The legendary tram 28
The city of seven hills is unpredictable. The same one day dawns with a seafaring soul and the peace of a poet. And the next with the courage of a corsair, to end the week with the euphoria of a conqueror and the alcoholic kick of pirates. Something similar happens over time. Well it gives you rivers of rain, well tsunamis of sun in the middle of winter. That's what it takes to be charismatic.
After centuries looking at the sea, ancient olyspus it is halfway between decadent beauty and infinite saudade. The Portuguese capital exudes melancholy, attitude and sympathy that is not of this world. Here are ten keys to the Rome of the Atlantic.
1) BAIXA HOUSE (Rua dos Fanqueiros, 81/Rua da Conceicao)
Wooden floors, exposed beams, sky-high ceilings, first division beds... Extremaduran María Ulecia fell in love with Lisbon. And later this formidable 18th century building, built after the 1755 earthquake in the heart of Baixa, the historic neighborhood that kisses the Tagus. Ulecia turned it into this latticework of delightful 'homes'. Under her direction there are also top-level hotel projects such as Micasa in Lisbon. The euphoria of this new Lisbon cries out to heaven: "It is unavoidable. In this life one ends up doing what fascinates him”.
Living room of the 'Ajuda' apartment of the Baixa House
** 2) RAMIRO SEAFOOD STORE ** (Av. Almirante Reis, 1)
It is in its own right the most popular seafood restaurant and with more charm, Lisbon. Because of its prices and its absolute crowds. To dine at Spanish time you have to arrive at European time. And exceptional in the quality of its seafood. Seafood etiquette is fascinating. The best wait with an 'imperial' (cane) in the queue . At the table: the menus on paper tablecloths, fluorescent supermarkets and waiters in yellowish shirts. In addition to the camaroes (prawns) with garlic and oysters, try the crab, a beautiful butchered specimen that is served with a hammer. Here the one who is not happy is because he does not want to.
Marisquería Ramiro: here the one who is not happy is because he does not want
3) OR BACALHOEIRO (Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 125)
Adjacent to the Sé Cathedral, this neighborhood cultural association works as paradigm of the artistic pulse of Lisbon since 2006. Unlike other similar spaces, among its faithful, Portuguese of all classes, ages and conditions. Performances, plays, concerts, recitals and exhibitions populate its hyperactive schedule. Reasons for all tastes: well priced rods, good foam and a lax policy with smokers.
O Bacalhoeiro: the artistic pulse of Lisbon
** 4) CASA DAS JANELAS WITH A VIEW ** (Rua Nova do Loureiro, 35)
The nightlife district is called Barrio Alto. Its streets live a second awakening during the night. And their buildings hide nests where it is possible to sleep whole days without feeling the street decibels. The 12 rooms at Casa das Janelas com Vista are all different. They are inhabited by hand-painted cabinets, tables made of noble materials or armchairs from other eras. The bathroom amenities and their gargantuan breakfasts they confirm that Lisbon people are extremely strict about the good life.
Breakfast in bed or on the patio, you choose
5) CAIS DO SODRÉ
The unfaithful heir to Barrio Alto, owned by Portuguese night owls, attracts a bohemian fauna that doesn't show up before midnight. Since 2011 the neighborhood that points ways has been populated with gambling dens with live music, burlesque clubs, bars where you can try their petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and a good handful of beautiful bars where you can taste an authentic bica (their espresso). Some corners with a roof: Bar Da Velha Senhora (burlesque), **Povo (fados), Sol e Pesca (petiscos) ** and La Pensão Amor (erotic bookstore and high-voltage drinks).
Coladas with denomination of origin
** 6) CAPITO ** (Costa do Castelo, 1)
A few minutes from the Castle of San Jorge, the cultural emblem of the Castelo neighborhood It is home to a circus and show school, supports social projects and fills the restaurant with views every day. One of the reasons to drop by here. Miguel Ameal and Bertilio Gomes are the captains of the Chapito team, which plays on three courses: the terrace with a viewpoint, the petisqueria (tapeteria) and the interior restaurant with views almost identical to those offered by the neighboring castle.
Views of Lisbon from Chapito
7) TASCA DO SOL (Rua do Sol a Graça, 71-73)
This tavern, which goes unfairly unnoticed, It was one day tiny neighborhood butcher shop. At a few tables, chef Tiago Vieira and head chef Sofia Maciel flaunt their a good tune fueled by a short menu of petiscos, an atmosphere without fake attitude and neighbors who speak in whispers. They have just received a garfo (fork) from Lisboa à Prova. He orders his prawns and you burst into tears.
Quail eggs at Tasca do Sol
8) LADRA FAIR OR ALFAMA MARKET (Field of Santa Clara, 1100-472)
The Lisbon Rastro was in its day stolen goods market (literally 'thief's market'). Behind the church of San Vicente de Fora, shopkeepers hang out in the sun tending trifles of all kinds: kitsch antiques, second-hand accessories, eighties toys and authentic vinyl treasures. Take a look at the Centro das Artes Culinarias, an amusement park for lovers of organic products and cute things in general.
The Alfama neighborhood
9) PRINCE OF CALHARIZ (Calçada Combro 28/30)
A few meters from the church of Santa Catalina, the entrance of this essential of Portuguese cuisine It seems to hypnotize passers-by with its aromas of grandmother's recipes based on octopus, pork, rice... Inside, a spacious white room, orders run for their specialties: Príncipe (cod recipe), Moçambicana (bacon fillet) and Mirandesa (veal).
**10) LX FACTORY ** (Rua Rodrigues de Faria, 103)
They can't help it. Lisbon's modernity exudes a halo of unique decadence and delicious that many hipsters already wanted. You can find them at LX Factory, the Lisbon Slaughterhouse. A huge set of 23,000 m2 warehouses, the former headquarters of the capital's textile company, in the Alcántara neighbourhood. Its dimensions give for endless businesses related to design, fashion, advertising, communication, fine arts, music. A 'factory' of wonderful ideas not suitable for bland people.
LX Factory, the Lisbon Slaughterhouse