From Place To Space: Lisbon, Portugal

Last week I shared my impressions of the trip to the cork forests of Portugal with you. Before I headed to the cork oak forests, I had spent a sunny day in the beautiful capital of Portugal, in Lisbon. I must say that I love the city's name in Portuguese: Lisboa sounds so mellow, warm and it carries the promise of golden sunsets on the shores of the Tejo river with the melancholic sounds of a Fado song. 

Lisbon is a beautiful city - to me, it is in line with some of the most beautiful European capitals. It is located on numerous hills overlooking the Tejo river and the close by Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, Lisbon is the warmest European capital with sunshine in abundance. Unlike many other capitals, Lisbon is rather small and great to be explored by foot or on board of one of the so popular and picturesque trams. Alfama, Alcantara, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa - the names of the various Lisbon neighborhoods sound exotic, charming, intriguing and they keep everything they promise!

The pictures I brought back were all taken during one sunny Sunday afternoon. I was walking around the city without any plan or agenda - it was just a little rediscovery of the city as my last trip to Lisbon dated back six years ago. The city has kept its magic - whether I strolled over the magnificent Placa do Comercio, the noble Rossio Square or climbed the narrow streets of the Alfama - Lisbon has a very special soul that I have not experienced in any other European capital.

Sometimes an unplanned city visit ends in the best location. That was the case when I ended up in a wonderful little and charming family-run restaurant called Caso SÉrio. Since I was visiting the city with a bunch of fellow bloggers as part of the cork tour 2014, we ordered numerous tapas with typical Portuguese dishes. Now imagine five people feasting over food and drinks and the final bill is 50 Euros!! Well, welcome to Portugal!

I have not been visiting any specific places apart from the mentioned restaurant, so I can't share any other tips with you here but those pictures taken on-the-go. I can only recommend a trip to Lisbon - go and discover this wonderful city, its hospitable people, its divine architecture with lots of Azulejo tiles, the good food and the fantastic sunsets over the Tejo river. And don't miss a Fado song or two. Lisboa por l'amorar!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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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

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