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MagazineA kaleidoscope of vibrant coloured buildings, picturesque beaches that look like they belong on a postcard and ancient monuments full of rich history, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more photogenic city than the Portuguese capital. Lisbon is utterly picturesque and most certainly shouldn’t be overshadowed by its Algarve sister or Porto cousin, full of cultural gems, brightly coloured plazas and dramatic architecture that makes the phrase ‘easy on the eyes’ a complete understatement. With each landmark beautifully illuminated by the rich summer sunshine, a holiday in this city is basked in the time-old atmosphere of relaxation and uniqueness – oh, and did we mention Instagram opportunities galore? Clear the memory on your smartphone because Lisbon is home to the most gorgeous scenery left, right and centre from the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology to the Instagram-friendly colourful streets of Belém. What are you waiting for? Travel to Lisbon and watch the likes roll in faster than you can say “selfie”!
Pink Street
Colourful by name and colourful by nature, Pink Street is a buzzing stretch of Lisbon’s incredible nightlife that puts the likes of London’s Soho to shame. Lively chatter spilling from the multitude of bars and the heavy bass of chart music from the clubs fill your ears as soon as you step foot on the pavement, providing an atmosphere that you’re guaranteed to remember forever. Also known as Lisbon’s Red Light District or Rua Cor-de-Rosa, Pink Street got its “facelift” in 2011, turning around its somewhat seedy reputation to the must-be-at location post-8pm. By day, the stretch of pink cobbles is Instagrammable in its own right but you can’t go wrong with snapping the multi-coloured store fronts of Pink Streets or being that person posting pictures of your delicious Portuguese dish for some serious food envy.
A building that’s truly a work of art, the Retro Store A Vida Portuguesa is dedicated to selling old-fashioned Portuguese products that were once considered unfashionable but are now thought to be trendy and full of nostalgia for the Lisboa locals. Ideal for those with a love of vintage objects, shoppers will find one-of-a-kind products such as canned food in vintage-decorated packaging, hand-painted tiles and wood or metal toys that were sold in local fairs many years ago. Why not pose with your new goodies outside the store front? Colourful, artistic and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, the retro-vintage aesthetics will have the likes rolling in in no time.
Retro Store A Vida Portuguesa
A building that’s truly a work of art, the Retro Store A Vida Portuguesa is dedicated to selling old-fashioned Portuguese products that were once considered unfashionable but are now thought to be trendy and full of nostalgia for the Lisboa locals. Ideal for those with a love of vintage objects, shoppers will find one-of-a-kind products such as canned food in vintage-decorated packaging, hand-painted tiles and wood or metal toys that were sold in local fairs many years ago. Why not pose with your new goodies outside the store front? Colourful, artistic and unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, the retro-vintage aesthetics will have the likes rolling in in no time.
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Amorereiras 360˚ Panoramic View
If you’re a sucker for a breath-taking vista overlooking one of the most beautiful cities in Europe then you’re guaranteed to fall head over heels for the Amorereiras 360˚ Panoramic View located on the rooftop of the stunning Amorereiras Towers. One of the highest spots in the city, this unique view provides an Instagram opportunity like no other – our top tip? Check the weather forecast beforehand in order to achieve the clearest image possible. Being a staggering 174 metres above sea level you’ll admire the Portuguese capital from every angle from stunning monuments including the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle to the grandeur of the sparkling Tagus River. The Viewpoint is equipped with free long-range focus monoculars and information maps that will aid you in discovering more about the historical landmarks that make Lisbon so beautiful.
Culture vultures, this one is for you. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, widely known as its acronym MAAT, was structurally designed by British architect Amanda Levete and trust us when we say that the incredible building combined with a vibrant sunset backdrop will make for a killer image to share on social media. The excellence of the museum doesn’t stop there. Both the temporary and the permanent exhibitions make this fantastic landmark well worth the visit, full of contemporary Portuguese art and contributions from architects and thinkers that reflect on major themes and current trends. MAAT is designed with every age in mind so even if you’re travelling with kids, we guarantee you won’t hear them cry “museums are boring” as there truly is something for everyone. Other notable “Instagrammable” museums in Lisbon include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum with art collections dating back to Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, the Berardo Museum featuring the likes of surrealism, pop art and hyper-realism and The National Museum of Ancient Art which showcases exactly what the name suggests.
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Culture vultures, this one is for you. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, widely known as its acronym MAAT, was structurally designed by British architect Amanda Levete and trust us when we say that the incredible building combined with a vibrant sunset backdrop will make for a killer image to share on social media. The excellence of the museum doesn’t stop there. Both the temporary and the permanent exhibitions make this fantastic landmark well worth the visit, full of contemporary Portuguese art and contributions from architects and thinkers that reflect on major themes and current trends. MAAT is designed with every age in mind so even if you’re travelling with kids, we guarantee you won’t hear them cry “museums are boring” as there truly is something for everyone. Other notable “Instagrammable” museums in Lisbon include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum with art collections dating back to Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, the Berardo Museum featuring the likes of surrealism, pop art and hyper-realism and The National Museum of Ancient Art which showcases exactly what the name suggests.
Pavilhão Chinês
An antique store-turned bar, Pavilhão Chinês is truly something special. Located between Bairro Alto and Principe Real, this vibrant speakeasy features five maroon-decorated rooms and is reminiscent of an old pub in Victorian England. The bar is thick with dangling collectibles, the walls are lined with action men in display cases the tables are decorated with art deco statuetttes and military uniforms and model planes are strung from the high ceiling so trust us when we say that this bar is not ideal for those with a love of minimalism. Snap a picture of the architectural chaos or simply pose against the backdrop of knick-knacks with a cocktail in hand – all you need is a smile and a witty caption.
