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Double the experience in sunny Lisbon

All Areas > Travel > Holidays & Travel

Author: Al Hidden, Posted: Thursday, 24th March 2016, 08:00

Lisbon Lisbon

Lisbon has long been a favourite with us Brits. With weather ranging from mild to pleasantly hot, it’s an enticing year-round destination. For maximum contrast, combine self-catering in historic hilltop Alfama with a central boutique-hotel indulgence.

Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbour-hood, is a true ‘village within a city’ and only a 15-minute cab ride from Portela airport. It’s a microcosm of Lisbon with its narrow streets, sun-dappled staircases, tiny squares, churches and whitewashed houses, where washing dries between balconies.

Character-packed self-catering accommodation
Many Alfama properties, like Pateo Santo Estevao (Largo de Santo Estevao 4) or the Alfama Lounge Suites (Escolais Gerais), now offer character-packed self-catering accommodation. Whatever your taste and budget, expect the amazing in medieval Alfama.

Whether you stay here or just visit, don’t rush exploration of this neighbourhood. Local geology means it survived 1755’s catastrophic earthquake. It’s a treasure trove of architecture, cuisine, city views, mournful Fado songs and history dating to Roman times.

Ride the ‘Electrico’ through Alfama
Try a Segway tour of Alfama or ride the yellow 1930s ‘Remodelado’ – the only trams that can negotiate the impossibly steep, narrow, twisty streets. Tram 28 is the highlight with its serpentine 11km route around Baixa, Alfama and Graça. It’s as much fairground ride as mass-transit, as the ‘Electrico’ squeezes between whitewashed walls with Rizla-paper clearance.

Try a boutique hotel for contrast
For double the experience, pair time in your Alfama apartment with a few nights in a central Lisbon boutique hotel (try the Art Deco Britania off Avenida Libertade). Then set off on foot to explore sun-drenched Praça do Comércio and Baixa, or ride the Elevador da Gloria up to Jardim de S. Pedro de Alcântara before chilling with snacks and Amendoa amarga on the terrace at Lost in Esplenada (R. Dom Pedro V).

That brings us to food and Lisbon’s ubiquitous Pasteis de Belem (custard tarts), Bacalhau, Caldo Verde broth and other treats. Contrast the local Grelhador de Alfama (R. dos Remédios 137) with stylish seafood at Ribadouro (Av. da Liberdade 155). From basic to ultra-sophisticated, Lisbon kitchens delight and full stomachs are guaranteed.

Lisbon has everything
From Alfama’s historic Castelo de São Jorge to Baixa’s designer boutiques and authentic late-night Fado, Lisbon has everything – all you’ll be short of is time to do everything in just one visit!

Other Images

Lisbon tram travel

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