Ricardo & Estela were fantastic hosts. They were both there to greet us when we arrived and showed us around the aprtment to make sure that we were familiar with everything. The apartment is amazing and even better than what you see in the photos. All the appliances and facilities are of the highest quality possible and no expense has been spared on fitting out the apartment, the kitchen and bathroom are straight out of a magazine!!! The bed was really comfortable and although you are on a main road with a tram passing by your door, the insulation is excellent and you will have a great nights sleep!
We are regular visitors to Lisbon and the location is excellent. It's a walk up hill to Chiado and Barrio Alto but only takes 5-7 minutes and you are in the heart of the city with an abundance of choices when it comes to restaurants, shopping, bars and sights! Ricardo & Estrela will give you some local tips, point you to local restaurants and the supermarket etc. They also leave you a bottle of local wine to kickstart your Lisbon adventure :-) . Santa Catarina is a great disrtict and you feel like you are living in a community when you stay in this apartment. Some local spots which we like to frequent when staying here are. Restaurant Pharmacia, fantastic food in an amazing setting including a gated garden for after dinner cocktails, great for your evening meal but try and book so not to be dissapointed. Just across from Pharmacia at the viewing point (you will know what I mean when you are there) is a small cafe called Noobai. Great food and fantastic views of the river, bridge and far bank. On your way out for the evening and possibly on the way home too, visit a small bar called Les Marais for a drink with some locals (under new ownership). Thomas is the owner a can give you some local knowledge, you'll also meet & share stories with the regular patrons. Also only 5 minutes away is a roof top bar called Park. It's located on the roof of a car park which when you walk up the hill is on your left hand side, excellent to enjoy a drink and see the sun set in the evening, take the evelavtor to top floor!
Thank you Ricardo & Estrela for hosting us, your accomodation is perfect, location is excellent and hospitality superb. Also thank you for the text on Sunday recommending great beaches to visit on a hot day like it was. We highly recommend your apartment, it's FANTASTIC!!! :-)
Top tip for Lisbon: When is Lisboa do what the locals do.... go with the flow... Drink espresso and eat cakes!!!