Nostalgic, beautiful and charming, that's our next destination, Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, remains one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations nowadays. With its unique blend of history, modernity, and culture, this charming city attracts travelers from all over the world. From its iconic architecture and cobbled streets to the warmth of its people and its delicious culinary offerings, Lisbon promises an unforgettable experience.

In this journey celebrating our fifteenth anniversary, we will take you to explore the best corners of the city and all the exquisite dishes you can’t miss to capture the authentic flavor of Lisbon.

Keep your eyes wide open... let's begin our route!

The charm of the city of seven hills

Lisbon is a city full of charm and history, small and easy to explore on foot. This city is built on a set of hills: São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas, and Sant’Ana, from which you can see the city from different perspectives. But to not start things off on the wrong foot, let’s begin our route at street level.

• There’s no better way to start discovering the city than at the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). A majestic square on the banks of the Tagus River, where you can enjoy views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the imposing Rua Augusta Arch.
• From the square, following Rua Augusta, you will walk among the elegant buildings of the Baixa neighborhood until you reach Chiado, one of the most emblematic districts. It is a bohemian neighborhood, full of bookstores and historic cafés like A Brasileira, where you can have a coffee with the statue of the poet Fernando Pessoa.
• In the city center, another must-see is the Santa Justa Elevator, from the 19th century, which offers one of the best views of the city center.
• Spend an afternoon wandering through the Alfama district, the oldest in Lisbon, with narrow, steep streets full of history and fado houses. Here, don’t miss the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the Santa Luzia viewpoint with beautiful views of the Tagus River, the Portas do Sol viewpoint, and the Castle of São Jorge.
• Another must-see is the Belém Tower, one of the city’s most iconic monuments. A defensive tower that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Additionally, you can enjoy a pleasant riverside walk around the area.
• On your trip, a ride on the famous tram 28 is a must. To reach many of Lisbon's viewpoints and higher areas, we recommend taking the yellow tram number 28 and transporting yourself to another era as you travel through the city.
   

Authentic flavors and dishes with history

Lisbon is not only known for its cobbled streets, old trams, and panoramic views but also for its incredible gastronomic offerings. The capital of Portugal boasts a rich culinary tradition that fuses the best of Mediterranean cuisine with influences from its former colonies. In Lisbon, the flavors are authentic, and every dish tells a story connected to the sea, the land, and Portuguese culture.
Sit at the table, we have the menu ready.

• Bacalhau à brás: Codfish is the quintessential dish, and in this version, it delights both lovers of this fish and those who are not. This dish includes shredded cod mixed with onion, garlic, straw potatoes, and egg, accompanied by black olives.
• Caldeirada de peixe: This traditional dish was originally created to make use of fish that couldn’t be sold. Today, the fish commonly used in caldeirada are hake, monkfish, and turbot. They are cooked in a pot with potatoes, onion, and red or green bell pepper.
• Feijoada: A typical Portuguese dish made with stewed beans and beef or pork, usually served with rice or cabbage.
• Francesinha: If you want to try this flavorful sandwich, make sure you have room in your stomach. Between the slices of bread, there are different types of meat, melted cheese covering the entire sandwich, and it's topped with a special sauce made from beer and tomatoes. Filling!
• Pasteis de Belém or Pastéis de nata: No visit to Lisbon is complete without tasting pastéis de nata, small puff pastry tarts filled with a smooth and creamy custard. You can enjoy them at any pastry shop, but at the Belém Pastry Shop, the pastéis are made following a secret recipe since 1837. Tempted to try them, aren’t you?
• Ginjinha: To finish any meal on a sweet note, try a shot of ginjinha, the cherry liqueur typical of Lisbon. It is served in small glasses, and you can ask for it "com" or "sem" (with or without) a cherry at the bottom of the glass. There are several places where you can drink it, but the most famous is A Ginjinha Espinheira.

While you can enjoy these delicacies in different restaurants throughout the city, we recommend strolling through the Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré. In Bairro Alto, you’ll find restaurants with modern Portuguese cuisine and bars with live music. In Cais do Sodré, Rua Nova do Carvalho (known as "Pink Street") offers a variety of dining options and trendy spots for an unforgettable night.

The layered climate

Lisbon’s climate is Mediterranean, meaning you’ll find mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. In general, dressing in layers is the best way to adapt to the temperature changes throughout the day. That said, depending on the season, there are essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack.

Spring: The days are pleasant and sunny, though occasional showers are possible. Bring light clothing but also a jacket in case it cools down.

Summer: Summer is warm. The days are sunny and dry, so it’s ideal to wear cool, light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Being a tourist all day long has its consequences under the sun, so don’t forget!

Fall: The weather is mild, and while the days are usually pleasant, there may be rain. Bring light clothing for the day, but with a jacket or raincoat for cooler nights and possible showers.

Winter: Winter is mild. Though it doesn’t get very cold, it’s a good idea to bring light warm clothing and an umbrella, as it’s the rainiest season.

Lisbon will enchant you at every step. Whether you're exploring its historic neighborhoods or savoring its iconic dishes, Lisbon will leave you wanting to return again and again. Will you be the one to enjoy the magic of this city? Follow us on our social networks to find out, and remember! If not this time, there are still many more destinations to win. Good luck!

Check the legal terms and conditions of the aparca&go 15th anniversary raffle.