I'm probably spending 5 days in Lisbon with a friend between the end of April and the beginning of May with a friend. We've never been before. We're looking for a small rental or room with kitchenette (we're just staying for 5 days and will not really cook, just would like to prepare our own breakfast, teas and maybe snacks or quick meal). We would like to stay in the centre but would like a "real" neighbourhood even if a bit away from the "sights". We're not in a very tight budget but still... Would also love to receive suggestions about walks and things to do (just a few "must sees" please ): we mostly like walking around and sitting watching the place go by. Thank you in advance!
Giulia, Here is the apartment we rented. Probably a bit more than you indicate you want, but I have to tell you that you just can't beat the location. Access to transportation, atmosphere, etc.
Deborah Horn In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I want to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com My blog: Old Shoes - New Trip
Posts: 5599 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
Sarah's suggestion looks very good but you can also check the travelling to lisbon site.
A few of my favourite places to just sit and see life go by...
Noobai Café - if you don't mind a few (ok, not so few ) steps the view is breathtaking and the food is good; my advice is to go early because if the weather is good it fills up really fast.
Delidelux It's a deli but they also serve snacks in a beautiful setting by the river
At the Gulbenkian Foundation, the museum's cafeteria is a good option (it has an independent entry from the museum which is a must-see)
Pastelaria Bernard - Rua Garrett 104 - it's often overlooked because of its famous neighbour the Brasileira (the one with the statue) but in my opinion here the waiters are nicer, the coffee is good and cakes are delicious! Sitting outside is nice but it also has a very nice room indoors.
Cerca Moura - Largo das Portas do Sol, 4 - on your up to the castle, it has a stunning view of the oriental side of the city and it is much nicer than the overpriced one at the nearby miradouro Santa Luzia. There the can also visit the Fundação Ricardo Espírito Santo - the decorative arts museum is very good
Another nice cafeteria is at the Museu do Chiado the national museum of contemporary art
Thank you Colleen! Unluckily the apartment (that was my first choice between the many apartments I saw because of the terrace & internet access) is not available for my dates...
Thank you Bugsy for your super extensive list of things to do! I'll start having a look tonight (with a good glass of wine!)
Glad I could help! Another suggestion re lodging: Vip Executive Suites Eden - it's an old theatre that's been adapted as an aparthotel in downtown Lisbon.
And I was already chastised for not telling you about the Vicentinas tea house: so here it goes, this religious order as a form of funding their charities has a tea house known in all of Lisbon for the quality of their pastries - it's in Rua de São Bento, 700 (as they have the craziest opening hours it's advisable to call in advance Phone 213887040)
I think that I found an apartment that meets most of my criteria: it has a great outside space, it's not far from the centre but it's not in a really touristy area, it looks modern and tidy, the owner is super informative and replies fast. No internet access but apparently there are cafes nearby and it could be even better if I succeed not sticking to the computer too much... the only doubt is: no reviews (just a couple of comments from the guestbook). Do someone know anything about this apartment ? Thoughts?
That last place you posted looks really cute, Giulia. What's up with that pregnant bust on the wall? It looks like it may be someone's house that they vacate when you come to stay - that's a turn off for me, but maybe you don't mind. (And I could be totally wrong.)
Shannon, the lady who rents it lives in the UK and uses the apartment sometimes (she does not regularly live there)... it's not my favourite situation, but I think I can live with it. Thank you for the comment! My travelmate is wondering if we should stay in Cascais or Estoril instead... any thoughts?
We took a tour with Rita from Lisbon Walker Rita makes the tour fascinating.
The tour we chose was of the Alfama. We were so lucky to be the only ones that showed up on the tour that day probably because it was just before Christmas. You can also read other suggestions in my trip report.
Oops! How red is my face? I had good intentions of making a trip report for Portugal and Spain but at least I did compose one the following year for France, Spain and Italy.
Originally posted by Sandy from Vancouver Island: Oops! How red is my face? I had good intentions of making a trip report for Portugal and Spain but at least I did compose one the following year for France, Spain and Italy.
Maybe it is serendipity, but I have been trying to think of a place to go for my 70th birthday in October, and I thought I would check out a Slowtrav forum other than Italy. And here is this lovely thread about Portugal, Lisbon in particular.
My first instinct is to chose Rome, one more time, even though we were there for 2 weeks this past March. I would happily do it again in October. But then again, we plan to go back for 2 weeks NEXT March. So something different.
I know nothing about Portugal other than this "idea" in my head that at the end of October it will be pleasantly warm, with lots of color, flowers, good food and wine.
Knowing that I love Rome (and London and Manhattan and San Francisco)I think the big city rather than the countryside would be the best choice for me. And not a seaside resort as I am not one to lay out in the sun, but rather a museum, restaurants, churches, plazas, and walking kind of person.
Lisbon seems like the logical choice? So tomorrow I head to the bookstore for a Rough Guide to Portugal.
However, I could use some help determining where in Lisbon I should start looking for a hotel or rental, in the hopes that I have not waited too long for a place in October. Something akin to the area around the Pantheon/Campo of Rome.
Any help or direction much appreciated.
Posts: 924 | Location: Simi Valley, California | Registered: 20 March 2002
It is a fantastic location both for atmosphere and for the great transportion access
Deborah Horn In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I want to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com My blog: Old Shoes - New Trip
Posts: 5599 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
Originally posted by Deborah: I can honestly say that it is the only big city in Europe that I would really WANT to live in.
Wow. That is a huge recommendation from someone who loves Italy as I know you do!
Thanks for the link, but it's your apartment that looks wonderful (and much more affordable). It is available when I want to be there, but only for 7 days.
Posts: 924 | Location: Simi Valley, California | Registered: 20 March 2002
Originally posted by Sandy from Vancouver Island: We took a tour with Rita from Lisbon Walker Sandy
Thanks for posting that link, these look great. It is similar to London Walks and we always take a couple of those if we are in the right place at the right time.
Posts: 924 | Location: Simi Valley, California | Registered: 20 March 2002
I forgot to mention that if you use the train on that day, all you have to do to get a 5 Euro discount is to show your ticket. The price went from 15 Euros to 10 Euros and my son was free. Being that no one else had arrived for the walking tour, we had our own guide for the morning at a price of 20 Euros.
): we mostly like walking around and sitting watching the place go by.
) steps the view is breathtaking and the food is good; my advice is to go early because if the weather is good it fills up really fast.
