Lisbon – the city of golden sunsets

If you haven’t been in Lisbon yet you should add it to your travel list.  It’s a great city to visit. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The big earthquake in 1755 damaged most of the city but it was renewed in a few years with a new building style that includes Lisbon’s famous tile-covered buildings. This is the first thing you will notice – how colorful the city is.

Legend says that Lisbon, like Rome, was built on seven hills so wear comfortable shoes as you will go up and go down many times exploring its cozy streets!

You can take a tour on the city on a famous tram №28 which takes you through some interesting historic areas or rent a Tuk Tuk to cross narrow and steep city streets and to get to know various viewpoints with the most beautiful views over the city of Lisbon. Another good option to explorer the city is to take The Lisbon Tourist Bus that offers panoramic views over the Portuguese capital, and you can go on and go off at any of its many stops.

Here are the most popular tourist areas of Lisbon:

Alfama

If you want to feel old charm of Lisbon you need to start your visit from Alfama – the historical soul of the city. Walking through this old-fashioned neighborhood will bring you to the past as the time has stopped there. Don’t be afraid to get lost in these narrow labyrinthine streets.

One of the famous places to visit in this area is St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) on the top of Lisbon’s highest hill in Alfama. You will be able to see breathtaking views of the city.

Bairro Alto and Chiado

Chiado is an elegant district of theaters, classical cafes, local and international stores and shops. Here you will find the oldest bookstore in the world – Livraria Bertrand (founded in 1732) and the oldest restaurant in Lisbon – Tavares (opened in 1784).

Bairro Alto means “Upper city” and is located uphill of Chiado. It was a cultural and bohemian center that attracted artists and writers. This part of the town is popular with its nightlife. So if you like to go out you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and Fado music spots.

Baixa

It is the central business and shopping district of the city. It was completely rebuilt after the Great Earthquake of 1755. There are a lot of elegant squares, grand avenues pedestrianized streets, cafes, and shops. Here you can visit Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio), National Theater and walking down the pedestrian Rua Augusta, past the Triumphal arch you will get the monumental Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) – one of Europe’s largest squares where the royal palace stood for over two centuries until 1755.