Following on from his account of his year abroad so far in Northern Spain, Thomas Griffith tells Exeposé Lifestyle about the highlights of his recent long weekend in the Portuguese capital Lisbon…
A city the size of Sheffield, with all the charm of Montmartre: Lisbon is not to be missed. Having returned from a long weekend there, I’m here to tell you why you simply must pay a visit to Portugal’s capital and most important city.
Awesome accommodation
Having travelled around Europe before with other students, I know that everyone is looking for a cheap place to lay their head after a day spent sightseeing and drinking half a dozen local beers. However, Lisbon has far more to offer than just low prices. Of the Top 10 Best Worldwide Hostels on Hostel World, no less than four are in Lisbon. I stayed in number two (no giggling, please), Home Hostel, which had a great atmosphere, great facilities and great staff. With no curfew, a free walking tour available and prices below €20 per person per night, it’s easy to see why this place gets a 96% rating.
Fantastic food
For those who assume that the Portuguese sit around picking at tapas like their Spanish neighbours, you would be wrong – they love their food and they don’t skimp on the portions. One of the most important ingredients in Portuguese cuisine is cod which is served in a variety of ways (covered in batter on top of a pile of chips not being one of them). Locals boast in particular about bacalhau com natas: cod cooked in cream with onions and potatoes and then baked. I was tempted by carne de porco à alentejana, or pork and clams to you and me. However Lisbon’s most famous culinary invention is the pastel de nata, an egg custard tart which will make you never want to go to Greggs again.
Spectacular scenery
Lisbon’s endless narrow streets are themselves a feast for the eyes. From churches to apartment blocks, almost every kind of building in the city is covered in ornately decorated tiles called azulejos depicting an extensive scene or a simple pattern. Not just a decorative item sure to bring out your inner Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the glaze on these tiles reflects the sunlight, keeping Lisbon’s residents cool in their homes. As in most European cities graffiti is a common sight. Aside from politically motivated mantras you can find spray-can portraits of Portugal’s most famous performers of Fado, the melancholic music genre born in the city’s Alfama district. Situated on the hilltop, the Moorish Castelo de São Jorge offers the best views over the capital. Everything from the 25 de Abril bridge, the Christ the King monument and the Santa Justa lift can be seen in all their glory from up there.
Lovely locals
Aside from a tetchy pharmacist who was most put out when I paid for a packet of 35 cents tissues with a €5 note, I found the people in Lisbon to be very friendly and accommodating. People here tend to speak English quite well but of course an attempt at the local lingo is always very much appreciated. Our tour guide was unofficial but very well informed, approachable, and he adapted his spiel very well for a student audience. The only things you need to be warned about are restaurant staff who stand in the street holding open menus and urging you to sit down, and the persistent sunglass salesmen who walk from table to table with their stock, opening their right hand to reveal bags of hash that they’ll try to sell you when you tell them you aren’t in the market for knocked-off Ray Bans.
Wonderful weather
After coming to terms with the drizzly weather in A Coruña (the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain, my arse) I decided to prepare myself for anything in Lisbon, cramming long-sleeved tops, jumpers and a raincoat into my Berghaus overnight bag. Fortunately, despite it being the middle of autumn, I had very little need for them. My favourite black jeans were definitely a poor choice for a tour under the Portuguese sun and my raincoat only got an outing once we crossed the Spanish border on the way home. Average temperatures in November are well above what they would be at home, nearing 20 degrees in the day time, and at night I doubt you’d need anything other than a thin jacket to keep you warm.
Thomas Griffith
exeposedev 