in this neighbourhood (see Where to Stay below).
You can take the “Ascensor da Bica” funicular directly down to Cais do Sodre and head to Time Out Market for lunch - and then back up the steep hill when ready to return to the hotel!
3. “Rua Verde” Green Street
Those of you that have read my Med Garden blogs know that I love trees, plants and gardens. My new find in Lisbon is “Rua Verde” or Green Street - Tucked away between Santos and Santa Catarina, on Rua da Silva.
The nickname comes from the abundance of flowers and plants amongst the street's historic buildings, local shops and cafes. Green Street grew from a shared love of plants by a resident and a business owner, into an association in the neighbourhood.
This market, formerly a 19th century horticultural market, Mercado da Ribeira Nova, is the perfect place to see and sample Portuguese cuisine, and to get to know Lisbon’s leading chefs! It is a Med Food & Wine dream - a market of food stalls from Lisbon’s best restaurants!
"Time Out Market is the first market in the world where everything has been chosen, tasted and tested by Time Out’s own journalists and critics."
5. LX Factory
After lunch, spend the afternoon along Lisbon’s Tagus river at the “creative island” LXFactory - in the neighbourhood, Alcântara - for a leisurely stroll amongst artisan shops, art galleries and cafes.
End your afternoon with a coffee and Pasteis de Belem - overlooking the 25 April “Golden Gate” bridge.
7. Alfama
The Alfama neighbourhood is home to Portuguese Fado music. Alfama comes to life at night with spontaneous local music while you eat or enjoy a cocktail! The perfect place to end your 12-Hour Tour of Lisbon.
Where to Stay: Med Home Style Inspiration from Lisbon's Boutique Hotels
3 Boutique Chic Hotel Finds in Lisbon
Casa Das Janelas Com Vista €100-€200
This small hotel in Bario Alto is a special find. It has a welcoming charm in its simplicity, yet full of boutique chic touches and familiar hospitality. Rooms on the top floor have a spectacular view of Lisbon!
Lumiares Hotel & Spa €300+
In terms of Med Style inspiration, this gorgeous hotel has it all. It is boutique luxury at its finest, blending seamlessly historic beauty with contemporary design. The rooftop panoramic terrace is a spot you may never want to leave!
Visionaire Apartments €100-€150
Located at the top of Lisbon's shopping street, these fully equipped and beautiful apartments are perfectly located for the self-catering traveler. If you have a car, there is a pubic parking conveniently located underneath the square in front of the apartments.
Where to Eat: Med Food Inspiration from my Fav Lisbon Restaurants
Pharmacia is a lovely restaurant with an amazing terrace (photo above) directly overlooking the Miradouro de Santa Caterina. Inside you will find an airy restaurant with quirky pharmacy inspired decor and delicious tapas by celebrity chef Felicidade. A perfect place for lunch on the terrace to take in those stunning views and enjoy the afternoon in the sun!
Las Dos Manos, Mexican-Japanese Fusion by Kiko Martins in Bario Alto is a small and cozy gem with amazing, unique and super tasty food! Seating is limited and so be sure to book a table so that you don't miss out on this must try restaurant fav in Lisbon!
Lisbon is top of my Med Style City list, a city with so much to discover. Add Lisbon to your Med Travel itinerary this year and share your favourite spots in the comments below!
For PART 2 of my Med Travel blog series featuring Portugal, check out MED STYLE ROAD TRIPS: ALGARVE.
For more Med Style Travel Tips, go to All Blogs MED TRAVEL.
Discover more of the Mediterranean this year!
Jade
Lewon Med
Sharing a great tip sent to me by email from a reader: "another fabulous Lisbon hotel rec: https://www.hotelalegria.pt/m/ - thank you so much!