3 Spectacular Reasons to Visit Graça in Lisbon, Portugal
Feel the soul of the city in this ancient hilltop neighbourhood that has sweeping views, eye-catching art and plenty of history.
The views are to die for
For centuries, Lisboêtas have trekked up to the miradouros (lookouts) of the city’s loftiest neighbourhood. Save your legs by catching the funicular to Miradouro da Graça, where you can see the broad Tagus River sweeping majestically past seven hills lined with terracotta-roofed houses. For a moment of respite, continue uphill to the quieter Miradouro da Senhora do Monte to watch incredible sunsets. Or book a window table at Via Graça (above), where the vistas come with classic Portuguese dishes, such as caldeirada (fish stew), pastéis de bacalhau (salted cod cakes) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).
There’s art everywhere
Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir at the Feira da Ladra (Flea Market) in lively Alfama, which is at the bottom of the hill. Then hop on the canary-yellow Tram 28 (above) to spot iconic murals like the outrageously colourful Fado Tropical em RGB and Peace Guard, which stretches over four storeys and is inspired by Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution. When you alight to admire the details in the elaborate blue-and-white azulejo tiles that adorn the 400-year-old Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora, keep an eye out for the numerous calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese paving) artworks that are embedded in the street.
It’s a time capsule
Feel the Moorish influence as you wander the labyrinthine cobbled passageways that weave between whitewashed houses with Juliet balconies. Explore a little further and you’ll also find grand religious buildings, handsome vilas operárias once built to house factory workers and public structures with striking Art Nouveau flourishes. When you’ve worked up a thirst, stroll to charming laneway Travessa do Monte for a crisp vinho verde at Vino Vero, a family-owned bar that specialises in natural wine.
