Recently, I’ve been to Lisbon. Not for the first time, and since I’ve pretty much covered all the sights several times already, I didn’t necessarily bring back many classic Lisbon photos this time. It’s a shame really, because there is so much beauty to see there. So I dug out a few Lisbon pictures from my meanwhile exploding photo archive.
Alfama & Tramway
What absolutely belongs to Lisbon: A ride through the Alfama with one of the old streetcars. I do it every time, because it’s so Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon has so many hills, it’s incredible. Good for staying in shape – and there are just so many great viewpoints like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
➜ You can find information and tips for your trip to Portugal on my Portugal blog
Sailor romance
Located at the mouth of the Tagus River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese have always been a seafaring people. In general, all the water around Lisbon is wonderful: I love that fresh sea air. There are also some really nice beaches nearby, by the way.
Azulejos
Those facades! All over Lisbon, you can still find these amazing old buildings, covered from top to bottom with tiles—the azulejos. One facade is more beautiful than the next. The Portuguese are true tile artists. It’s a craft in its own right. At flea markets and in antique shops, you can also find plenty of old tiles to take home as souvenirs—though, due to the growing popularity of tiles among tourists, they’re apparently often stolen from old houses to be resold…
Elevador do Carmo
From the Castelo de São Jorge up in Alfama, you have one of the best views of the city. By the way, that gray thing in the middle is an elevator! The Elevador do Carmo, also known as the Elevador de Santa Justa, connects the Baixa (down) and Chiado (up) neighborhoods. The steel structure is over 100 years old and runs like a charm! And taking a ride on it is one of those things you absolutely have to do when you’re in Lisbon.
Castelo de São Jorge
The area around Castelo de São Jorge is a great place to spend time, especially during the hot summer months—there are plenty of trees providing shade, a fantastic view, and even peacocks roaming freely.
Cobblestone
One more thing Lisbon is known for: ornate cobblestone streets. The patterns are always black and white—and so beautifully done.
Corner stores
What stands out in Lisbon: there are so many old specialty shops steeped in history. Sure, you see plenty of big-chain stores in the city center, but all in all, Lisboners love their charming little corner stores. And so do I. Like this candle shop. By the way, there’s also a centuries-old store right in the heart of Lisbon that sells nothing but gloves. All year round! Nothing but gloves! And it doesn’t even get that cold here…
Vintage charm
Lisbon isn’t dirty—Lisbon has character! Weathered facades like this one are really what give the city its charm. And I just loved the color.
Elevador da Bica
It’s not a streetcar, but an elevator: The Elevador da Bica simply goes up and down a single street. All day long. But given the steep incline, people are happy to use it.
Everyday life in Lisbon
You can’t find clothes racks in Lisbon. Just hang the laundry out the window, and you’re all set.
Views
Who wouldn’t want to go there right away with the view? I would want to right away!
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