Let’s go to Baixa: where the heart of Lisbon beats

Love Hate EXPERIENCES CONTACTS BLOG Blog BAIXA BACK BAIXA is the heart of Lisbon so it makes sense that it is also our Neighbourhood. Our downtown location right next to Praca Da Figueira has Rossio Square, Restauradores Square and Comercio Square within a stones throw of our door.  Steps away are the iconic downtown streets of Rua Augusta, Avenida da Liberdade and Rua da Santa Justa. Turn right from our door and with a few paces you are already at the Tejo Riverfront.  Baixa is a magnificent mix of grand public squares, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, all designed in the beautiful, 18th Century, Pombaline style of architecture. Praca Da Figueira, Baixa Praca Da Figueira: The statue of King Joao I watches over Figueira Square while new arrivals exit the Rossio metro station and see the Sao Jorge Castle for the first time. Pedestrians dodge local skaters as they fly off the edge of the monuments’ platform and sometimes don’t retrieve their boards before they crash into the facade of Confeitaria Nacional, the National Bakery. The wise guys of Lisbon squeeze mustard onto their sandwiches at the iconic Casa Das Bifanas and people watch as the lines for the Tram 15 to Belem and the Bus 737 to the Castelo grow.   WHERE: Face the street at the door of WLFT, turn left, you’re there !  WHEN: All hours, public square HOW: 30 second walk from WLFT Confeitaria Nacional, Praca da Figueira, Baixa Confeitaria Nacional: Operating since 1829, this royal bakery is overflowing with history and traditional pastries.  WHERE: Praça da Figueira, 18 B, Baixa, Lisboa WHEN: Monday to Saturday 8 am – 8 pm, Sunday 9 am – 9 pm HOW: 1 min walk from WLFT Igreja de São Domingo (church), Baixa São Domingo Church: The site of some terrifying times in Lisbon. It dates back as far as 1241, it survived the great earthquake of 1755 and the fire that severely damaged its interior in 1959 and left it mysteriously still smelling burnt to this day. In 1506 a three-day massacre broke out during an easter mass. A disagreement between worshipers led to hundreds of people being tortured and killed here for the crime of heresy. Only a few years later, those condemned by the Portuguese Inquisition were trapped inside the church before they were burned alive in Rossio square.  There is now a memorial site outside the church paying tribute to all the Jewish victims.   WHERE: Largo de São Domingos, Baixa WHEN: Daily from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm HOW: 2 min walk from WLFT A Ginjinha Espinheira, Portuguese Cherry Licor Shop, Baixa A Ginjinha Espinheira: Who doesn’t love a good rivalry ! Who makes it better ? A Ginjinha Espinheira OR A Ginjinha Sem Rival (The store across the road, both opening at the same time) Get tasting and pick a side, there is no middle ! We are tasting Ginja, the most traditional Portuguese licor. Legend has it that Francisco Espinheira, a monk from the Church of Santo António (Lisbon’s patron saint), tried to sweeten sour cherries by leaving them to soak in brandy, adding sugar, water and cinnamon. This resulted in the sweet yet potent accident, Ginjinha. Not an accident at all if you ask us. Good cover story though Francisco, more sipping Ginjinha than praying we think.  WHERE: Largo São Domingos 8, Baixa WHEN: Daily 9 am to 10 pm HOW: 2 min walk from WLFT Ginjinha Sem Rival, Portuguese Cherry Licor Shop, Baixa Ginjinha Sem Rival: Literally means Ginjinha without Rival. A Closer inspection of the label reveals the following message: “This house never competed in a domestic or foreign exposition”. It was founded at the end of the 19th century by the current proprietors’ grandfather, João Lourenço Cima, who surely was an interesting man to know. He used to serve a different mix of Ginja with aniseed and other aromas to a famous regular called Eduardo. Before and after Eduardo’s performances at the Coliseu (Performance theatre 20 metres down the road). The alternative liqueur that the clown ordered to gain courage and wind down became so famous that it was registered trademark in 1908, with the clowns nick name “Eduardino” and an illustration of him on the bottle.  WHERE: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 7, Baixa WHEN: Daily, 8 am to midnight  HOW: 2 minutes from WLFT 20 metres from A Ginjinha Espinheira Casa Do Alentejo, Restaurant and Palace, Baixa Casa do Alentejo Restaurant and Palace: A social club for people from Portugals’ Alentejo region, south of Lisbon. The palace that hosts this cultural club and restaurant was built in the 1600s. As you walk up the marble staircase you will see this moorish style courtyard before you reach the Louis XVI-style ballroom and restaurant rooms upstairs.  Both dining rooms display beautiful Portuguese tiles from the 18th and 19th centuries on the walls, and serve Portuguese food with a focus on the regional specialties of the Alentejo region. Our favourite is the very rich “Alentejana” with pork, clams and fried potatoes. The desserts are also very rich so grab a partner and share, or just pop in for a look around. WHERE: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 58, Baixa WHEN: Daily from midday to 2:30pm for lunch, 7pm to 9pm for dinner HOW: 3 min walk from WLFT, 1 minute from Ginjinha Sem Rival Manuel Tavares wine cellar and fine grocery shop since 1860, Baixa Manuel Tavares wine cellar and fine grocery shop: 160 years of experience in fine Portuguese products and wines. Set on the shortest street in Lisbon, Betesga Street, between Rossio and Praça da Figueira. This is a special shop for many local residents who have visited all their lives from childhood to old age, mostly for Christmas and Easter treats. From the owners “..we are not a tourist shop, a reflection of this its our prices, that all over the store are very competitive. We keep our prices low because we believe that everyone deserves to buy the best quality at the best prices.” Wine connoisseurs should ask to pretty please see the cellar below.   WHERE: Rua da Betesga, 1 A / B, Baixa WHEN: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 7:30 pm HOW: 2 minutes walking from WLFT Rossio Square, Baixa Rossio Square: Officially called Praca Dom Pedro IV after the statue of him in the centre, but referred to by

