Entering the new year we had no plans to go anywhere until a trip to Portugal in early March but you know what they say about plans. A great deal with Iceland Air saw us heading to Iceland for a short four day break at the end of January. What a trip it was, a huge fall of snow the day before we arrived made a true winter wonderland. Cold with clear blue sky by day and the right atmospheric conditions to see the northern lights at night. Iceland is a magical place and re have tentative plans to return in the summer months and drive a circuit of the country.
We had two trips to Portugal in 2019, the first in March saw some pleasantly warm days which we used to good effect to explore parts of the Algarve by train. The result of dipping out toes into the region in spring was that we booked a much longer trip for November, renting an apartment through Airbnb for a very favourable out of season rate. The short November days were sunny and pleasantly warm and this time, with the help of a hire care, were able to really explore the region. At the end of our stay we took the train from Faro to Lisbon for a few days and had a great time exploring the city but the weather was rather changeable.
A return to Berlin in the late spring had been much anticipated and the city did not disappoint. Having done the main touristy the previous autumn this trip allowed us time to explore the neighbourhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreutzberg. We are real fans of walking tours and an excellent tour of the street art of Berlin was one of the highlights of the trip.
The wedding of friends in Provence in early July gave us the opportunity for a slow meander across southern France on our way there. Flying into Toulouse we enjoyed the medieval city of Carcassonne and the wine growing regions of the Languedoc. A visit and tasting at Mas de Daumas Gassac was probably the highlight here. Provence itself was very hot but a very enjoyable weekend of celebrations was had by all. As with the Algarve a trip to the sights of Provence is probably best enjoyed out of season and we plan to return as soon as we can.
Finally a trip to Krakow in early September and what an amazing city it was and so cheap compared to many cities in Europe. There is so much to do in the area but visits to the salt mines at Wieliczka and the former concentration camp at Auschwitz should be at the top of any must do list for visitors.
As we begin 2020 we’re finalising plans for a return trip to Australia so there is lots more to come.
Lisbon is an ideal location for a weekend city break and is only a short flight from the UK. The airport is located only short distance from the city so transfers by metro or taxi are relatively quick and straightforward. There is a lot to see and do in the city so here are some suggestions for a couple of days in the city.
Take Tram 28
Running from Praca Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique Tram 28 has become a top tourist attraction. The forty or so minute journey delivers some of the best of Lisbon though you will need to be lucky to see it in comfort. It is so popular that it has become crowded for most of the day with many passengers standing making it difficult to see much at all at times. For the best chance get there early to increase your chance of getting a seat for what is one of the best shows in town.
Take a Walking Tour
I am a great fan of walking tours and always try to take one in as soon after arrival as possible. Sandemans offer a free three hour walking tour in either English or Spanish which gives an excellent introduction to the city and its history. tours start form 10am by the statue at Praica Luis de Camoes and finishes at Praca do Comercio. Although free it is always best to prebook a place via their website.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Built by the Moors and dating from the mid eleventh century it has undergone significant renovations over the years to create the castle you see today but it is everything you would expect. Built on one of Lisbon’s hills it offers great views of the city and beyond. Open seven days aweek, there is a 10 Euro admission charge but once inside there is plenty to see and a number of free tours are available.
Walk the Streets of Alfama
The district of Alfama lies between the castle and the river and is one of the oldest parts of the city. Its steep, narrow, cobbled streets are flanked by small houses and shops. Once the poorest area of Lisbon it is now undergoing some development but this hasn’t as yet changed it too much. It is easy to get lost here as you wander around but that is part of the experience and don’t let that put you off, someone will always point you in the right direction. If you prefer there are walking tours of Alfama, well worth a small charge for the expert guiding you receive. There are great views of the city from Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Sample Fado Music
Fado originated in Alfama in the early part of the nineteenth century and can now be enjoyed in many parts of the country. Fado is sad, melancholic and bittersweet but is also so much more than that. There are a number of restaurants and clubs that offer dinner complete with a Fado performance most evenings in Alfama. The Museu do Fado on Largo do Chafariz de Dentro is worth a visit if you want to delve into the genre further.
Praco do Comercio
A huge plaza which leads down to the river Tejo. Built following the earthquake of 1755 it is a grand space that is closely related to the history of the city and is a great place to sit at the base of the statue of Dom Jose and take a breather from sight seeing. It is also the meeting place for some of the walking tours of the city.
Arco de Rua Augusta
Also known as Arco da Vitoria it is a triumphal arch with great views of the Price do Comercio, the river and city. Whatsmore it doesn’t attract the queues often seen at the nearby Elevador de Santa Justa and the views are excellent. An elevator followed by a narrow stone staircase leads to the viewing platform on the roof. When we were there there were only two other visitors. If you want a view of the city without a wait this is for you.
Torre de Belem
Located at the mouth of the river Tejo and just a short bus/tram ride from the city centre the tower has guarded the approach to the city since 1515. It is an impressive sight and a popular tourist attraction. You can climb the tower but be prepared to wait as queues are often long.
Padrao des Descobrimentos
Overlooking the Tejo and just a short walk from the tower is the Padrao des Descobrimentos. Unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator it is a most amazing sculpture full of all the significant Portugese who played a role in the age of discovery.
Museu Coleccao Berardo
This is a wonderful museum of modern art with all the big players represented. Situated in Belem close to the other attractions it is an oasis of clam and tranquility. As visitors queue for the tower or jostle to get that perfect photo for instagram the museum is quiet by comparison. if you like modern art you’ll love this place.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Built in 1501 to celebrate the opening of a sea route to India by Vasco de Gama the monastery is a real jewel in Lisbon’s crown. It can get very busy at times so it may be best to visit as it opens at 10am. A visit to the Belem would not be complete without a visit here. There is a charge for entry to the cloister but it is free on the first Sunday of the month. Entrance to the church is free at all times.
Eat Custard Tarts
To be honest you can’t eat enough of these and they are available at Pastelarias all over the city. If you want to try the original then visit Casa Pasteis de Belem which is just a few short steps away from the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. This is where they were first made in the early part of the nineteenth century and the recipe hasn’t changed since. They are best served warm with just the lightest sprinkling of icing sugar but eat them anyway you like, you won’t be disappointed. There is also a cafe here which can seat up to 400.
Travel on a Funicular Railway
Lisbon is built on seven hills and some of them are steep and punishing to climb. Lisbon has three funicular railways
Ascensor da Glória. This connects Praça dos Restauradores with the Bairro Alto district. You will pass some excellent street art are as you ascend/descend the hill.
Ascensor da Bica. This connects Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz and ascends one of Lisbon’s steepest hills. It’s popular as it offers some good photo opportunities.
Ascensor do Lavra. This is the oldest of the funiculars in the city. It can be the quietest of them so may well be for you if you don’t fancy a queue at busy times.
Eat and Drink in the Bairro Alto
If you walk the narrow, steep streets of the Bairro Alto during the day you could be forgiven for thinking that not much is going on in this district. Return in the evening and you will be amazed by the transformation. This is the place to be for restaurants, bars and clubs and every visitor should try the area at least once during their visit to the city. There are numerous restaurants here but we particularly enjoyed Primeiro de Maio and Bota Alta, both on Rua Atalaia, serving local, traditional dishes at very reasonable prices. Two excellent wines bars here are BA Wine Bar (107 Rua Da Rosa) and Garrafeira Alfaia (125 Rua do Diaro de Noticias). Both serve food and have really helpful staff if you are unsure which Portugese wines to try. They are small so you may need to reserve a table but both do walk ins.
