5 Tips for a Last Minute Trip: Lisbon
Friday, October 13, 2017
Lisbon is certainly a city that leaves a mark on all those who visit it. It’s gorgeous landscape, the colourful buildings, an assortment of markets and the famous trams of the post-war make this city one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Many people choose to visit the Portuguese capital during the summer months, these people might sadly miss out on the magic of this amazing city. In July and August, in addition to the myriad of tourists and temperatures over 30 degrees, many shops and restaurant are closed. While there are nice beaches around the city, these are often overcrowded. So why not change things up and visit Lisbon in the fall? Experience the true essence of the city this October.
GET CINEMATIC
DocLisboa 19-29 October // http://www.doclisboa.org/2017/en/
For all film enthusiasts, the DocLisboa festival is surely an event not to be missed. Every October, international filmmakers gather and are featured in this event. The documentary film festival takes place in the famous Cinemateca Portuguesa, the most important cinematography museum in the city, located in Rua Barata. The area is full of restaurants and bars, where you can dine or discuss the movie you just saw with a glass of wine.
SURF’S UP!
Sure some will think we’re crazy, but believe it or not, October is actually the best month for surfing in Lisbon. Of course the water will be a bit colder, but in a neoprene suit you can spend hours in the sea. There are several surf schools in case you want to learn something new and different on your trip. On another positive note, the beaches with the best waves are located quite close to the city centre.
FOOD & CO
Travelling and experiencing different cultures also includes tasting typical local dishes. If you visit Lisbon in the fall, make sure to try the "castanhas assadas", or rather, roasted chestnuts. Despite November being the best month to enjoy this delicacy, from October on the first chestnuts are served throughout the city. For the wine lovers amongst us, there’s a wine market running at Campo Pequeno from 28-30 October. This event will bring more than a hundred Portuguese producers together. Next to wine, you can also delight in a selection of cheeses, sausages, hams, bread, olive oil and other gourmet produce.
RUN OR DANCE?
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 15 October // http://www.runrocknroll.com/lisbon/en/
Who said that doing sports on vacation can’t be fun? At 8 o’clock on Sunday morning, the annual Rock’n’Roll Marathon takes place. The race will start at Cascais and finish at Praça do Comércio. What makes this marathon different from others, next to the breath-taking ocean views on the way, is the musical entertainment provided every couple of kilometres. Run along or rock out on the side.
AN ARCH WITH A VIEW
The Rua Augusta Arch, which functions as the entrance to Praça do Comércio, was created to commemorate the reconstruction of the city after the earthquake of 1755. The city recently begun to allow visitors to climb and enjoy a fantastic view of the square. The arch is right in the city centre, so after visiting it, you will find yourself in the perfect place to enjoy the rest that the city has to offer.
