First, Sara and Mario made us feel right at home when we arrived, we were given the keys at the door, shown the living sleeping and kitchen areas and we were on our own. There were three of us total and there was more than enough room to enjoy each other's company or find solitude ... including the small balcony from the master bedroom.
Bairro Alto is a very lively area and gets loud on weekends. However with the special sound proof shutters that cover the windows at night we heard very little. Our party of 3 are all non-drinkers and after traveling the streets of Lisbon we were more than tired enough to hit a comfortable bed, shut the shades, turn on the AC, and get a good nights sleep ...and without the aid of ear plugs.
There are plenty of archeological sites, monuments and museum to visits, and as an amateur photographer what stood out to me were the hidden treasures, tucked away down narrow side streets. Many structures after the big quake are still standing. Many facades have been incorporated into the newer buildings, these can be remarkable architectural specimens ... I was often running to catch up to friends after getting lost in a alley taking pictures.
Portugal as a whole, is a beautiful place and not expensive, as say, Paris, but it's no less worthy of exploration. From Lisbon, the second oldest city to Athens Greece, to the small fishing villages, 2 hours up the coast, the colors of Portugal are amazing. Visit the Oceanarium, it's more than worth the visit ... the list of attractions is never complete.
Tip.
Maps of Lisbon can be deceiving, what appears to be 6 city blocks can be a 5 minute walk, everything we wanted to see in Bairro Alto was within walking distance
Wear good shoes, the streets and side walks can get slippery.
Like to shop? ... bring money, because the plazas are filled with clothing, shoe stores and all manner of retail sales... and they're everywhere and all within walking distance of the Rua Gaveas.
I purchased dress shoes for the wedding we attended ... I remembered 5 hours later, at the reception, that I had new shoes on... I was completely unaware. Beautiful shoes, comfortable and only 32 EUROs. Please.
Attention Sailors!
Gaveas, in Portuguese means, the Crow's Nest.
The view from Sara and Mario's 2nd floor balcony was my Crow's Nest ... a view that stretches, from Luis De Cameos Square to the Tagus river and beyond.
Lisboa a jóia de portugal
Aproveite!