Located in the Eastern part of the Alfama neighbourhood, right opposite the magnificent National Pantheon, Rui's modern and stylish apartment offers breathtaking views across the river. Only a five-minute walk (downhill!) from Santa Apolonia railway and metro station, the location provides excellent access to public transport (e.g. take bus 728, which runs along the waterfront, connecting remote areas such as the Oceanario and Belém). If you're coming from the airport, the easiest way to get to the apartment is to buy a "viva viagem" top-up card at the ticket machine and top it up, then take the red metro to the final stop (S. Sebastiao) and change there for the blue one to Santa Apolonia; from there it's a 10-minute uphill walk (with stairs, not ideal if you carry heavy luggage - then it's better to take a taxi). There's a supermarket at the train station (open till 10pm) as well as some corner shops in the area. If you're into second-hand stuff, make sure not to miss the flea market on Saturdays and Tuesdays, which you will stumble right into when exiting the building.
Rui was friendly and helpful and fast to respond from the very beginning and gave us an overview of some of the main sights and tips for restaurants in the area on arrival (if you like mushrooms, you have to try Santa Clara dos Cogumelos, in the old market building just across the road! There's also a really nice café just next door, ideal for a delicious breakfast in the sun, while enjoying the view towards the park opposite).
The apartment itself is spacious (two bedrooms, living room, kitchen/dining area and large bathroom with double shower), yet cozy (heating and fireplace!), flooded with light all day, and clean and equipped with all the mod cons (good wifi, two big smart TV screens, dishwasher, Nespresso machine...). We couldn't wish for more. We had a fantastic time at Rui's place and would recommend it to any Lisbon traveller!