Looking Forward to See you in Lisbon: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Portugal’s Enchanting Capital

Dear IFERA Friends,

As we are approaching our annual meeting, we hope you will become increasingly excited about the idea of attending the annual conference. For this reason, we have now acquired the habit of sharing with you some suggestions of how to make the most of the experience associated with the conference itself. Specifically, we want to make sure that you can enjoy the atmosphere that this year's host city, Lisbon, will give us. Lisbon is indeed a city that captivates with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning sceneries. In this article you will find several suggested activities in this fascinating city and few other resources that should be of help.

Suggested Activities

1. The Historic Belém District: Belém is a district steeped in maritime history. In walking the district, you can find the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once guarded the entrance to the city's harbor. Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO site, shows stunning Manueline architecture and houses the tomb of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama.
2. A ride on tram 28: One of Lisbon's most beloved experiences is a ride on Tram 28. This vintage yellow tram drives through the city's narrow, winding streets, offering a charming and picturesque journey from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Along the way, you'll pass through several of Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, including Alfama, Graça, and Baixa, providing a unique perspective on the city's architecture and everyday life.

3. The Alfama Neighborhood: Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, characterized by its maze of narrow streets, alleys, and stairways. It's the perfect place to get lost and discover hidden gems like traditional fado bars, small squares, and local artisan shops. Visit the São Jorge Castle, for a panoramic view of the city. The nearby Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé, is also worth a visit for its beautiful Gothic architecture.

4. A Taste of Pastéis de Belém: A trip to Lisbon wouldn't be complete without tasting its most famous pastry, the pastel de nata. Head to Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of this delicious custard tart, where the recipe has been a closely guarded secret since 1837. Enjoy the flaky crust and creamy filling dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, ideally paired with a bica (Portuguese espresso).

5. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: For art lovers, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must-visit. This museum houses the extensive and eclectic collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil magnate and philanthropist. The collection spans over 5,000 years of history, including pieces from ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Far East, as well as European masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and René Lalique.

6. The LX Factory: Located under the 25 de Abril Bridge in the Alcântara neighborhood, the LX Factory is a vibrant cultural and creative hub. This former industrial complex is now home to trendy shops, hip cafes, art studios, and restaurants. It's a great place to explore street art, catch a live music performance, or simply enjoy the bohemian atmosphere. On Sundays, the LX Market offers unique vintage finds and local crafts.

7. The Miradouros: Lisbon is a city of hills, and with hills come breathtaking viewpoints, known locally as miradouros. Some of the best include Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. These spots offer panoramic views of the city, the Tagus River, and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. They're perfect for watching the sunset and capturing stunning photos.

8. The Oceanário de Lisboa: The Oceanário de Lisboa, located in the Parque das Nações, is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It features a vast central tank with diverse marine species from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans. The thematic exhibits and interactive displays make it a fantastic experience for both children and adults. Nearby, the modern architecture and public art installations of Parque das Nações offer additional exploration opportunities.

9. The Nightlife in Bairro Alto: Bairro Alto is the heart of Lisbon's nightlife. By day, its narrow streets are quiet, but after sunset, they come alive with the sound of music and chatter. The area is filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs catering to all tastes. Experience traditional fado music at a cozy tavern or dance the night away at one of the trendy clubs. Bairro Alto offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that keeps the energy high until the early hours.

10. A Day Trip to Sintra: Just a short train ride from Lisbon, the enchanting town of Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and amazing landscapes. Visit the colorful Pena Palace and explore its vibrant rooms and expansive gardens. The Moorish Castle offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region's history. Quinta da Regaleira, with its mystical gardens and Initiation Well, adds a touch of intrigue to your visit. Sintra is a magical escape that shouldn't be missed.

Other Resources

If you are looking for more suggestions this video will provide you with a very vibrant and concrete perspective on how to experience the city.

Check out this YouTube video.

Useful Vocabulary

Hello - Olá

Thank you - Obrigado

Yes - Sim

No - Não

Please - Por favor

Excuse me - Com licença

Goodbye - Adeus

How are you? - Como é que está?

I don't understand - Não estou a perceber

Sorry - Desculpe

Hoping that our suggestions will be helpful, we will see you soon in Lisbon!