Portugal has been on my bucket list forever and who wouldn’t appreciate a weekend getaway to Lisbon, but conflicts always came up any time I tried planning a trip. In June, I finally had the opportunity to re-book the ticket I bought last year before it expired. To avoid disappointment in case the trip had to be changed again, I intentionally avoided planning out too many details.
Lisbon was the first stop on a week and a half trip through Portugal (including Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve) and Pisa (for a wedding). We had stumbled onto one of the best weekends to be in Lisbon to take advantage of a local festival (Festas dos Santos Populares) and the lively atmosphere that always surround the European football (soccer) championships.
The trip reminded me that summer travel in Europe is best enjoyed when you don’t have too much of a set agenda.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe inhabited by Celts, Romans, and Moors who all left their influences on the city. The city also bears a lot of similarities to San Francisco with its own version of the Golden Gate bridge (April 25th bridge) and old tram cars still in operation. The city on the northern banks of the Targus river was the center of the Portuguese colonial empire and still has a thriving cultural scene and cosmopolitan night life. It is famed as a food destination (post to follow).
Avenida da Liberdade
The trip started on a high note during check-in at the Hotel Fontecruz Lisboa Autograph Collection, which is right in the center of the tree-lined boulveard of Avenida da Liberdade. Because of my Marriott loyalty status we were upgraded to an amazing room with a giant balcony.
It was tempting just to hangout in the sunshine and take in the panoramic views of the vibrant houses dotting the hillside.
Love the cute details throughout the boutique hotel including these vintage postcards of Lisbon.
The tree lined boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade made the perfect base camp for the weekend as we learned that the festival would take place right outside of the hotel.
The area is filled with colorful buildings, designer shops, and pop-up bars (to enjoy the festival and view the European football tournament). It is an easy walk to restaurants and the main tourist areas such as Rossio and Restauradores squares.
I couldn’t resist when I saw a collection of Michael Kor’s handbags named the Dalia.
Festas dos Santos Populares (Popular Saints Festival)
We learned that our second night (June 12 and the eve of Saint Anthony’s day) was the featured night of the Festas de Lisboa in a month full of festivals throughout Portugal celebrating the people’s saints. Buildings and restaurants throughout the city were decorated and at midday silver confetti rained down in the Rosso square area.
Saint Anthony is the patron saint of all lovers and was known for facilitating marriages. In his honor, the city council sponsors marriages for 13 couples during the festival.
The parade lasted a few hours with everything including religious processions, folk dancers and music, hot air balloons, and Chinese dragon dancers. Each neighborhood competes for the best performance. Afterwards, the party continues all night in the squares and medieval alleyways.
Rua Augusta Arch Tower
We tried in vain to take the popular number 28 tram for a tour of the city, but even in early evening the line was too long. After waiting more than 30 minutes, we decided to go to the Rua Agusta Arch Tower instead.
The tower is open from 9 am to 7 pm and the elevator whisks you up to the rooftop, which offers amazing views of the city including the colorful Terreiro do Paço square…
and the Tagus river including the April 25th bridge.
Atop the arch there are statues by French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels.
The views include the Cathedral of Saint Mary (Sé Cathedral).
Football Fever
It was just the beginning of the Euro 2016 championship, but football fever was already in full swing. There was a giant fan zone right on the river bank and lots of fans in Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys. I didn’t understand European football fever until studying in France in 1998 when they swept the World Cup as host. The celebrations lasted days blending into Bastille Day holiday.
The Portuguese and French team will play in the final this Sunday. I am torn between rooting for my favorite European team (especially since France plays well on home turf) and the Ronaldo-led Portuguese team. Both countries know how to celebrate in style so Sunday night should be a fitting end to the tournament.
