Lisbon Chronicles | Tram 28

A ride in Tram 28 is, for many visitors, a must-do while in Lisbon. With its route connecting Martim Moniz with Campo de Ourique (Prazeres), there are good reasons to choose this transportation and check some of the attractions of the Portuguese capital. You can see bellow some highlights of what you can find on your yellow tram route.

Nevertheless, there are some things that you must take into account before hopping on one of the gorgeous yellow "eléctricos". This is not a hop on hop off route. Therefore, if you want to get out and visit anyplace on the route you will need a new ticket (unless you have a one day ticket, that you can get at any Metro station!). Be aware of pickpockets. The crowded trams are the perfect place for them to act.  Martim Moniz stop is always crowded and with long lines, you may want to consider to start your journey at the other end of the route, at Prazeres or Estrela.

ESTRELA

SÃO BENTO

PRAÇA LUÍS DE CAMÕES

ALFAMA

GRAÇA

MARTIM MONIZ

For further information on schedules and routes, please check Carris website at:
Direction Campo Ourique and Direction Martim Moniz

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Chronicles from Paris | Le Méridien Etoile Hotel

On our visit to Paris, last November, we stayed at Le Méridien Etoile and, we were so happy with our choice that it is more than fair that I share it with you. This was our second time at this hotel and the comfort, excellent service, and perfect location make it a superb choice for anyone wanting to visit Paris. 

We stayed in a Smart Guest Room, and although not an enormous room it was quite comfortable and had most amenities (maybe an Espresso coffee machine, available in so many hotels, could be a nice addition!). The mattress is divine and the linens of good quality. On the other hand, the bath towels could be a little bit larger, but as we had bathrobes available, that was not a problem.

The hotel has a Fitness Center, a Bar (opens for breakfast and lunch), a Restaurant and a Jazz Club. The Longitude 2°17’ Bar with an Illy coffee, presents us with signature savory or sweet pastry, and quick lunches, on-site or for taking away. The legendary Jazz Club Etoile is renowned for its live music scene since 1976. There, guests can enjoy performances every Friday and Saturday night, alongside a curated Chef’s menu and Barchef’s Cocktail list.  We only eat there one night, when we were tired from walking all day, and although our choices were quite simple, the food was very good and the service exceptional. 

The hotel location, less than 10 minutes walking away from the Champs Élysées, makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to walk around the city. The modern design and boutique hotel vibes (the photography exhibition you can find all over the hotel is stunning!) makes Le Méridien Etoile a smart choice if you are planning to visit Paris soon. 

LE MÉRIDIEN ETOILE
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint Cyr
75848 Cedex 17, Paris 75017
France
+33 140683434

FOR OTHER CURATED HOTELS IN PARIS, CHECK OUR REVIEW ON:

2019 Travel Highlights

2019 went out in a blink, and here we are in the first days of 2020, looking back and making a choice of the memories we want to take forward, the lessons we learned and the projects we must carry on.

This year I've worked less on the blog and making a full year review would be a more difficult exercise. So, for your benefit and mine, let's look at the travel highlights of this past year. Prague and Paris. Porto and, of course, Lisbon. And a Summer visit to the Southwest coast of Portugal. 

LISBON

Sometimes I put my traveling shoes and walk around Lisbon with the spirit of a visitor. Looking at things as if it was the first time (and sometimes it is!), and making discoveries. After so many years in this city, I still find it awesome, vibrant and new. Let me share with you some snapshots I collect all over the year. For more info on the city, you can check our Lisbon City Guide, and published this year, our posts on the Jacaranda Season and Lisbon's Christmas decorations.

PRAGUE

A visit to Prague during Easter was such a treat! The weather was magnificent, and the city was bright and full of flowers. Prague is well preserved and has layers and layers of history and culture at every corner. There is a lot to see,  the food is great and the atmosphere is remarkable. You can find some more information on what to see and what to eat on our blog posts (check the links!). 

SOUTHWEST COAST OF PORTUGAL

This was the magical place of my childhood summer holidays. Then it was less touristy and more down to earth, especially on the small towns along the coast. But still, much of nature is preserved and is always a pleasure to come back. Last year it was a "girls only" extended weekend, and it was nothing less than amazing. We promised to return in 2020 and you should go there too!

PORTO

It's always a pleasure to travel up north to Porto, and last October I had the opportunity to stay for a couple of days in the city for a work assignment. After work, no way I would return to the hotel and rest for a while. Walking around the city and capturing some pictures is my way of relaxing. 

PARIS

November was time to return to Paris, a city that always makes me happy. I've carefully planned the visit to return to some of my favorite places and to go to some new ones that I didn't have the time on previous occasions. Although it was cold, the (mostly!) sunny days helped to walk a lot, experience much and bring home a lot of photos to share with you.