Sightseeing in Lisbon? Learn how to surf too!
Elevador da Bica, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 4000, 16 mm, f/5, 1/25 s)
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If you’re looking to incorporate some sport in your holiday and want to learn a new skill, head on over to Lisbon. The surfing here is excellent for people of all skill levels. There are surf schools that line the Atlantic Coast of this country and usually provide accommodation, meals, wetsuit and board rentals, and lessons all bundled together. We decided to go with Surf Lisbon – House and School in Caxias. The house itself is over three floors and has private rooms all the way to a five-bed attic. They also have a grill and kitchen to prepare meals and is situated in a nice quiet part on the outskirts of Lisbon.
The surfing sessions were around 10-11am (morning session) and around 2-3pm (afternoon sessions). Our 7 day stay included 5 lessons which could be done in any frequency throughout the week. We were then driven to the surf location (depending on weather and type of breaks reported) and were given instruction on the beach and in the water. In the meantime, between catches the waves, there is plenty to check out in the city itself. You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post. You should also consider doing a day trip to Sintra (see blog post) during your trip to Portugal, I highly recommend it!
Caxias, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 2000, 16 mm, f/11, 1/250s)
Along the southern coast of Lisbon is the small city of Belém, known for the Tower of Belém (a fortress built in the Manueline style) and Pastéis de Belém, or Belém’s egg tarts. These pastries can be found in many places but they say the best come from Pastéis de Belém. The line is long outside, but moves very fast, or better yet, you can try your luck at sniping a table inside.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 2000, 19 mm, f/11, 1/1600 s)
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (English: Monument of the Discoveries) is located on the north side of the Tagus river. near the Tower of Belem in Lisbon. It’s a moving monument precisely located where ships would actually depart from to sail to India and the Orient. As suggested by the name, it commemorates the Age of Exploration of Portuguese explorers, known to be during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 2500, 25 mm, f/11, 1/400 s)
One of the oldest areas of the city is Alfama, and a trip to Lisbon would not be complete without a walk through it. Here you can see the old homes and cobblestone streets and the cable cars that make this area so picturesque and charming. Check out the Moorish hilltop castle and palace at Castelo de S. Jorge, which offers some great overhead views of Lisbon as well.
Carmo Convent, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 500, 16 mm, f/11, 1/640 s)
A short walk away is the Carmo Convent in the area of Chaido, which doesn’t have a roof due to an earthquake in the city in 1755 (Very similar to the Bombed Out Church in Liverpool, England). Nonetheless, the standing columns and Neo-Gothic architectural features make it a must see considering it is one of the last remaining medieval buildings in Lisbon. Inside also features a museum filled with crucial pieces of Portuguese history (Museu Arqueológico do Carmo).
If you’re exhausted from going up and down hills all day, set your sights on the Elevador da Bica. This funicular was built in 1892 and travels between Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz. Ending at Largo do Calhariz puts you very close to the Bairro Alto neighborhood, which is teeming with bars and clubs, many with live music.
Lastly, if you’re still looking for the BEST view in Lisbon and want to enjoy with some nice food and a cocktail in hand, and maybe dance for a bit, then you have to find PARK. This is a bar located at the top floor of a parking garage. It doesn’t have an address on google maps, but everyone seems to know where it is.
If you want to find it, go to the intersection of Calçada do Combro and Tv. André Valente (near 56 Calçada do Combro). Here you will find a square blue “P” sign for the parking garage. Enter the garage from Tv. André Valente and look for the stairs on your left upon entering. Go to the top floor or just follow the music. Stay here for the most spectacular sunsets over Lisbon.
PARK, Lisbon, Portugal (ISO 2500, 16 mm, f/11, 1/200 s)
If you’re a bit of a foodie, go to Lx Factory which has over 50 shops, made up of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shopping. Time Out Market Lisbon has 24 restaurants under its roof (and 8 bars) where you can sample any type of dish you can imagine. They also have cooking classes throughout the week that are taught by esteemed chefs.
This is probably one of the best types of holidays there can be; a chance to be in a great city with lots to offer and a chance to try your hand at a skill you’ve always wanted to learn.
PROTIP: If you have time, take a day trip out to Sintra to see landmarks such as Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos mouros, and of course the National Palace of Pena.
Check out my post on Sintra (and other European cities) for more information. ALSO, grab yourself a Lisbon Card if you intend on staying a few days to get discounts and free entry to the sights.
