Archive for Portugal
Lisbon Lovin’, Lovin’ Lisbon It’s All Good
Posted by: | CommentsI’m always happy when a new travel destination exceeds my expectations. I have expected much, and received far more, from places like Dubrovnik, Croatia; Granada and Ronda in Spain; Beijing, China, and Chicago, USA. But one place captured my heart when I really didn’t even know why I was visiting, other than it was close by and I hadn’t been there yet.
It’s easy to spout off the reasons to visit places like London, Rome, Tokyo or Seattle, but ask someone to name the tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal, and you’ll probably receive only a blank stare in return. While the Portuguese capital many not be high on many travelers’ must-see lists, it ranks among my favorite places in all the world.
Why Lisbon? That’s easy…
Neighborhoods – The Baixa is Lisbon’s old downtown, the winding streets of the sailors’ quarter are called the Alfama and you can look down on the town from the Bairro Alto.
Bairro Alto
Belem – The Monastery of Jeronimos’ breathtaking cloisters, the soaring and inspiring Monument to the Discoveries and the island fortress of Belem Tower.
Monastery of Jeronimos
Food – Hidden in a crappy-looking building along Rua das Portas de Santo Antao, Casa do Alentejo offers hearty meals and a charming atmosphere. Above the main square in the Bairro Alto, Cervejaris Trindade serves homemade brew and meals in Lisbon’s oldest beer hall which is housed in a former monastery. How’s that for history? If the weather allows, sit outside in the cloisters.
Casa do Alentejo
Sidewalks – Where else can you find pattern-tile sidewalks that themselves are works of art?
tiled sidewalks
Sintra – Hop on the train and spend the day in this former summer city of Portugal’s kings and queens. The Royal Palace with its unique twin chimneys is interesting, but it’s whimsical, Ludwig-esque Pena Palace that’s Sintra’s star. You can also see the ruins of a Moorish castle and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pena Palace
Public Transit – The hilly city uses trolleys, funiculars and elevators like the Elevador de Santa Justa, designed by a student of Gustav Eiffel, to move locals and tourists around. Much cooler than buses and subways.
Elevador de Santa Justa
To borrow, and butcher, a line from the Fresh Prince, “Lisbon lovin’, lovin’ Lisbon it’s all good, I’m lovin’ Lisbon it’s all good.”
Lisbon Hotel Close to Travel Central
Posted by: | CommentsI have no issues with bedding down in cheap digs when I’m on the go. I just don’t like spending a huge chunk of my limited travel funds on a room I’m rarely in. The wife, on the other hand, has a bit higher standards when it comes to selecting our lodgings.
In Lisbon, Portugal, we found a trendy boutique hotel that satisfies us both.
Located right on Rossio Square in the heart of the tourist’s Lisbon, the Internacional Design Hotel is exceptionally located and loads of hip, happening fun. The love of my life and I spent two nights at the IDH just last month and can’t wait to return. Our room was nicely apportioned with a comfortable bed, flat screen TV and large bathroom. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
The hotel is situated in the middle of Lisbon’s best tourist offerings and handy for public transportation too - the airport bus stop is just a few steps from the front door and the train station is a very short walk across the square. Restaurants, shopping and ATM machines are plentiful just outside the hotel entrance.
We booked our stay on hotels.com and saved a bundle off the rack rate. Breakfast is available for an additional cost, but I recommend passing on the over-priced hotel fare and grabbing a delicious, cheap breakfast at one of the many bakeries nearby.
