Hello Steemit!
Seeing as Steemfest2 is on the horizon I thought to put out this post with some of my favorite places in Lisbon. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend some time there in the past and want to share with you some of my top spots. I don’t currently have the means to buy a ticket to the fest BUT that doesn't mean it won't be useful for those of you who are going.
Without further ado here are 7 of my Hidden Gems in Lisbon.
1 - The amazing work of street artist Boraldo II
Arturo Boraldo is the grandson of Real Boraldo, a famous Lisbonian painter who painted cityscapes and traditions. Arturo aka Boraldo II took to his grandfather’s craft but gave it a spin. He does some of the best street art in the world. His work revolves around human impact on the environment. He uses trash and other waste materials to create his masterpieces. They mix sculpture with graffiti in a one of a kind approach that must be seen in the flesh.
Being a street artist, Boraldo’s work can be a bit tricky to find. But worry not, I’ve written down the locations of some of his pieces.
- The Raccoon: Belem, near the Belem Cultural Center
(This one won’t be too hard to find. Steemfest is basically happening around the corner). - The Giant Bee: LX Factory, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103
- The Fish Bank: Avenida Ceuta – Alcântara Terra
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2 - Feira da Ladra aka The Thieves Market
Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm. You’re likely to find just about anything in this flea market. I actually bought an Ukelele and early 20th-century coffee tin, but if you’re not into antiques and curiosities you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere. Get your bargaining/haggling skills on, all prices are negotiable.
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3 - Forget Pasteis de Belem go to Manteigaria
Everyone that goes to Lisbon has to have a pasteis de nata, no doubt. Being the original spot, most people go to Pasteis de Belem, which are great but they’re going to have to queue and miss out on a great view. Manteigaria has, in my opinion, the best Pasteis in the city, I’ve had plenty of them. It’s not only less crowded but the views outside on Largo de Camoes make the experience better.
It’s located here.
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4 - Santa Justa Lift
I love this one because of its randomness. Lisbon is known for its traditional architecture, some buildings dating back to the 17th century. The Santa Justa Lift is a 19th-century elevator and viewpoint. It was built to help people move around the city and still functions today. It offers a gorgeous view of the city and it is an architectural and engineering feat similar to the Eiffel tower.
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5 - LX Factory’s hip pubs and creative spaces
This is a district dedicated to the arts and creativity. It’s littered with bookstores, cafes , installations and bars. If there’s one place that I would want to get lost in it would be here. I won’t ruin the experience and the discovery by posting too many photos. Go, discover it, it’s unforgettable.
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6. Time out Market
I love food, I don’t eat because it’s fuel, I eat because food is a sensory experience that gives me the greatest enjoyment in life. All the best things in life happen around food. So I wanted to finish this list with one of my favorite places to eat in Lisbon, the Time out Market. This is not really a "hidden gem" but I have to put it here. There are dozens of restaurants and cafés to pick from. My top recommendations are “Marisqueira Azul” and “O prego da Peixaria” but you can’t go wrong here, it’s a culinary Disney Land.
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7- Carmo Convent Ruins
Now, stay with me. I know it’s a convent in ruins but there’s a story here and a one of a kind experience. In 1775 Lisbon suffered one of the most devastating earthquakes in history. The magnitude 9 earthquake nearly leveled the entire city, leaving roughly 85% of all buildings on the ground.
Before the earthquake Carmo was a convent with a gigantic library of over 5000 books. Three centuries later its walls and pillars still stand, you can walk along its remains, it’s a sight to behold.
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Hope you enjoyed this and found it useful! I know I left many many other places I didn't mention. Like the alleys and streets on the way to Castel Sao Jorge along with the world's smallest bookstore. Also many pubs, clubs and places to hang out.
All the best and many cheers!
This article is original work, the photos have been credited to their sources.