An antique store-turned bar, Pavilhão Chinês is truly something special. Located between Bairro Alto and Principe Real, this vibrant speakeasy features five maroon-decorated rooms and is reminiscent of an old pub in Victorian England. The bar is thick with dangling collectibles, the walls are lined with action men in display cases the tables are decorated with art deco statuetttes and military uniforms and model planes are strung from the high ceiling so trust us when we say that this bar is not ideal for those with a love of minimalism. Snap a picture of the architectural chaos or simply pose against the backdrop of knick-knacks with a cocktail in hand – all you need is a smile and a witty caption.
Lisbon Cathedral
You’ve seen it from afar at the Amorereiras 360˚ Panoramic View but now it’s time to get up close and personal. From gothic arches and vaulted ceilings to medieval statues and decorative alters, the Lisbon Cathedral (also known as Sé Cathedral) has been the setting for many a baptism, wedding and passing of Portuguese elite and nobility. Constructed in the 12th century by Christian Crusaders, the main two tourist areas of the magnificent church are the religious nave and sanctuary as well as the disused cloisters to the rear of the building. Choosing where in the cathedral to take your picture will be tricky as it’s so beautiful so this is when collages come in handy. Take plenty of shots of both the inside and the church exteriors but remember when you visit that all visitors must be suitably and respectively dressed to enter the main cathedral.
Pastéis de Belém
You know those delicious-looking custard tarts that you’ve always had your eye on when placing your Nando’s order at the till? They originate from Lisbon! Pastel de nata is the city’s favourite pastry, and Pastéis de Belém prides itself on being the only café that sells the original recipe. Indicated by the long lines trailing out of the door morning, noon and night, this café-slash-bakery is undoubtedly the most famous in Lisbon and visitors come from far and wide to sample the flaky pastry filled with richly thick cream. Resist the urge to sink your teeth into this delicious tart as soon as it’s put into your hands – it’ll be one of the hardest things you ever do – to snap the pastry against a sunny backdrop. Then, it’s show time. Get your travel companion equipped with your smartphone to capture candids while you indulge in the sweet treat. Trust us, the look of sheer delight from this tasty morsel of paradise is guaranteed to ensure that double-tap.
You know those delicious-looking custard tarts that you’ve always had your eye on when placing your Nando’s order at the till? They originate from Lisbon! Pastel de nata is the city’s favourite pastry, and Pastéis de Belém prides itself on being the only café that sells the original recipe. Indicated by the long lines trailing out of the door morning, noon and night, this café-slash-bakery is undoubtedly the most famous in Lisbon and visitors come from far and wide to sample the flaky pastry filled with richly thick cream. Resist the urge to sink your teeth into this delicious tart as soon as it’s put into your hands – it’ll be one of the hardest things you ever do – to snap the pastry against a sunny backdrop. Then, it’s show time. Get your travel companion equipped with your smartphone to capture candids while you indulge in the sweet treat. Trust us, the look of sheer delight from this tasty morsel of paradise is guaranteed to ensure that double-tap.
Here are some other spots in Lisbon for your camera roll…
Lisbon Oceanarium – this is Europe’s largest indoor aquarium and is home to a plethora of marine species from all over the world. The Oceanarium is located in Parque das Naçōes and boasts a magnificent design around a huge central tank for breath-taking views of underwater habitation.
Jardim Zoológico – Lisbon’s zoo is the perfect opportunity to take selfies with your new-found friends from all over the world. Get up close and personal with a range of exotic species as well as those native to Portugal during a fun day out that’s perfect for both the very young to the young at heart.
Alfama – The oldest part of the city, first-time visitors to Lisbon will adore the time-warp feel of these narrow winding roads. Filled with souvenir stores and one-of-a-kind bars and cafés, this tourist-friendly location is always bustling so you’re bound to find several photo opportunities around every corner.
São Jorge Castle – One of the most historical and recognisable structures of the city, the São Jorge Castle boasts so much more than enchanting views across Lisbon – although these are definitely worth a picture or two. The castle also houses an archaeological museum and an underground excavation site with artefacts and remnants that date back hundreds of years so lovers of ancient history can get their fill here too.
Lisbon Oceanarium – this is Europe’s largest indoor aquarium and is home to a plethora of marine species from all over the world. The Oceanarium is located in Parque das Naçōes and boasts a magnificent design around a huge central tank for breath-taking views of underwater habitation.
Jardim Zoológico – Lisbon’s zoo is the perfect opportunity to take selfies with your new-found friends from all over the world. Get up close and personal with a range of exotic species as well as those native to Portugal during a fun day out that’s perfect for both the very young to the young at heart.
Alfama – The oldest part of the city, first-time visitors to Lisbon will adore the time-warp feel of these narrow winding roads. Filled with souvenir stores and one-of-a-kind bars and cafés, this tourist-friendly location is always bustling so you’re bound to find several photo opportunities around every corner.
São Jorge Castle – One of the most historical and recognisable structures of the city, the São Jorge Castle boasts so much more than enchanting views across Lisbon – although these are definitely worth a picture or two. The castle also houses an archaeological museum and an underground excavation site with artefacts and remnants that date back hundreds of years so lovers of ancient history can get their fill here too.
Those Instagram pictures won’t take themselves! Our personal travel managers are awaiting your call to whisk you away to the Portuguese capital so all that’s left to do is dial 0203 816 0985 or click here to submit an enquiry. Lisbon awaits!
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Dummy text...Thanks for sharing your experience with this. Its interesting how other cultures perceive how you “should be” if you are an American.
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