Monday, July 2, 2012

From Place To Space: Lisboa


Today I am taking you to the Portuguese capital - to Lisboa as it is called in Portuguese. Prior to going to Lisbon, I heard so many promising comments. Lisbon is young and vibrant. Lisbon is creative and vivid. Lisbon is sunny and beautiful. And after my little trip I can say: yes, yes, and yes.


Alcantara, Chiado, Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto - these are the dulcet names of some of Lisbon's central quarters and main spots for visitors. Lisbon is also referred to as the 'City of the Seven Hills' and thus quite hilly indeed. The best is to discover the city by foot to get an idea of the layout, architecture and hidden corners. But no worries, Lisbon has a good metro network and you shouldn't miss the famous tram no. 28 - a great way to enjoy the city's sights from a sitting perspective.

I adore Portuguese 'fado' so I would recommend a visit to one of the fado bars in Alfama, one of the oldest districts. Moreover, take a walk down to the Tejo river to see the world heritage, the Belém Tower. From Tejo river back to the city you will pass through some major shopping streets. For a good afternoon break head to the famous Café A Brasileira - as popular and crowded as it can get, it still is a real gem with its original Art Deco style from the 19th century. Enjoy a good, strong Portuguese coffee - a 'bica' if you're the espresso type or a 'galao' if you love it milky. To accompany your coffee don't miss a 'pastel de nata', the famous Portuguese egg tart pastry. 

Tiles are also a big thing in Lisbon. The 'azulejos' tiles are evident on many buildings, in parks, for interior design purposes. Moreover, you will find many shops selling tiles - from antique to contemporary to souvenir style. Make your choice and bring a bit of Portugal back home. One of my friends actually bought many different styles to tile her balcony. Well that's another type of souvenir, don't you think? Have a happy week!

Photography by Igor Josifovic


21 comments :

  1. Gorgeous! I would love to see Lisboa some day. But, for now, a wonderful virtual trip on a Sunday night. Sigh. :)

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  2. I was wondering where you would take us today (by the way, is there any place on this earth you haven't visited?!!). Funny, I never thought much about Lisbon until I met my husband who has always wanted to visit and loves fado music. Well, it's his wish to arrive there on a sailboat one day so who knows what the future holds.

    I have a crush on the yellow trams.

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    1. Well then your husband and I share a passion for fado music. I love it and Lisbon is really beautiful. You will enjoy it when you get there!

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  3. Why you didn't let me know you are here,we could have a drink together...Next time please do it!!! :-)

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    1. Promised Sanda!!! Ovo je bilo pre nekoliko godina, inace bih se sto posto javio kod tebe!! Sledeci put definitivno!

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  4. Mondays are fundays with Igor! :) First, beardless Igor? Second, I love when your posts make me search for tickets and hotels. And it happened today. :)

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  5. I love Lisbon soooo much - did you make it to the flea market Feira De ladra, if not if you go again you must try and go, there are a few snaps from it on our blog if you get a chance to look- http://thenostalgiaexchange.wordpress.com/
    Such a special place - thanks for the inspiring blog spot again

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  6. my city! miss it... thanks!

    regards from the netherlands.

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  7. It's a truly beautiful city rich in color and culture by the looks of it!
    http://www.dawnajonesdesign.com/

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  8. Oh, so happy to see your pics of my favourite city in the world. I used to live in Lisboa & go back there whenever I can. A bica and pastel de nata at Brasileira is my best thing to do! Thanks for a great post :))

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  9. Never been to Lisbon, but now I sure wanna go :))
    Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Lisbon is a really great city, great sun and great food. I'm an azulejos fan, so look at this all made in azulejos
    http://www.bocadolobo.com/le/heritage_sideboard.html
    hope you like it

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    1. A very interesting piece of furniture! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Lol, last week I searched your blog to check if you had a blogpost about Lisboa... Without success! So I was very surprised with this article today :). I'm going to Lisboa next month and I'm getting more and more excited because of your pics :)

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    1. Perfect - hope this helps and inspires a bit:-)

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    2. Yeah it definitely inspires me! Especially the azulejos. I guess you can also buy nice ceramic stuff in Lisboa? My mother really loves nice ceramic plates so perhaps I can buy her something nice.

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  12. Always good information and inspiration here Igor. Looks like it was a fun trip. Beautiful indeed. Recently my friend visited too, and she brought me back a small modern Portuguese tile. I was soooooo happy!

    Xx.

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  13. you certainly travel to so many beautiful places in the Europe. You inspired me more to travel to Europe continent :).

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  14. You always take us to these amazing cities, and Lisbon is no different! If I can only travel like you, sigh! :)

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  15. Lovely pics!!! Going to lagos in august, cant wait!

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  16. We'll go to Lisboa in March, so I came back to your blog to find some good ideas and adresses, thanks !

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