Lisbon offers all of the wonderful sights that you expect from a historic European town: Gothic cathedrals, quaint city streets, majestic monasteries, and impressive museums. As it is one of the smallest European capitals, it may be easily navigated on foot, by tram, or by metro.

But one of the most outstanding traits about Lisbon, Portugal, is that it is a city without pretension. History is very much alive in this centuries-old place within the 18th-century mansions and old Moorish castles. Modernity thrives here, too, within the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, where dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets. This eclectic mix of old and new creates Lisbon’s undeniable charm.

Lisboetas, the residents of Lisbon, are known for being particularly friendly, well, pretty much all the time! They are also a great resource when it comes to finding some of the “less-touristy” somewhat hidden spots within the area.

One of these places is Largo do Carmo. Largo do Carmo is a lovely, quiet little square in the heart of the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. Here you’ll find the Gothic ruins of the 14th-century “igreja” (meaning church). It stands as a reminder of the devastating 1755 earthquake when the roof and walls of the igreja caved in on the congregation as they were attending mass.

Largo do Carmo is a particularly nice place to visit during Lisbon’s temperate, breezy summers. You are likely to hear music being performed and see traditional dance.

If you would enjoy a leisurely stroll through a quaint neighborhood, you will fall in love with Principe Real. This is a lush, leafy neighborhood not far from Bairro Alto. Here you’ll find beautiful houses with ornate tile work, homey antique shops, dusty bookstores, tiny coffee houses, and friendly bars. There is a flea market that takes place here every Saturday that provides a wide array of interesting souvenirs for treasure hunters.

Another thing that you will surely find most charming about Lisbon is the melancholy sound of fado. Fado is a music genre that can be traced back to the 1820s in Portugal. But many believe that it actually started much earlier than this.

The music is sung and played on guitar and is characterized by a sad, mournful tone. Oftentimes, fado tells the tale of the sea or the life of the poor.

With the sound of fado floating through the streets, the scent of fresh coffee hanging in the air, and the sight of the sun glimmering off of the bright yellow trams that wind their way through the curvy, tree-lined streets, you will find that Lisbon is an absolute delight for all of your senses.

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