Our quaint cozy flat in one of Lisbon's trendiest areas, hip Bairro Alto. European charm in Lisbon's historical city center, this ceramic-tile-covered stone building is near the must-see bits of Western Europe's top destinations.
It's in Bairro Alto's legendary bar & restaurant district - but on a bar-free street - an oasis of calm in the winding cobblestone streets. Three blocks to Tram 28, a less than 10 min. walk to Príncipe Real, Baixa-Chiado metro, Cais do Sodré and lots more.
Our flat/apartment is in a building nearly two centuries old. It captures the essence of Lisbon and its ancient history, sitting in the center of a typical historical neighborhood. It occupies the entire 3rd floor of its building (4th floor by American standards) with a full-length narrow balcony. This affords a view of the winding street below and a glimpse of the Tejo River flowing into the Atlantic in the distance (about a thousand meters down the hill).
The space is an old-world style open layout with two bedrooms adjacent and another bedroom opening onto the balcony. Hardwood floors cover all areas except the bathroom. There are a decent number of electric sockets available throughout. A number of closets, dressers, and a wardrobe provide adequate storage space.
The living area has a small dining table that seats four; sofa and living room chairs accommodate five. This is also where the cable TV and the Wifi router are (with signal throughout the flat). A wifi printer is available. Two doors open onto a Romeo & Juliette-style long narrow balcony from where one can see part of the old city sloping down to the river/sea.
With the balcony doors open, a pleasant breeze usually prevails if the kitchen and back bedroom windows are open to create a cross-draft, supplemented by floor fans. When the breeze and fans are not enough, a small portable air conditional (A/C) supports the two adjacent bedrooms and the living room only if all adjoining doors are left open. The third bedroom will probably not benefit from the A/C.
The bathroom includes a shower. There are electric sockets for appliances such as hairdryers available over the sink.
The old-style modest kitchen has most small appliances including microwave, hand blender, blender, electric kettle, coffee maker, and toaster. Larger appliances include a stove/oven and, fridge with bottom freezer. A clothes washing machine also dries small loads, or you can use a small folding clothesline. Plates, cups, silverware, and of course basic food preparation accessories are provided. A small fold-out table and stools afford 1-2 people a spot for a quick bite if desired.
You will have exclusive access to the whole flat/apartment. It occupies the entire 3rd floor (4th floor to Americans) of the building. Built a hundred years before elevators/lifts, it has only stairs. The toughest haul is the first & last - bringing your baggage up & down. Be prepared for a heavy schlep!
When you arrive you will be totally independent to explore every exciting part of Lisbon at your own pace.
Lisbon's moderate climate is one of its premier attributes. Although it can get warm during summer afternoons, ocean breezes cool the city at night. With the mild weather and cool summer evening breezes, residences typically don't need air conditioning, especially with fans in each room. However, we do have a small portable A/C that cool the two bedrooms and the living room if the adjoining doors are left open.
Lisbon is warmer than most of Europe - with palm trees! - but is definitely not tropical and does get very chilly, especially January - February. It does not reach freezing, even in the coldest times, but the classic architecture and design of buildings in the old city center, including this apartment, don't have the best insulation. We have three space heaters to help keep off the cold, but do bring an extra sweater or two.
We strive to be environmentally conscious. To that end over 80% of the apartment's electricity comes from green, renewable resources; primarily wind but also hydroelectric and other renewable resources.
The apartment has an open floor plan, with stout wooden antique doors keeping each bedroom private.
