Bean About the World: Lisbon, Portugal

In a completely unplanned turn of events we realised sitting by the pool in Evora that we both had Lisbon on the to do list as a place to visit so as we were flying out of Lisbon it would be foolish to not have a night there. So we head back into Lisbon a day early to see what it had to offer and were very pleased we did. What a great city it is, even in what was a fleeting visit.

We found a great hotel in Baxia which is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Lisbon. The hotel reminded us of Dean St Town House in terms of decor and style and once again was brilliant value. Highly recommend. Great location as well in the heart of Baxia, pretty much walking distance to all the main sights.

Whilst our room is being prepared we head out for an explore and walk down to one of the main squares on the waterfront called Praca do Comercio. Its a very grand square with some nice bars and restaurants around it including a Portugal's most famous chef's restaurant called Chefe Cordeiro where we have a drink but whom I have never heard of!

After a good explore we "stumble" across Ye old faithful. It had to be done...

Despite my growing frustration that I started the most ridiculous collection of Hard Rock Cafe pint glasses those many moons ago I still can't quite bring myself to give up. So I have my customary beer in my souvenir glass and make it 49 pint glasses from across the world... One more for Mum and Dad's garage!

We then head back to check into our room before grabbing some lunch. We see the Mayor of Lisbon walk past meeting the locals with a huge trail of reporters and cameramen in tow. Seemed like a nice chap.

After a very pleasant lunch at Browns cafe (in the sister hotel of ours around the corner) we decide to head to see the castle on the top of the hill overlooking Lisbon which allows us to ride the tram up there. With Lisbons strep hills and trams it has a real feel of San Francisco about it.

Unfortunately we get a little carried away clinging onto the tram as it winds up the hill and miss our stop, ending up back down at the bottom on the other side of the hill. Quick taxi back up and we were at our destination.

We find a lovely little terrace bar over looking the city.

Miradouro (Portugese for viewing point) de Santa Luzia.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

http://www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/sao-pedro-alcantara.html

That evening we start off with drinks in one of the cool and very lively areas of the city up on the hill called Bairro Alto. We have a drink at a bar called Lost In Esplanada which would have had a lovely view of the city apart from the building work going on blocking the view. We only have time for one which is unfortunate as there are literally hundreds of bars packed around the narrow cobbled streets but dinner is waiting.

That evening we eat at a very cool place called Bica do Sapato set in an old warehouse type restaurant on the waters edge. Very tasty sushi to start as well.

http://www.bicadosapato.com

Unfortunately our fleeting stop is fast coming to an end. We spend the morning exploring Bairro Alto which is no longer as kicking but he remnants of last nights party are everywhere.