Why I Chose Lisbon: My Reasons for Selecting This Vibrant City
I had never considered visiting Portugal until my friend told me about his two-week hiking trip in Porto. He also mentioned that Portugal is known as one of the safest countries in the world. Moreover, learning about the historical connection between Portugal and Goa, India, where the Portuguese ruled for 450 years, sparked my interest in exploring Portugal.
Since I was already planning to visit India in September 2022, I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine my India trip with a visit to Lisbon. In this post, I would like to share my experience staying at Beautiful Studio in Historic Alfama and showcase the stunning pictures of the property and the charming neighborhood.
Since this is my first time in Portugal, I wanted to visit a major city to get a sense of the country, so I chose Lisbon as my destination. Additionally, I discovered that United Airlines offers non-stop flights from Lisbon to Washington, DC.
A Trip from New Delhi to Lisbon: Exploring the Portuguese Connection
After selecting the dates, I booked my trip on Lufthansa.com, opting for a flight from Delhi to Lisbon with a layover in Frankfurt. The Lufthansa flight departed early in the morning from Delhi to Frankfurt. Luckily, I was upgraded from economy to premium economy. The flight itself was pleasant. After a short layover in Frankfurt, I finally arrived in Lisbon.
Interestingly, I didn’t have to go through customs in Lisbon; instead, I collected my luggage there. Since the Beautiful Studio in Historic Alfama, where I had made a reservation, didn’t allow free early check-in, I decided to pass the time at one of the sandwich places at the airport.
Booking Beautiful Studio in Historic Alfama
After conducting thorough research and reading reviews, I decided to book the Beautiful Studio in Historic Alfama through Booking.com. However, I later discovered that this accommodation is not a traditional hotel with a 24-hour front desk and restaurant. It operates more like an Airbnb rental. In addition to the nightly rate, we were required to pay a cleaning fee per stay, as well as an additional fee of approximately 2 euros per person per night. Upon completing the booking process on Booking.com, I promptly received an email containing detailed instructions and two passcodes. Although it was initially a bit confusing, the property owner was very helpful and responsive, addressing any questions or concerns I had.
Taking a Taxi from the Airport: Convenient Transportation to The Room
After waiting for several hours at the airport, I decided to take a taxi to my hotel. Initially, I had planned to pay for the taxi using my credit card. However, to my disappointment, none of the taxis accepted card payments. With a long queue of customers waiting for taxis, I had no choice but to pay in cash. Luckily, before my departure, a friend who had recently visited Portugal lent me 60 Euros. I approached a taxi driver, showed him the address of the hotel, and informed him that I would be paying in cash. Although the driver was not particularly friendly, I had no alternative but to go with him.
Throughout the journey, I kept a close eye on the meter as I had limited funds. The roads were narrow, and at one point, we encountered a traffic jam due to an accident. The meter continued to tick despite the halted traffic. Eventually, the driver made a U-turn and proceeded towards our destination. I felt a growing sense of worry, concerned that the fare would exceed the amount I had.
When the meter reached 35 Euros, the driver abruptly dropped me off in the middle of the road and vaguely pointed towards a street, indicating that the hotel was located there. I was left feeling disappointed and lost. Determined to find my way, I approached a nearby boutique store and a meat shop, seeking directions to the hotel. Unfortunately, neither of them had any knowledge of the street or the property. Carrying my backpack and pulling my suitcase, I continued my journey on foot, asking people I encountered along the way for directions.
After more than 30 minutes of frustrating walking and asking people, I finally stumbled upon the property. The street leading to the hotel was incredibly narrow and challenging to navigate. It became clear to me why the taxi driver had dropped me off at that point instead of directly in front of the hotel. Moreover, the uneven road surface made it difficult to maneuver my wheeled suitcase
A Step-by-Step Guide to Reach the Beautiful Room in Historic Alfama from the Main Road
During my visit, I encountered some difficulties finding the property and entering the room from the main road. To help fellow travelers, I’ve put together a detailed set of directions.
If your taxi drops you off in front of the Jewellery store Deco Das Artes, follow these steps:
- Take the street directly opposite the jewelry store.
- Continue walking until you see Alfama Grill on your right side.
- Take a left turn and walk towards the church.
- Once you reach the church, take another left turn, and you will find the property.
- The property is a three-story building painted in white, with a palm tree in front of it.
- My room was located on the second floor.
- To enter the property, use the code provided in the email received from the property owner.
