36 hours in Lisbon

Known for its soft, pastel-coloured houses that brighten up the city as well as its colourful tile work embellishing the facades. A beautiful picture that makes wandering through the Portuguese capital even more enjoyable.

Every time I catch myself getting lost in all its picturesque scenes. Whether you visit Lisbon for the first or third time, the city keeps its charm as new discoveries arise.

Besides the typical monuments and must-do’s as the Santa Justa Elevator, Castelo de São Jorge, a trip to Belém, or munching on a pastel the nata… there is much more that make Lisbon the ideal city trip destination.

With only 36 hours to spend in the city, there was no time to waste as we dropped of our bags at the beautiful Valverde Hotel and began the way to our first stop.

Day 1

We started in the streets of Chiado & Bairro Alto. Home to Lisbon’s bohemian and more alternative sceneries. Even being compared to Paris’s Montmartre. If wanting a taste of the nightlife, Bairro Alto comes to live at sundown, whilst the Chiado streets are bustling by day due to its famous theatres, museums, shops and cafés. Feel like grabbing a nice lunch? Stop at Comoda.

Besides the Instagram-approved interior, the café serves a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, from savoury to sweet. The coffee and fresh juices are highly recommended and regardless of your dietary wishes, Comoda has options for all as vegan and allergy friendly dishes are part of its standard menu.

Moving further, a hidden treasure lays within these hilly streets, continuing the Rua de Boavista till reaching the point of Largo Conde-Barão square. On your right, you will enter Vista Verde.

The green street where you can find restaurants, café and bars of all types and cuisines, as well as some boutique shops to browse through. PS: according to local advice it is also the perfect spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy a good glass of Portuguese wine.

However, Vista Verde is not the only treasure to be found. When climbing one of the many steep roads, we arrived at the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, overlooking the westside of the city with a view of the Ponte 25 de Abril and Santuário de Cristo Rei. Miradoura means viewpoint, and many can be spotted around the city of seven hills. By simply wandering around, conquering those hilltops, you will find absolute gems of soft pastel houses and red roof views overlooking the Tagus River.

View from Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Day 2

With 18 hours left, the area of Alfama is up next. Behind the Castelo de São Jorge, down till the waterfront, Alfama was the home of the fishermen in history and the birth place of the Fado back in the 1820s. From mesmerizing views at the top of the hill, to humble street views of its locals, catching a grim of their daily lives. Descending can be done by two options: either walking down the cobblestone streets, or – opting for the more comfortable choice – by boarding one of the classic trams, nr. 28.

Area of Alfama

With time ticking by, the next stop is LX Factory. A new hotspot in Lisbon with a still recent history. A short bus ride from the Cais do Sodre station, the former factory ground has been redeveloped in one of Lisbon’s hottest art scenes. A place were creatives gather to share their work from architecture to fashion, food and music.

Wrapping up our Lisbon adventure and trying to savour the Portuguese culture for as long as possible, there is no better way than to enjoy its flavours at the Decadente. Based in the former residences of the Swiss ambassador, this restaurant celebrates the local cuisine.

A shared dining concept fitting its laid-back vibe and a menu filled with traditional dishes, but reinvented. Scowl the cocktail menu with its international classics only to discover that the ingredients are replaced by their Portuguese counterparts.

As the clock is nearing its 36th hour, cross the street after leaving the Decadente and spend those final minutes admiring Lisbon by night from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântaraust.

(For more pictures, see my gallery)

Liefs, Dinner at the Decadente

Bente