While the tourists in the rest of Western Europe are trying to figure out how to stretch the ever-rising Euro to get the most out of their holiday, why not take those Euros over to Lisbon, Portugal and let them work in your favor. Fill your pockets with some coins and follow this short list for a dose of local culture.
Traveling on two Euros or less in Lisbon …
1. All aboard!
Hop on the famous wooden eléctrico, tram 28, and let it wind you through the historic neighborhoods of Chiado, Baixa – Alfama and Graça.
2. Café, or a bica as the local Lisboetas would call it.
Straight up, with milk, short or tall, however you choose to sip it, it’s strong and available on every street corner. And it’s actually only about 60 cents so with 2 euros you can drink enough coffee to “caffeinate” your entire trip.
3. Ferry ride across the Tejo river.
Get a view from the other side! Buy a ticket from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas and then walk west to stroll through the abandoned industrial village of Gingal, affording one of the best views of the city. At night capture Lisbon illuminated in its romantic orangish-yellow lights.
4. Natural sparkling water from the local source.
Order a Pedras water at the Miradora do Graça and take in the stunning view of the city landscape backed by the Tejo river and 25th of April bridge.
5. Copo do vinho, glass of wine.
The Portuguese aren’t one of the top wine consuming countries for nothing. It’s everywhere…and it’s affordable! If you happen to be dining at the right spot in Alfama or Bairro Alto, it might lend to hearing a local fado while you are sipping a vinho tinto.
6. Futebol anyone?
After all, soccer is a national obsession. A ticket is going to cost you closer to 15 euros, so just sneak into a café, order a cerveja (beer) and a cod fritter, and sharpen your ears to the murmur of the 20 some Sporting Lisbon or Benfica fans around you intently watching the game on the TV screen in the middle of the room. Now that is local culture, even if you don’t understand a word they are saying.
7. Centro Cultural Belem
You’ve all heard of Pasteis de Belem in Belem but what about the new contemporary art exhibit at the Centro Cultural Belem (CCB)? Get in on Joe Berardo’s impressive international art collection in the galleries of the Centro Cultural Belem. It’s free!
8. Curiosities and other random knick-knacks at the flea market, Feira da Ladra.
Whether it’s old fado music sheets or postcards from a bygone era, Portuguese poetry books or crystal glasses, this is Lisbon’s version of a flea market where you can test your bargaining skills or simply stroll through to snap some photos.
The rest is up to you. But these little snippets that you can all experience with a few euro coins are going to get you on the inside of the culture while keeping you outside the traditional tourist traps (save for the electrico 28, but yes, it’s that great that I couldn’t leave it out).
Lisbon with her winding sidewalks, narrow alleyways and endless viewpoints nestled into the hilltops, has plenty to share with you once you let her know you are ready to discover some of her best kept secrets. And the best part is that you don’t have to empty your pockets doing so.
Picture of Lisbon bridge, Portugal originally posted by Eduardo Cruz
Topic: How to Tuesday |
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Tags: budget, Lisbon
About the author
With an ever-present thirst for culture, travel, beauty, and adventure, Maureen shares her perspective on the people and places that walk through her world through these writings. As a current resident of the City of Angels, USA, she shares her favorite city secrets from around the globe with other world wanderers through these posts.
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