- Upon entering the property, my room was the first one on the right side.
- Use the code to open the door and access the room.
Alternatively, you can also ask anyone for directions to De-Sao-Miguel Church, as the apartment is located right in front of it.
Following these directions will ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival at the beautiful room in Historic Alfama. Enjoy your stay.
The Problem I Encountered and How I Resolved It
During my stay, I encountered a problem while trying to access the property. I mistakenly punched the room door code instead of the code for the main entrance. As a result, I couldn’t open the main door and wasn’t sure how to proceed since I didn’t have a cellphone to contact the property manager.
Fortunately, a friendly neighbor noticed my confusion and kindly offered to help. She called the property manager and explained the situation. With her assistance, I located the correct codes from the email i received from the property manager. Once I entered the correct code for the main entrance, everything went smoothly, and I was able to enter the room and finally relax.
To open the main property door, press the button on the left side labeled door.
Navigating to the Apartment: Step-by-Step Guide from the Main Road
Although I initially had some difficulty locating the apartment, the moment I finally entered the room, I was filled with immense satisfaction. The space was incredibly spacious, boasting a large and comfortable bed that invited a restful sleep. The kitchen was thoughtfully equipped with all the necessary amenities, allowing me to prepare meals and even indulge in some homemade noodles.
The cleanliness and spaciousness of the shower and toilet were truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression of comfort and relaxation. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised to find a washing machine and mini fridge in the room, further enhancing the convenience of my stay.
One of the highlights of the apartment was its proximity to the De-Sao-Miguel Church, which stood majestically just in front of the building. I could even catch glimpses of its grandeur through the balcony door, adding a touch of charm to the overall experience
Amenities Inside the Room and a Spectacular View of the De-Sao-Miguel Church
Explore and Capture: Self-Guided Photography Tour of Alfama Neighborhood
On Day 1, I took my camera and began my exploration on foot. I headed towards the main road and turned right in search of a place to have a simple breakfast.
During my walk, I stumbled upon the restaurant Pastelaria with outdoor seating, adorned with numerous chairs and tables. There were only a few customers present. I decided to order a sandwich, an egg omelet, and a cup of coffee. While the food was satisfactory, I was taken aback by the coffee. I had expected a beverage similar to what you would find at Starbucks, but instead, it arrived in a small cup. The coffee turned out to be very strong, and unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy its taste.
Breakfast at Pastelaria: Starting the Day Deliciously
After settling the bill, I continued my journey, keeping an eye out for tour companies offering day trips and searching for grocery or convenience stores where I could buy water bottles and other food items.
Along the way, I came across a small grocery store, but I couldn’t locate any travel companies. Thankfully, a friendly Bangladeshi individual suggested that I head towards Rossio Square, where I would likely find tour companies.
With that advice in mind, I made my way towards Rossio Square, capturing photos of the beautiful buildings and streets en route. I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the narrow streets, noticing restaurants that had expanded their outdoor seating arrangements for customers to dine and enjoy the charming views.
Pictures Taken On The Way To Rossio Square
Finally, I arrived at Rossio Square, an iconic public square situated in the heart of Lisbon. The square serves as a vibrant gathering place for both locals and tourists. With its charming mosaic pavement, elegant fountains, and a central monument dedicated to Dom Pedro IV, the square exudes a historic and vibrant atmosphere.
Surrounding the square, you’ll find the majestic D. Maria II National Theatre, adding a touch of cultural significance to the area. Just steps away is the Rossio Metro Station, conveniently connecting travelers to various parts of the city. With its blend of architectural grandeur, lively street life, cultural landmarks, and easy transportation access, Rossio Square is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Lisbon. Furthermore, I was delighted to discover a tour kiosk within the square.
After booking a day trip to Pina Castle with the person at the tour kiosk and obtaining the necessary information about the meeting place and time, I took a leisurely stroll around Rossio Square, capturing pictures of the magnificent buildings
Pictures Taken At Rossio Square
While strolling a few minutes away from Rossio Square, I came across Restauradores Square, nestled in the heart of Lisbon. Renowned for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, this square holds a captivating allure. At its center stands the remarkable Obelisk of the Restorers, a magnificent monument commemorating Portugal’s restoration of independence.
Surrounded by majestic buildings and luxurious hotels, Restauradores Square presents a captivating architectural backdrop. The square exudes a vibrant energy, bustling with an enticing array of shops, restaurants, and cafes that attract both locals and tourists.
