Lisbon

Interior designer Richa Bahl finds a mix of architecture, culture and art in the pulsating capital city of Portugal

- Richa Bahl

Portugal is the perfect combination of white sandy beaches, architecturally beautiful cities, rugged coastlines, and a booming restaurant scene, not to mention, a lot of wine! The country has an incredibly generous, helpful, and unpretentious culture, full of fantastic food, curated shops, charming bookstores, abundant art galleries, and at the risk of sounding repetitive, great wine!

I had wanted to visit Portugal ever since one of my dearest clients went there and brought me back a stunning yellow tile. My trip was with a gang of girlfriends, after months of planning what to eat and which areas to see. Once I got there, the country didn’t disappoint, in fact, it is one of my most memorable visits to date.

We landed in Lisbon, and from the very beginning, my reaction was of complete awe, owing of course, to the architecture. From the elaborately painted tile work adorning buildings and walkways throughout the country to the public art and old-world charm, Lisbon’s beauty is soulful. Narrow cobbled streets, hobbling Tuk Tuks, and interesting faces line the streets in this lively city.

Here are some of my favorite pitstops:

ALFAMA

An absolute must-visit when in Lisbon, Alfama is probably every visitor’s most preferred part of the city. It’s much like a little village right in the heart of Lisbon, and walking is the best way to explore the narrow alleys, cobblestone lanes, steep staircases and tiny squares lined with churches and charming colorful buildings with laundry fluttering in individual balconies.

The houses are bathed in colors that soothe the eyes and the soul, and the peeling paint reinforces the feeling that this is a living, breathing district. Getting lost in the streets is a wonderful feeling, and the view of the city from elevated areas and trams running in and out of streets can keep you busy for hours.