Lisbon was a feast to the eyes and an unexpected pleasure to visit. It’s city easy to navigate with its infrastructure redesigned after the serious 1755 earthquake. The Marquis of Pombal, even made sure that Lisbon’s buildings were designed so shops sat on the ground floor so living accommodation was above. Perhaps he wanted every citizen to potentially have a great view.

iPhone Panoramic Tips

Lisbon really is a beautiful city strewn with stunning viewpoints that I had a chance to enjoy with my husband. We probably had managed to catch most of the heights, including the rather strange Eiffel inspiration in Lisbon’s centre. If you’re in Rossio Square you can spot a number of people peaking over a neo-gothic tower, the Elevator of Carmo, built by Eiffel apprentice, Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard.

There, at the top were a couple of wonderful Sardinians who were having fun shooting panoramic photos, on an iPhone 5. The next thing I knew I was giving a lesson to Silvia and Andrea on how to master getting three of the same person on one image. Aside from being fun, I learnt that Sardinians are very persistent!

However sometimes it’s worth using your panoramic in different ways, especially in a city like Lisbon where the buildings are rather interesting. Take your panoramic option and instead of going across left to right or right to left; go down to up. Consider stairways, narrow streets and high buildings. It’s a little tricky at first, just don’t rush it. You will find your back arching naturally, so it even gives you a good stretch. For me, streets around the Castle of São Jorge were fun to try this quirky panoramic style out.

The one thing to watch for with the iphone panoramic, is motion in your immediate vicinity. It’ll cause a staggered, distorted result, unless that’s what you’re going for. In a city you must expect some interruption. The first time I experimented I was at London’s Victoria train station, that’s where I learnt that movement in the distance didn’t matter quite as much as movement in the foreground.

Lisbon Nightlife

Fado! That was on the main list of Lisbon experiences. Love Lisbon, experience Fado. There are many places to enjoy this soulful, passionate and melancholic music in the Barrio Alto area. Eat, drink and feel the passion.

After that you have plenty of bars to grab a beer, mojito or caipirinha.  Whilst sipping my drink I people watched and decided to take a few grainy exposures using the table as a tripod. It was enjoyable to notice different expressions and pick out some of the nightlife vibrancy. I love the way this couple below interacted.

Pastéis de Belem

Before I finish I will end on something sweet, my favourite, the classic Portuguese pastéis de nata. However, I did not realise that it was in the vicinity of Belem, that this delightful snack grew popular. In the photo below is the original pastéis de Belem, created by monks in an effort to save their monastery. Take the tram 15 from the centre to Belem and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll have to order more than one, and if you are anything like my Portuguese aunt, you may even manage twelve!

We sat there with our Sardinian companions and were invited to take part in a documentary. Director Marco Antonio of Pereira Urbano Films, was filming about the mosaic floors in Lisbon in relation to Copacabana beach front in Brazil. Andrea became the main speaker expressing his love of Lisbon.

If you are considering Lisbon I hope this blog inspires you, If you love Lisbon already you may want to dash back!

Viagens felizes!