“Feira da Ladra” Flea market

Love Hate EXPERIENCES CONTACTS BLOG Blog FLEA MARKET If you have lost your phone in Bairro Alto on friday night then you have a chance of buying it back on Saturday at the THEIVES MARKET – “FEIRA DA LADRA”.  This market has roots dating back to the 13th century and is full to the brim of bits, bops, clothes, cameras, antiques, print media and a great mix of everything. Put your sifting skills to the test and find yourself a treasure !  WHEN: Tuesdays and Saturdays – 6AM to 2PM WHERE: Campo Da Santa Clara (above the National Pantheon), ALFAMA.  HOW:  20 minute walk from WLFT Sé Cathedral: Built in 1147 shortly after the Portuguese took Lisbon from the Moors. WHERE: Largo da Sé WHEN: Daily 9am to 7pm HOW: 6 minute walk from WLFT Recent posts All Posts Uncategorized Let’s go to Baixa: where the heart of Lisbon beats “Feira da Ladra” Flea market How to explore Alfama the right way FOLLOW US Instagram Facebook FRUTARIA SOCIAL Instagram Facebook AWARDS TERMS AND CONDITIONS | PRIVACY & SECURITYWe Love F****** Tourists 2021   All Rights Reserved Número de Registo Turismo: 35982/AL   TERMS AND CONDITIONS | PRIVACY & SECURITYWe Love F****** Tourists 2021   All Rights Reserved Número de Registo Turismo: 35982/AL   FOLLOW US FRUTARIA SOCIAL Instagram Facebook Instagram Facebook AWARDS

