Thanks to our talented travel guides from People Talk we’ve already got a great opportunity to visit Milan (read) and New York (read). Today we’ll have a nice walk on the cozy streets of Lisbon with one more traveler – Polina Galkova.
It was 10 years ago when I heart the fado sounds at the first time. And since that moment I’m still be in love with Portuguese romance. Every time when I hear the breathtaking words about Lisbon, I understand more and more that I need to see this city by myself!
The resolution of start planning my future trip was a blog by @malyulka. While saving in my phone the most beautiful and interesting places for sightseeing I suddenly understood that 5 days will be not enough! So in case you won’t feel the same I prepared for you the list of the most authentic, instagram places in the city of Lisbon, where, I’m sure, one day I’ll come back again.
Triumphal Arch
Triumphal Arch (Arco Da Rua Augusta) or Augusta street Arch. Since 2013 there is an observation deck. You can see here the view on the Tezhu river, the Comercio square, the Augusta street and the district of Baixa. The best time for visiting this place is during the dawn.
Elevador de Santa Justa
The cast-iron 45m neogothic elevator, which connect the lowland of Baixa area and the highland of Chiado place. On the highest area you can enjoy the insane view on Lisbon roofs, the Rossio square, find the end of Liberty Avenue (Avenida da Liberdade) and the Marquise Pombal square.
The 25th of April Bridge and the statue of Christ in Almade
You should come across the river Tajo by car. From the 25th of April Bridge you’ll see the amazing view on the statue of Christ, the same as in Rio. After the reconstruction it’s also possible to rise up on this statue, where you’ll find Lisbon from the different side. Don’t forget to take with you handkerchief to swipe the nose as from wind so from the astonishing view.
Basilica da Estrela
Basilica da Estrela and Estrela Garden, which is just the opposite. This church was built in 1790 in barocco style and used to be the most beautiful in Lisbon. It is definitely a must visit place! I don’t see any reasons to go up to the dome, whether you could go to the garden Estrela and take a rest on the green grass.
I must say that Lisbon has so many observation places! Early in the morning or during the sunset you go to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. The second one was named after the monastery which is situated in this area as well. Take a glass of wine and enjoy the atmosphere that stays here.
Coffee & Snacks
Also, I want to admit the cafes and restaurants with tasty coffee and stylish interior design. Must go and take a photo in Fabrica Coffee Roasters! This cafe was set up by guys from Russia and is a perfect place not only for those who are obsessed with coffee but also for visual lovers and instagramers: fancy mugs, big coffee foam (which won’t disappear after you’ve made 100 photos). My choice is the beef salad – the real jam! You should know that there is no WIFI and the spreadsheet on that wall says «No WIFI, Drink Coffee!». Make a check-in in ‘Hello, Kristof’, where you could find a great collection of magazines. Also you must visit the Heim Cafe. Why? Because of its coffee, breakfast, brunch, Aperol Spritz, granola, waffles, avocado salad etc.
LX Factory
LX Factory – a creative space situated on the area, where used to be a textile fabric. All teenagers from Lisbon and tourists come here for inspiration, designer clothes and shoes, coffee, home interior items, chancery items, books, accessories and different events. You’d better come here with your friend or boyfriend. Leave parents in the cafe with glass of white wine and oysters.
To sum up this post I’d like to say that Lisbon is that city, which you should explore on foot, use trams and cableway not as a vehicle but as just for fun. Put away heels and uncomfortable shoes, bring with you only sneakers and flats, make a pony tail, put a thick layer of sunscreen cream and go and get get lost on the streets.
Written by – Polina Galkova (@tetya_po).