Free time in Lisbon
This page refers to an event that will take place on the 12th September
Suggestions for having a wander around Lisbon - neighborhoods, viewpoints, drinks and a spot of dinner
Lisbon is a city rich with winding streets, beautiful viewpoints in which to catch the sunset, and lovely bars and restaurants to stop for a drink and some nibbles. We leave you, then, with some suggestions and inspiration on what to do and where to go after the DTN Annual Forum.
Alfama
Head up to Alfama, one of Europe’s oldest neighborhoods
There’s plenty to see and routes you can take (and wandering around is the best part!), but we would suggest starting your itinerary around the Igreja de Santo António and the Sé. The Lisbon Cathedral is almost 9 centuries old, and from there you’re presented a choice - up the hill to Rua Augusto Rosa, or down the hill to Cruzes da Sé.
Uphill, climb up to the first viewpoint, Santa Luzia. If you’re already hungry, Alpendre is a great traditional restaurant on the way. If not, keep going until Portas do Sol, one of the most beautiful lookout points in the city. Stop awhile for a drink at The Terrace, climb a little further up to Rua das Escolas Gerais, and make your way to the Santo Estevão belvedere. There’s plenty of good restaurants around, but we’d suggest Lisboa Tu & Eu, A Morgadinha, Taberna Sal Grosso, and Sr. Fado.
Downhill, have a stroll down Rua Cruzes da Sé, through the Largo de São Miguel, down to the Largo do Chafariz de Dentro. Have a ginginha (sour cherry liqueur) and refer to the restaurant suggestions we’ve mentioned above.
Graça
Grab the funicular to beautiful and vibrant Graça
Lisbon is one of the Cities on Seven Hills, so we do have shortcuts! Take the funicular up to the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Have a drink and a snack in one of the many cafés on the way to or on the main square (Largo da Graça) - we are partial to both Cabreira and Saga for some pastries and coffee. Then do climb further up to the Miradouro Senhora do Monte, Lisbon highest viewpoint, for a breathtaking sunset view.
For dinner, we recommend O Pitéu da Graça, Via Graça, Sant’Avó and Taberna do Mar.
Mouraria
Meander through Mouraria, the Moorish Quarter
Up the hill, but with two shortcuts! Take the first lift from Rua dos Fanqueiros to Largo Adelino Amaro da Costa and, if you’re already feeling peckish, treat yourself to one of the best sandwiches in town and have a bifana (pork sandwich) at Bifanas do Afonso. Then take the second lift inside Chão de Loureiro and chill with a drink at the gorgeous viewpoint on top.
Come down the street to São Cristovão, and have a wander around the streets and alleys of Mouraria - we recommend taking the stairs toLargo da Achada, then coming down to Beco das Farinhas to take a look at Tribute, a permanent photography exhibit featuring the neighborhood’s oldest residents. Make your way to Largo dos Trigueiros, with two excellent choices for some dining - O Corvo, and Cantinho do Aziz (for some excellent samosas). We also thoroughly recommend O Velho Eurico and Tasca Baldracca, both serving new twists on traditional portuguese fare.
