Anıl Uzun said ‘I really love Lisbon because it is like Istanbul. ‘

I did not have difficulty to decide where to go, what to do, where to eat, where to stay. Because it is very much like Istanbul. Portuguese people are friendly, they are kind and helpful. But before I went there for the first time, I got in contact with Christiano, a local Portuguese guide, whom I have been following on Instagram for quite some time.he gave me some valuable Lisbon travel tips. It is a year round destination, you can visit anytime. But I recommend spring or autumn for the best weather. 

Here I will give a short description on the places that I loved visiting the most.

1- Alfama and Castelo de São Jorge

The oldest district in Lisbon is Alfama. It is a maze. There are very narrow streets, steep stairs. It is more like Beyoğlu in Istanbul. Castelo de São Jorge, on the other hand, was built in the 11th century. The houses with terracotta roofs, towers and crenelated walls makes the district a very beautiful and unique place to visit and see. You can visit Castelo de São Jorge for the sunset to have a drink. 

2- Bairro Alto and Chiado

Bairro Alto is the heart of the nightlife in Lisbon. If you travel on your own, I recommend you stay in Barrio Alto, you’ll not regret it. There are booths selling cocktails and other drinks on the squares. You will find the city’s best restaurants, fashionable bars and antique shops.  If the weather is warm enough, Bairro Alto streets are floıded with people until dawn.

3- Estoril

Estoril is a great summer vacation place. During World War 2, the place has been a shelter for many aristocrats. Spies followed the aristocrats to the neutral Portuguese Riviera. In addition, Author Ian Fleming wroteCasino Royale inspired by Casino Estoril. Today it is a resort town, but an elegant one. It has beaches, gardens, boutiques, bars and clubs. 

4- Parque Natural da Arrábida

The park is alongside the Mediterranean. The landscape is great for hiking.  The Parque Natural da Arrábida is full of lavender and thyme, whenever I think about it I smell the park, it is a great memory.  

5- Palacio de Mafra

King João V built the palace in the early 1700s. It is in northern Lisbon. Palacio de Mafra has 1,200 rooms, one of the largest palaces in Europe. The Portuguese King spent the fortune that was flowing from his colonies in Brazil.  The place has 11 chapels and a basilica. But I want you to see the library that the place includes. It contains more than 36,000 antique volumes. To preserve the books, bats are released every evening into the library to eat the insects.

The places above are the ones that I fully recommend you to see if you visit Lisbon.