2 minute read
48 hours in
Culture-rich Lisbon
Globe hopping Long weekend in... / 23
With charismatic streets and a laid-back approach to life, Portugal’s hilly capital makes for an effortlessly cool city break, says Jessica Pook
Day 1: Take the tram
Morning: The best way to see the city and get your bearings is by taking the 28 tram from Praça Martim Moniz. Grab a coffee and enjoy the narrow hilly streets and colourful neighbourhoods. On the return journey, hop off in Alfama and head towards the lookout point at Portas do Sol for a picture-perfect view of Lisbon. Keen historians can explore Castelo de São Jorge, a fortress dating back to the Fifth century. Afternoon: Head towards Praça do Comércio, the central harbour-facing plaza, and enjoy a glass of the Douro’s finest wine whilst indulging in some peoplewatching. When hunger strikes venture to the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. Here you’ll find a variety of food outlets and market vendors serving everything from sushi to burgers. Visitors can also take part in cooking classes and catch live music. Evening: Do as the locals do and chat over a shot of ginjinha (a sour cherry liqueur) from one of the tiny hole-in-the-wall bars. A Ginjinha Espinheira in Rossio claims to be one of the first to sell the local tipple.
Arrive hungry for a seafood feast at Cervejaria Ramiro, a favourite with locals and TV chefs including Rick Stein and the sadly departed Anthony Bourdain. Enjoy buttersoft langoustine and giant tiger prawns. End the evening with a cocktail overlooking the twinkling city at Entretanto Rooftop Bar.
Book it with... easyJet Holidays easyJet Holidays offers a two-night stay at the four-star Memmo Alfama including breakfast from £213pp. The package includes return flights from Gatwick. Guests will enjoy the outdoor pool and central location. easyjet.com
cAnAry yellow trAm 28
lively Pink Street
flAky PAStiche de nAtA
A hilly city mAkeS for greAt viewS
Day 2: Local eats
Morning: It’s time to indulge in Portugal’s most famous sweet treat – the pastiche de nata. These golden egg custard tarts can be found in every bakery across the city, but if you are on the hunt for the perfect pastiche then take the 28 tram to Campo de Ourique and seek out Aloma. This quaint cafe has won the award for best pastiche de nata in Lisbon three times! Afternoon: Whilst in Campo de Ourique, make time to wander the streets and admire the mesmerising tiled buildings, a feature that can be seen across Lisbon on its houses, shops and restaurants. These polished ceramics were introduced by the Moors and still decorate many of Portugal’s cities including Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos. Stop at the Campo de Ourique Market for lunch and browse the food hall, snacking on freshly baked bread and tinned fish - a Portuguese staple. Evening: Hop back on the tram and head to Taberna Tosca for a feast of Portuguese tapas. Gorge on the burnt chorizo and Portugal’s signature codfish pancakes whilst listening to live traditional Fado music. For a nightcap, head to lively Pink Street for quirky bars and seating spilling out into the street.
If you have more time in Lisbon, take a day trip to Sintra to see colourful palaces in the hills of the Serra de Sintra.•