Lisbon captivates with its light, the vibrant life flowing through its streets, its iconic trams, and its unmistakable maritime charm… Alfama, Chiado, Baixa, Belém, Rua Rosa, and Parque das Nações—each neighbourhood brims with authenticity
Lisbon is a city with a soul. Nestled at the mouth of the Tagus River, it exudes the slightly faded grandeur so often associated with port cities. In fact, Lisbon is 400 years older than Rome. The Phoenicians, twelve centuries ago, called it their ‘Allis Ubbo,’ meaning ‘safe harbour’.
The city has evolved across multiple levels, overseen by the imposing São Jorge Castle. A silent sentinel that has witnessed invasions and conquests since the 1st century BC. Lisbon is a captivating blend of history and modernity, a city where the past and present intertwine. While it boasts numerous museums and outdoor monuments, its true charm lies in the vibrant life that flows through its streets.
The devastating earthquake of 1755 marked a turning point for Lisbon. A magnitude 9 tremor, followed by a massive tsunami, levelled the lower part of the city, including the opera house and the royal palace, which once stood on what is now Praça do Comércio. You’ll find it on maps, guides, and tram or metro stops as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square).
The new Lisbon rose from the ashes of the old. King José I commissioned the Marquis of Pombal to rebuild the city. The result was the Baixa Pombalina, a completely new district constructed at sea level. Remnants of the devastating disaster can still be seen today, such as the city’s unique streets, paved with hand-fitted stones to withstand future tremors, and the Carmo Convent. This Gothic building was left practically in ruins after the earthquake, with only the arched framework of its nave remaining. Visitors can access the convent from the Chiado district or via the historic Santa Justa Lift, built in 1902.
Rua Augusta, the heart of the Baixa district, is a vibrant pedestrian street paved with beautiful mosaics. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and charming cafes where locals and tourists gather to enjoy coffee and the famous Portuguese custard tarts, pastéis de Belém. The street runs from Praça do Rossio through the iconic arch commemorating the city’s resilience to Praça do Comércio with its imposing equestrian statue of King José I. Nearby is the museum dedicated to Nobel laureate José Saramago, who adopted Lanzarote as his home.
Alfama, a labyrinth of narrow, sloping streets, is home to the historic quarter. Beneath the yellow tram, its traditional bars invite you to experience the soulful sounds of fado. And don’t miss the stunning viewpoints, like the popular Portas do Sol. Lisbon boasts nine such miradors, each offering breathtaking views of the city.
Chiado offers a more cosmopolitan vibe with its elegant squares, restaurants serving bacalhau (cod), and iconic cafes like A Brasileira. The district is also home to the quirky Pink Street with its vibrant fuchsia pavement and colourful rainbow umbrella canopy. With a plethora of bars and clubs, Chiado is a lively spot for nightlife.
