Lisbon: discovering the unexplored areas of the city

Getting to know Lisbon can be done in a number of ways. Walking around the cobbled streets may sometimes be tiring and renting a car may be complicated when it comes to parking; and so we went out to discover a few other ways in which we could make our way around the city. This is how we came across some little yellow cars, some red and black segways and buggies, and decided to try them out. We packed in our fear (we had no idea how to run a segway!), our cameras, and a thick coat (it may get cold driving around in open air in December) and went down to the shops in downtown Lisbon.

Through steep slopes in Alfama and winding roads that we had never before explored, a new Lisbon appeared before us. The smiling locals with their curious eyes glazing at us, the friendly waves, the unbelievable viewpoints we stopped at, the respectful drivers on the roads and the easy and fun ride each vehicle proved to be, opened our eyes to how fantastic this city can really be. Want to know a little more? Keep reading and then later try them out for yourself!

The vehicles

Segways

Segways run on electricity and respond to the movement of the human body. All you need to do is hop on; grab the handles and balance back and forth, depending on the direction you would like to go. It takes only a few minutes to get used to and you are able to try it out whilst still in the shop. Once you are comfortable, the real adventure starts out on the streets. In Portugal, there is one rule for these vehicles: you are only allowed to drive on sidewalks; they are not vehicles to go on-road. The use of a helmet is voluntary. The advantage of a segway is that it can go through the small streets, in which cars are not allowed to pass. It is very entertaining to go uphill through the streets of Alfama; driving through the residential areas where you get a true taste of the Portuguese “castiço” (typical) lifestyle. You may choose to adventure out on your own with a GPS tour that will guide you through Lisbon or choose to have a guide that will accompany you around the city. You will probably notice the silence felt on top of these segways; the fact they have no motor allows you to hear Lisbon’s voices and life happening around you as you explore Alfama. You may park the segways anywhere and visit the viewpoints, and take the opportunity to take some pictures of the city.

Electrical Buggies

These open air buggies give you the sensation of being out on the street, enhancing the thrill of this experience. The direct contact with the exterior is bettered by the silence of the motor, as it is runs on electricity. Like the segways, the life of Lisbon is made more real as you can drive around and clearly hear what happens around you. Choose a buggy if you are going for a long distance drive. The drive to Cascais on the sea-front route is truly beautiful, and the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean can be felt in the buggy (during the sunny warm months, from April to October, this trip is even more enjoyable). It is an easy ride, where you may pick between a 2 and 4 seater buggy and experience the drive with a group.

Electrical Bicycles

For those who enjoy a little exercise without much effort, these electrical bicycles are ideal.  They have the advantage of a normal bicycle, as you can park them wherever you please and pass through routes that most other vehicles do not fit through; and it has the added advantage of reaching a much higher velocity with much less physical strain. If you are a cycling lover, this is a perfect option, as getting around Lisbon on a normal bicycle may be quite tiring. The electrical bicycle helps you up these steep slopes without making you run out of breath when you reach the high viewpoints over the city.

GoCars

These small two-seater yellow cars are driven just like motorbikes. It is a talking car (in many languages including, English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Italian and French), that tells jokes, congratulates you for finding your way, explains the historic buildings you drive by, and makes your trip informal, relaxed, and a great deal of fun. These low cars make visiting Lisbon a thrilling experience. You may drive to the furthest points you desire, as long as you don’t cross the bridges over the river Tagus or drive on the highway. You are required to be over 18, wear a helmet, and have a driving license. If you have all these characteristics, sit down and enjoy the ride. Through an up-to-date GPS, you are guided through the winding streets of Alfama, with a license to go into every street, where regular cars don’t reach. Or you can go as far as Expo or Belém, both with some of the most important attractions in Lisbon. At one point, this amusing tour-vehicle will even start teaching you how to say some words in Portuguese, and advising you how to become “popular with the Lisbon “crowds”!. Follow the programmed tour, or explore on your own. Getting lost will not be a problem, as the GPS will help you get back to the shop or anywhere else. Take your time, park the GoCar and take some pictures, have lunch, or try a pastel de Belém. It is your time to enjoy and discover Lisbon.

The Tours


Alfama

Probably the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, Alfama is known for its traditional lifestyle. Small winding streets are surrounded by small houses with clothes airing on the outside. A true “neighbourhood” life is lived here, with friendly neighbours, local grocery stores that have opened their doors generations ago, cooking smells coming out from the kitchens, wonderful viewpoints, and, the main home for the traditional Fado. The environment felt here is of a small village, mixed in with some of the most important attractions in Lisbon. These include the Lisbon Cathedral, the National Pantheon where Amália Rodrigues is buried, the Casa dos Bicos, famous for its architecture; and the Santo Estevão viewpoint over Alfama.



Belém

Belém is the part of Lisbon that most celebrates the Discoveries period, with great marks such as the Tower of Belém; a symbol of this epoch, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which commemorates the heroes of this time. Belém is also the home to some of Lisbon’s most delicious delicacies - the Pastéis de Belém; an irresistible stop during your tour. The monumental Mosteiro do Jerónimos, the popular Museu dos Coches with the biggest collection of carriages in the world, and the Centro Cultural de Belém filled with exhibitions, concerts and restaurants are also great reasons to visit Belém: all this on the river front, with a view of the 25 de Abril Bridge and beautiful green gardens.



Expo

This tour helps you find the difference between traditional Lisbon and the modern one. The Parque das Nações is full of great things to visit, such as the Casino Lisboa and the Torre Vasco da Gama with the panoramic viewpoint at the top. On the way there, the tour passes through the Beato neighbourhood, a beautiful part of Lisbon.