Lisbon
This summer I went to Lisbon. Like its laid-back atmosphere, this trip was also very relaxed. It revolved mostly around wandering, enjoying the time with my friend, and of course, eating. So while this is not the definitive guide to what you must see while in Lisbon, it is a few suggestions where you will not go wrong.
We had nothing but blue skies on our trip to sunny Lisboa, as it is called in Portuguese
My friend recommended Landeau Chocolate as having the best chocolate cake in Lisbon, so of course I had to try it. And she was right! Rich, but also incredibly light, with cocoa powder dusted on top, this was one of my favorite recent dessert experiences. The eatery is darkly lit, rustically elegant with comfy chairs and wooden tables, and with relaxing music playing in the background. It is a cool spot to escape the heat of sunny Lisbon.
I love the mix of classic architecture and bright, bold colors
On the shopping street Rua Garrett, I was attracted by the façade of Pastelaria Alcoa. The interior design is luxe and modern, but the taste is classic. Here we tasted the traditional pastel de nata, the flakey pastry crust filled with brûlée egg-custard that you see all over Lisbon. Take your pastries to go, or find a space at the bar to enjoy with an espresso.
Pastel pinks and city trees, a beautiful summer day
We wanted to find a local place to watch the Brazil - Belgium World Cup game, and we came across BDO Bifanas Bar. Cute, but without frills, this place has good food and drinks for a low price. I had the bolo do caco, a traditional garlic and butter bread from Madeira with a glass of Moscatel, a fortified wine served with lemon zest. The atmosphere was great even though Brazil lost the game.
The bridge crossing the Rua Nova do Carvalho, the next street over from BDO Bifanas Bar
Only a short train ride from Lisbon, you can find the coast. Praia de Carcavalos is a beautiful stretch of beach filled with people, but not so crowded that you can't find a spot to lay your towel. There are many lunch spots serving beach fare lined along the shore, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the sunshine.
The ever-present tram lines and gothic lamps that I love
The architecture in Lisbon is gorgeous, and each building is distinct. Some are adorned in delicately painted tiles, others have bright walls that jump out from the stone construction next to them. Light from the gothic lampposts melts with the humidity of dusk to create a warm fog that permeates the air. The ambiance in Lisbon is perfect for strolling night and day. The neighborhoods, high and low, are all inviting you to discover them.
The neon light casts an ethereal glow over the intricate tiles
Lisbon is a city I would like to get to know better. I was there for such short time, and I never felt like I really got my bearings. That happens sometimes. That’s one of the reasons I started this website, so that I could shed some light onto places I know so that others can adjust more easily. And now that I have a starting point in Lisbon, the next time I go back I can jump right in.
Note: The header image features the Rua Augusta Arch.
