Lisbon: City of fearless sailors

As a child, I was fascinated by the tales of Portuguese explorers braving the seas to discover new lands. From my very first trip to Lisbon, I was entranced by the beauty of the city. Since then, little has changed.


City of many hills

Like Istanbul, Lisbon is built on seven hills. Still, it is an easy city to negotiate on foot. One of the most pleasant areas is Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Wander through its narrow streets and take in its patios, washing lines heavy with multicoloured laundry and small restaurants redolent with garlic and wine. Alfama is also home to the 12th century Se Cathedral. From here, head past the houses covered in azulejos tiles to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. As night falls, you can hear strains of plaintive strains of fado music.

A frothy cup of bica

With its restored buildings, small cafes, restaurants, art galleries and bookstores, the Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon's most elegant neighbourhoods. The Chiado district below is more upmarket. Enjoy a frothy cup of bica coffee at Lisbon's most famous café, Brasileira' the finest example of Art Nouveau architecture in Lisbon. A sculpture of the famous Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa stands outside.Downhill from Chiado, Baixa is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. Its upper and lower reaches are connected by the Santa Justa elevator. Head down the pedestrian Rua Augusta to the Praça do Comercio, Lisbon's most magnificent square. Look across the river to the massive statue of Cristo Rei.

Lizbon son derece keyifli gezilen bir şehir. O da tıpkı İstanbul gibi, 7 tepe üzerine kurulmuş. Yokuşları bol olmasına rağmen insanı yürümeye davet ediyor. Alfama' nın labirentlerine akşamın hüznü çöktüğünde ise, aralık kapılardan 'denizin ve hasret'in şarkısı Fado sızar dışarılara.

Anlamı 'Yukarı Mahalle' demek olan Bairro Alto, yenilenen tarihi binaları, küçük café'leri, lokantaları, sanat galerileri ve kitapçılarıyla, şehrin en sık uğrayacağınız semtlerinden biridir. Dünle bugünün karıştığı, dünyaca tanınan markaların, Lizbon'un eski zanaatkârlarıyla bir arada yaşadıkları bu bölge, aynı zamanda şehrin en iyi alışveriş semtlerinden biri olarak kabul ediliyor.

The museum district of Belem

The Jeronimos Monastery in the museum district of Belem dates back at the early 16th century when it served as a chapel for Henry the Navigator's seamen. The main building was commissioned by king Manuel I to symbolise Portugal's naval prowess. It is the first example of the Manueline architectural style that incorporates European and Asian elements. The stunning Belem Tower is located at the point where the river spills into the river. No trip to Belem is complete without a stop at the pastry chop, Pasteis de Belem.

Lizbon'un en güzel köşelerinden olan Belem, yemyeşil parkların ve görkemli anıtların bulunduğu, bir müze-semttir. Belem'in en anıtsal yapısı olan Jeronimos Manastırı'nın yapımına 16. yüzyılın başında, 'Denizci Kral' olarak bilinen Afonso Dom Henrique tarafından Santa Maria Kilisesi'nin inşası ile başlanmış.

Lisbon, a feast of flavours

Lisbon is a delight for the gastronome. Countless "Tasca" restaurants serve delicious fare like Bacalhau (Atlantic cod) and stuffed calamari. The best shellfish is found in restaurants called Mariqueiras. Try the ameijoas (mussels) cooked in olive oil, garlic and fresh coriander. Carnivores will find plenty to chose from at the Churrasqueiras.The better you get to know Lisbon, the more you are guaranteed to like it. With its stunning architecture and museums, friendly people and temperate climate, Lisbon will leave you coming back for more.

Lizbon'da yemek yemek gerçek bir şölendir. Deniz ürünlerine düşkünseniz, iyi şarap sizin için vazgeçilmezse, "Balık ya da et fark etmez, yeter ki lezzetli olsun" diyenlerdenseniz, Lizbon sizi düş kırıklığına uğratmayacaktır. İsimsiz birçok geleneksel Tasca'da, kağıt serilmiş masalarda, muhtemelen yerin sahibinin karısı veya kız kardeşi tarafından pişirilen Bacalhau'yu (morina) ya da kalamar dolmalarını, gerçekten çok uygun fiyatlara yemeniz mümkündür.

Lisbon Guide

How to get there:There are no direct flights from Turkey to Lisbon. Air France flies via Paris, Lufthansa via Frankfurt and Alitalia via Milan. Or, fly THY to Paris and then with TAP Air Portugal to Lisbon. (See City Guide for phone numbers).

Telephone code: Portugal: 351, Lisbon: 21.

Visas: Turkish citizens need a visa. Honorary Consulate in Istanbul: Tel: 0212-251 91 28. Ankara Embassy: 0312-448 01 19.

Lisbon Hotel

The best place to stay is on the vibrant Avenida da Repubblica, the Marques de Pombal Square or near the Eduardo VII park. Tivoli Hotel *****: On the Av. da Repubblica. A luxurious and comfortable hotel. Walking distance to almost everywhere. Av. da Liberdade, 185. Tel: +351 213 198 900 www.tivoli.pt Dom Pedro Hotel *****: Near the city's modern shopping and business districts. A new and luxurious hotel. Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, 24. Tel: +351 213 896 600.www.dompedro.com Fenix Hotel ****: On the Marques de Pombal square, a few steps from the metro. Comfortable rooms. Pr. Marques de Pombal, 8. Tel: +351 213 862 21. www.maisturismo.pt/hfenix.html Confort Hotel Embaixador ***: Near the Marques de Pombal square. Av. Duque de Loule, 73. Tel. +351 214 128 982. www.maisturismo.pt/hembaixa.html.

Where to eat

For a tasty and inexpensive lunch, head to a small Tasca down Lisbon's many side streets. You can also pick up fresh vegetable pastries, fish croquettes and Cerveja beer on the way. The Docas district is famous for its lively nightlife. Doca Peixe Rest: Considered one of the finest restaurants in Lisbon. We recommend that you start your meal with oysters and then try the "Bifinhas com molho de madeira" (steak with Madeira wine sauce). Docas Santo Amaro, 14. Ramiro: One of the most authentic "Marisqueiras" in town. You almost always have to wait in line to get in. It is famous for its garlic shrimp. The neighbourhood may be a little rough around the edges, but it is worth it. Av. Almirante Reis, 1. Cervejaria de Trinidade: The oldest and most famous Cervejaria in Lisbon. It is particularly famous for its 19th-century Azulejos. Great meat and seafood dishes.. Rua Nova de Trinidade, 20. Xurrascao: Elegant Brazilian restaurant serving 14 varieties of meat on huge skewers. Live music. Av. da Cintura do Porto. Cais de Santos.