For photographers, Restauradores Square offers a wealth of captivating subjects, with its buildings showcasing intricate details that highlight the area’s architectural splendor and historical charm. Additionally, the square benefits from its close proximity to the Restauradores metro station, providing convenient commuting options.
Pictures Taken At Restauradores Square
.After several hours of walking, I decided to make use of the metro station, taking advantage of the Blue line that would lead me to Santa Apolonia and back to my accommodation. With the helpful guidance of a friendly local, I was able to smoothly purchase a train ticket to Santa Apolónia Station, which happened to be the closest station to where I was staying.
Boarding the train, I embarked on a pleasant journey. I also noticed that within the same building as the station, there is The Editory Riverside Hotel, which adds to the convenience of the location. Santa Apolónia also served as a hub for long-distance trains, offering connections to various destinations. This train station also has a nice and small restaurant with friendly staff. I even tried their delicious pizza
Traveling in Metro to Santa Apolonia Station
Upon exiting the station, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a restaurant named “Halal Kumar Kabab House,” which boasted a renowned Indian cuisine. Intrigued by the restaurant’s name, I decided to order a burger, fries, and a soda. The restaurant was small, with a few tables and chairs for outdoor dining, offering a splendid view of the ocean. I relished both the food and the location, and I was pleased to find that the restaurant accepted credit card payments. Afterwards, I made the approximately 15-minute walk back to my accommodation.
Kumar Kabab House: Opposite Santa Apolonia Station
Since the kind restaurant owner had assisted me in communicating with the property manager and gaining access to my room, I decided to have dinner at her restaurant. After perusing the menu, I opted for a sausage, bread, and a coke to take away. Unfortunately, the sausage turned out to be overly salty, and I couldn’t finish it. As evening fell, the neighborhood transformed into a vibrant dining area, which was a delightful sight to behold.
Dinner at The Helper’s Restaurant
Dinner Experience at Alfama Grill: Delicious Food with a Mix of Service
Last night in Lisbon, I decided to try the take-away option at Alfama Grill. I ordered the Salmon and was delighted by the delicious flavors. However, I must share my unfortunate encounter with a woman taking orders at the restaurant. Her demeanor was unpleasant and she displayed rudeness. Unfortunately, I did not catch her name. On a more positive note, one of the gentlemen working there was extremely helpful and efficiently packed my dinner. It’s important to mention that Alfama Grill accepts credit cards for payment, which adds convenience to the dining experience
Caution: ATM Fees and Payment Methods in Lisbon
- When using an ATM machine to withdraw money, it is important to carefully read and understand the associated fees. I learned this the hard way when I withdrew money without paying close attention and ended up losing nearly 10% due to the fees.
- While most larger restaurants in Lisbon accept credit cards, it is worth noting that smaller restaurants often accept cash only. It’s a good idea to have some Euros on hand when dining at smaller establishments.
- Additionally, it’s important to be aware that most airport taxis in Lisbon do not accept credit cards. To avoid any inconvenience, make sure to have some Euros available for your taxi fare.
Time to Depart Alfama, Lisbon: Reflections and Farewell
Before bidding farewell to my accommodation, I made sure to dispose of the trash bag in a nearby container close to the church. With my suitcase in tow, I walked to the main road, hoping to find an early morning taxi. Unfortunately, none were available at that hour, so I made my way to the taxi stand near the train station. The taxi driver kindly transported me to the airport, where the check-in process went smoothly. I had some time to spare, so I relaxed at the TAP lounge before boarding my United flight back to the USA.
TAP Lounge and Airport Waiting Area
Looking back on the trip, I can say it was quite an experience. As I went through the pictures and reminisced about the memories, I realized just how cool this trip was. It dawned on me that proper planning and research before visiting Lisbon would have enhanced the overall experience. Nevertheless, I aim to provide comprehensive information in my upcoming post, so that fellow travelers can plan their visit to Lisbon more effectively.
Additional Resources to Explore
- 3 Days in Lisbon, Portugal: The Ultimate Lisbon Itinerary and To-Do List
- WHAT TO EXPECT IN LISBON
- Lisbon, Portugal Guide
- 14 Best Things To Do in Lisbon (3-Day Guide)
- 11 Best Things To Do In Lisbon
- Santa Apolónia Train Station, Lisbon
- LISBON TRAVEL GUIDE
- Rossio Square in Lisbon
- Discover Lisbon Tours & Pub Crawls
0 Comments