Lisbon Confidential is a series of interviews with people who know and love Lisbon. In this section we share their insider tips, favourite places in the city, and “hidden gems” of Lisbon. We ask the same 10 questions to each interviewee and publish their answers verbatim. Should you wish to suggest somebody for this interview, please contact us.
Susana Welsh, Red Tour
Today’s Lisbon Confidential interview is with Susana Welsh, Commercial Director of Red Tour, a local company that organises Buggy and Segway tours of Lisbon:
1. What’s your connection with Lisbon?
I’m Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon.
2. Why should a tourist visit Lisbon, in your opinion?
Lisbon is known as the white city, due to its brightness. Lisbon is in many ways a charming and romantic city, with its narrow streets of the old bairros (quarters) such as Alfama, with its viewing points with breathtaking views of the city and riverside. The weather is very mild and sunny most of time. Just a few km away you will find gorgeous beaches, great restaurants and the night life here is very lively as well. I guess the best of Lisbon is that, it’s still not very explored, so you will find real gems, local favorites and non touristic places.
3. Your favourite Lisbon museum, sight or attraction?
I have plenty!! Some are: Tropical Garden in Belem, an often unnoticed spot over 4000 species of tropical plants. Lisbon’s viewing points such as Saint Estevão’s Viewing Point – Great views of Alfama. The National Museum of Ancient Art is located in “Janelas verdes”, has a lovely outside terrace as well. The impressive Jerónimos Monastery. Carmo – Romantic Gothic ruins.
4. Do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, why?
Alecrim às Flores, located in Rua do Alecrim, next to Cais Sodré and Chiado. It’s a local favorite, it has a charming outside terrace; the food is mediterrean with local dishes.
5. A favourite bar or cafeteria?
I have quite a few I like; one of them is the “Pois Café“, located in Alfama for brunch with its original setting and delicious light meals, a very cosmopolitan place. Chiado’s Hotel and Bairro Alto Hotel both have an amazing top floor terrace with exclusive views of the city, perfect for a romantic drink. Finally, Deli Delux, near the train station of ”Sta Apolonia” is perfect for a brunch in a modern but relaxed setting.
(Editor’s note: DeliDelux is just in front of our Twin Apartments)
6. What is your favourite district of the city and why?
Alfama is a must go, still in touch with Lisbon authentic old-way of life, it’s magic to visit this quarter, is like stepping back in time. Chiado is also a favorite; it has become Lisbon’s “Soho-Style” district, for its vibrant life, with theatres, old-style cafés and fashionable boutiques. It’s basically where locals shop and meet for leisure.
7. Recommend a good night out in Lisbon.
Start at Bairro Alto, have a drink as you go from bar to bar. Then go to Bedroom Bar at Rua do Norte, a local favorite for its music and ambience. I also recommend “Silk” Bar, located on a top floor in Rua da Misericordia for its views (booking required). For night clubs the best are Lux in Lisbon or Tamariz in Cascais (only open on summertime).
8. Tell us your favourite, interesting or unusual Portuguese saying or phrase, and its meaning.
“Saudade”. When you miss someone or something how can we explain that nostalgic state, that feeling of missing? The Portuguese invented a word that describes exactly what you feel when you miss someone or something: Saudade.
9. Given the chance, what would you do to improve Lisbon?
Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.
With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.
I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.
10. Lastly, do you have any insider tips, a hidden gem or little known aspect of Lisbon you can let our readers know about? Or simply a last word of advice for visitors to Lisbon.
In Lisbon: For sea food I recommend the “Pinoquio” in Av. da Liberdade, not fancy but it’s a local favorite.
For a modern and fashionable restaurant, the “Olivier Avenida” at the Tivoli Hotel. For good value and a romantic setting the outside terrace the Alecrim às Flores Restaurant.
The heritage Hotel has an unexpected top floor terrace, exclusive to its guests, but you may always try to convince them to let you have a drink in this lovely scenery.
Sintra , located 45 mins from Lisbon(by train) is a must go, its stunning, like a fairy tale. On your way back to Lisbon, take the bus that goes along Cabo da Roca to Cascais and then take the train to Lisbon (30 mins). I promise it will be a memorable day.
A big thank you to Susana for sharing her version of Lisbon with us. Our next Lisbon Confidential interview will be with Lily, from InLoveWithLisbon.com, who will be explaining how, with whom and with what she fell in love.
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