How to explore Alfama the right way

Love Hate EXPERIENCES CONTACTS BLOG Blog ALFAMA Alfama is a quaint, charming, medieval district overflowing with charm. It is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, and the second oldest in Europe. It’s winding, tiled streets survived the earthquake, fire and Tsunami of 1755 and they remain in the same format as before the disaster until this day. Go for the stunning view points, street art and river views, balconies strewn with hanging laundry and the smell of grilled fish around every corner. Try some authentic Portuguese food and enjoy the ambience of this magical quarter just 5 mins walking from WLFT Se Cathedral – Alfama Sé Cathedral: Built in 1147 shortly after the Portuguese took Lisbon from the Moors. WHERE: Largo da Sé WHEN: Daily 9am to 7pm HOW: 6 minute walk from WLFT The view from the Patio above the ruins of the Roman Theatre – Alfama Museu do Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre Museum): A throw back to the early 1st century AD when Lisbon was the Roman city of Olisipo, and this site was its 4,000 seat theatre.    WHERE: Rua de São Mamede, nº 3 A WHEN: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm HOW: 7 minute walk from WLFT 1 min walk from the Se Cathedral “Casa Dos Bicos” – The house of Points, Also known as the Jose Saramago Foundation – Alfama Casa Dos Bicos: Behind its façade of diamond-shaped stones lies the personal library of the Nobel Prize-winner for Literature in 1998, José Saramago, one of Portugal’s greatest authors. It also houses an exhibition about his life and work. Outside, under an olive tree, lie his ashes. Built in 1523 by Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese viceroy of India.  WHERE: Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 10, Alfama WHEN: Monday – Saturday 10am to 5:30pm HOW: 10 min walk from WLFT 4 mins walk from Roman Theatre Museum 2 min walk from Praca do Commercio The Fado Museum – Alfama The Museu do Fado (Fado Museum): Represents one of Portugal’s most important cultural legacies. It explores a musical genre classified as intangible cultural heritage. Examining the artistic and bibliographical careers of dozens of artists and displaying an emblematic painting by the artist José Malhoa, amongst many other references, figures and displays.  WHERE: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, 1 (Alfama) WHEN: Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 5:30pm HOW: 15 min walk from WLFT 5 mins walk from Casa Dos Bicos Miradouro de Santa Luzia – Viewpoint – Alfama Viewpoint Miradouro de Santa Luzia: A romantic viewpoint overlooking the Alfama district and the Tejo River. With a bougainvillea garden and two tile (azulejo = Portuguese tiles) panels. One illustrating the Sao Jorge Castle being taken over from the Moors in 1147, and the other showing Praca Do Commercio before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.  WHERE: Largo de Santa Luzia, Alfama WHEN: Public viewpoint, always open HOW: 10 mins walking from WLFT 7 mins walk from the Fado Museum Largo Portas do Sol – Viewpoint – Alfama Viewpoint Largo das Portas do Sol: Meaning the Doors to the Sun. This is the best spot to catch a Sunrise or to sit in one of the kiosks and take in the panoramic view any time of the day. At the center of the viewpoint is a statue of St. Vincent (Lisbon’s patron saint). Order a glass of Vinho Verde (crisp Portuguese, lightly sparkling, white wine) to sip while you edit your insta post. WHERE: Largo das Portas do Sol, Alfama WHEN: Public viewpoint, always open HOW: 12 mins walking from WLFT 1 min walk from Santa Luzia Viewpoint Museu de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Art Museum) + Palácio Azurara, Alfama Museu de Artes Decorativas / Palacio Azurara: Inside the 17th Century Palace of Azurara is the Museum of Decorative Arts, just across the road from the Portas do Sol viewpoint. Here you can view some of the best examples of applied arts from the 17th and 18th century. A common highlight for most people is a stunning 17th century tapestry depicting a parade of Giraffes, oh and the courtyard cafe.   WHERE: Largo das Portas do Sol, 2, Alfama WHEN: Wednesday to Monday 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesdays) HOW: 12 minute walk from WLFT Across the road from Portas do Sol Don’t miss the views from the roof of the Sao Vicente de Fora Monastery, Alfama Sao Vicente de Fora Monastery / Church: Enter through a gate to the right of the façade, and you will find the interior and cloisters are decorated with exceptional 18th-century tiled panels illustrating scenes from LaFontaine’s Fables then head to roof for a stunning view. The story of this church is not short but lets try, it was built in 1582, to commemorate lives lost in this location during The Crusades in 1147. It was restored after the earthquake in 1855 when it became the resting place for the Bragança dynasty, including Catherine of Bragança, a Portuguese princess who became the Queen of England when she married Charles II, it houses all bodies of the kings from 1640 to 1910.    WHERE: Largo de São Vicente, Alfama WHEN: Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm. Sundays 9am-12:30pm, then 3pm-5pm HOW: 20 mins walk from WLFT 10 mins walk from Largo das Portas do Sol viewpoint National Pantheon, Alfama National Pantheon: Also known as the Santa Engracia Church, is built on the site of an earlier church that was torn down in 1630, after a man was wrongfully executed there. Legend has it that before dying, he cursed the rebuilding of the church. It did take several centuries to be completed and was only finished in 1966, spooky.  Today it is the National Pantheon, and contains the tombs of several prominent Portuguese figures including presidents, writers, a fado singer, a football player and more.  The building’s interior is covered in beautiful, multicoloured slabs of polished marble and the elegant dome on the roof is one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks. Head up to the terrace for a truly 360 degree view of Lisbon.  WHERE: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama WHEN: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm HOW: 20 minute walk from WLFT 1 min walk from Sao Vicente de Fora Sao Jorge Castle – Alfama Sao Jorge Castle – Alfama Castelo de Sao Jorge: The Castelo de Sao Jorge sits on the highest hilltop with the