Lisbon or Lisboa is the capital of Portugal and enjoys a marvellous position. To the northeast of the city the River Tagus opens out to form the shining Mar de Palha (sea of straw). The city stands on the northwest bank of this lake just before it narrows and flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. For miles and miles, homes, factories, warehouses and port installations carpet the steep hills and valleys along the estuary. Lisbon is sometimes called the Cidade Branca, the White City but actually its colour is really a matt pastel shade. The best view of the city can be enjoyed from one of the many excellent fish restaurants in Cacilhas on the south bank of the river. Between Alfama, the labyrinth of narrow alleys on the citadel hill, and the elevated Bairro Alto, lies the flat plain of the city centre, the Cidade Baixa, with its geometrical street plan. Leading down to the Baixa is the wide tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade. Old trams, known as, electricos, wind their noisy way along the inclines of the narrow streets. Funicular railways or elevadores and an unusual lift with an elaborate Gothic exterior negotiate the steep inclines of one of the hilliest harbour towns in the world. Lisbon has many miradouros (lookout points) that provide panoramic views over the river Tagus and the city. A tour of the city on foot will also reveal many otherwise hidden sights. Just a few yards from the roar of city traffic, steep flights of steps disappear into sleepy corners where caged birds sing. Idyllic parks with exotic plants and peaceful fountains are a refuge from the hectic hurly-burly of the frenetic city streets.
Between the huge, postmodern towers of the Amoreiras shopping centre, towering symbols of Lisbon's share in the prosperity of modern Europe, and the tiny buildings with doll's house facades in the old town, there are examples - small and large - of many different styles of architecture. Lisbon has resisted the melancholic decadence and progress of the late 20th century.
That's my romantic view now here are a few practicalities.The best way to see the city is by foot. With many steep inclines and smooth limestone cobbles underfoot it is adviseable to wear a good pair of shoes. The city is hilly but I always find it a very easy to navigate as long as you have your wits about you crossing roads. Lisboan drivers are manic and the best advice I can give when crossing the road is to go with the flow. Don't hesitate - once the lights are on green - get your running shoes on and walk as fast as you can. City maps can be misleading, as the steep hills create a false impression of the distances involved. However, you may find it more rewarding simply to go with the crowd and observe the many-sided mosaic of Lisbon life in a haphazard way, rather than rush from one attraction to the next. All senses will be required to appreciate the busy street life with its confusing variety of shops, bars, sounds and smells.
I always think of Lisbon as being a small city but seeing that I have already written two journals covering areas of the city,obviously it isn't. What can I say - I love the place. Sometimes it can be frustrating especially in September and October when it is conference season and the Avenida da Liberdade is buzzing and you take your life in your hands when crossing the road. When Portugal are playing in an International football contest the atmosphere around the rotunda here is like nowhere else I have ever seen especially if they are winning. Flags are flying high, horns blowing, people in the nearby park, dancing in the fountains. An amazing atmosphere. Four words to sum up Lisbon town - Historic, Modern, Vibrant and Magical. One of Europe's finest cities.