Getting to know Lisboa and its many facets

Lisboa has plenty of fantastic places to see that go well beyond the usual attractions of the center and the tourist guides. To really get to know the city as a local you should look for its different atmospheres: it is a city of history and contemporaneity, of tradition and continual renovation; a place where you find both tranquility and entertainment, cultural engagement and buzzing creativity! Here are a few of these different facets:

Basílica da Estrela - a bit of history

Basílica da Estrela

Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal

Located in the neighbourhood of Estrela, it is a catholic temple ordered by queen D. Maria I, dating from the late XVIIIth century. Its arquitecture shows the union of late baroque design and neoclassic traits. The inside of Basílica da Estrela is profusely decorated and allows access to a roof terrace with a great view!

Lx Factory - creative and trendy

Lx Factory

R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300 - 501 Lisboa, Portugal

The trendy streets of Lx Factory gather many stores, studios, restaurants and cafes, with varied cultural events, shows and exhibitions. There are also great bars that keep the area busy through the night! An artsy, hipster and creative hub in Alcântara, that attracts many who want to experience a different side of Lisboa's life and nightlife.

Jardim 9 de Abril - lovely sights of the Tejo

Jardim 9 de Abril / Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Óbidos

Jardim 9 de Abril, 1200-870 Lisboa, Portugal

This fresh and peaceful garden is located by the Arte Antiga museum, with priviledged sights of the Tejo and the nearby cruise and cargo quays. A bar sits on the side, with an esplanade over the 24 de Julho avenue. This spot is perfect for relaxing, hanging out with good company or quietly working under the shade of trees.

Café da Garagem - chilling at the theater

Café da Garagem

Costa do Castelo 75, 1100-178 Lisboa, Portugal

Located in Teatro Taborda, this welcoming cafe has a tranquil ambiance that is perfect for working outside, or simply spend a lovely time with others. The decoration is very peculiar, the cafeteria has a variety of tasty snacks, and there is an open esplanade with a marvellous vista. It is easy to spend an afternoon in here! And while you are there, why not watch one of the theater plays?

Casa do Alentejo - the province in the city

Casa do Alentejo

R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150 Lisboa, Portugal

Casa do Alentejo preserves and maintains Alentejo culture in the urban setting of Lisboa. It does so using the many beautiful rooms of Palácio Alverca to house a tavern, a restaurant, a library and much more, organizing diverse events and activities with strong cultural interest, and with open doors for everyone to enter and admire the palace. A suggestion for a light visit: grab a few drinks and spend some time in the marvellous neo-arab terrace!

Cinema Nimas - alternative cinema

Cinema Nimas

Avenida 5 de Outubro 42, 1050-030 Lisboa, Portugal

This is a cosy 200-seat cinema dating from 1975, a fantastic but easy-to-miss place that promotes the screening of european cinema, aswell as other great directors from around the globe. Its alternative programme offers quality independent films, cinema classics, occasional premieres and dedicated cicles. There is also a small cafeteria and a few tables inside. When passing by Saldanha, in Avenidas Novas, visit Nimas and watch a cult classic!

I listed these few places that mix a little bit of everything you can experience in Lisboa, and you can take the itinerary they make as a good option for a day well spent! I hope it inspires you to wander the streets, with or without a map, finding new spots as you go. That will give you the most out of your visit for sure! Have a great trip to Lisboa!