Excellent Location, Cosy Simple Flat with Balcony
We had a good 7 day stay in the apartment.
The flat functions well as a base for the Graca hospital/church/bar/view that is a steep walk up the hill - Top of the road - first right, then first left.
Shock
We had a good time here, after the initial shock of arriving. The place is minimal and must have been renovated about 5 years ago - Based on the profile page picture v the reality.
It initially appears sparse, with simple varnished board floors, no pictures and a “student” style kitchen.
After a while though, you discover that this paired back approach is interspersed with little features - The glass sink, the balcony, the funky clothes rails, fun bedside lamps, the rainfall shower, good internet, the coffee machine, the toaster, etc.
We learned to be at home in this cosy pad.
This is not run by the owner but is operated by a management company. This means you do not meet the landlord for that warm initial chat and recommendation session.
And, there is no orientation book with recommendations and information to greet you either.
To make up for this, here are some rock solid pointers to get you started in Lisbon…
Recommendations in Lisbon (Copy, Paste and Print.)
Graca- Up the hill - Friendly bar with a classic view of old Lisbon.
Feira Da Ladra - Large Flea Market - A walk to Santa Clara - Saturday and Tuesday
Time Out Food Market - Mercado Da Ribeira - “Sea Me” - Order the fish Soup or Octopus hot dog!
Pharmacia Bar - Rua Marechal Saldanha, Santa Catarina - Fab views, lovely staff though obnoxious manager! Highly recommended for an afternoon chill.
Altar Restaurant, Largo Rodrigues de Freitas 21, Wood fired cooking - Fish, meat and vegetables - Best service in Lisbon. Funky design features inside. Special place.
The Beer Museum - Terreiro do Paço – Ala Nascente nº 62 a 65 - Huge. Again, fabulous service.
Cafe A Brasieira, Rua Garratt 120, Chiado, Old Art Deco interior.
Miradouro De Soa Pedro De Alcantara, Rua Sao Pedro de Alcantaro, Chiado - Garden with food, drinks and a view - Super chill.
Tram - The 12 is just down the road and less crowded than the famous 28 - Take it to the Miradouras das Portos do Sol - River views with bars.
Alfama - Let yourself get lost in the stairs and squares here, find some Fado singing, have a coffee, walk and explore.
Escalator up the hill - Near Martim Moniz, take the Escadonhas de Saude up and turn left - It will take you home and save your last drops of energy.
Beer Garden - Martim Moniz - Kiosks serving, cake, sausage, fish with beer and wine - Grab a table and join in.
St George Castle - A walk from the flat, 10 Euros to get in. You can book on-line to save the queues. See the peacock chicks, the views, and enjoy the vibe.
Local Restaurant - Ruca, Rua da Conceicao 47. This is a rough local place in the Baixa. Don’t accept the dishes they put down when you come in - They are to trap idiot tourists, but do order the best value Polpo in Lisbon!
Se Cathedral - 4 Euros. Lots of history, stained glass, treasure, views, and tranquility.
Tick list - Have the Ginjihna - Fermented cherry liqueur, sometimes served in a chocolate cup - Black Forrest Gateaux in drink form.
Grilled sardines - Cheap and excellent.
Conservas - Tins of fish - From 2 Euro to 12 Euro!!!
Pasteis de Nata - Custard cakes for breakfast or whenever - The No 1 local thing to try.
Tram ride - 12 or 28
Thats it.
Good luck,
Matthew