Lisbon is a city of many faces - quaint streets with tile fronted houses, wide, tree lined avenues flanked by designer shops, pavement cafes, street art, markets, bakeries, music, art and history and wonderful, friendly, welcoming people at every turn. We didn't see it all in our short visit - we decided instead to relax and go with the flow. Losing yourself in Lisbon - and we did, several times - was the best way in the end to really enjoy the city. We had the joy of discovery, happening upon things, finding hidden streets, little parks, fascinating shops and cafes selling freshly baked Pastel de Nata - the delicious little custard tarts that are Lisbon's speciality.
Our hotel was fantastic. Friendly staff, a sumptuous breakfast and a rooftop bar with fabulous views. And all just a healthy walk or short metro ride away from the old part of the city. We took a day out on a train to Cascais, a pretty town fringed with beaches and more lovely bars and restaurants. Here, we chanced upon a shop full of Portuguese pottery. We love majolica and here was a myriad of colours, shapes and patterns - so pretty and so tempting - it was hard to walk away. One of the reasons for visiting Cascais was to see the Paula Rego museum housing the most comprehensive collection of the work by Portugal's much loved artist. However, we found the museum to be sadly and frustratingly closed due to a water shortage - it was not to be; something to keep on the list for another trip.
Lisbon is a city to be absorbed through all your senses. It reveals all its personalities without being showy (unless you're brave enough to walk into Prada or Cartier - which we weren't). Lisbon is charming, humble and honest; it gives itself up with pride. We'll definitely be back - with a car next time so we can load up with pottery!
Night and day over Lisbon from our hotel's rooftop bar
Also tiles... so many tiles
Even the laundry (and Carmel obviously) was camera candy