Apartment Fia Portugal
Holiday Home Rental Description
This lovely apartment, sleeping up to six guests across its two bedrooms, offers a welcoming, home-like interior filled with characterful touches and a certain bohemian flair that really brings it to life. We especially love the living area with its rustic exposed woodwork that juxtaposes beautifully with the modern furniture and amenities.
Situated within the pretty and popular Baixa Pombalina – a collection of grand streets, boulevards, and sprawling squares that make up one of Lisbon’s most bustling tourist areas within its historic heart – this home provides a cosy yet chic base from which to explore this effervescent city. Step outside and you will find yourself surrounded by the rich history and culture that sets Lisbon aside, not to mention the pretty pastel-hued buildings that create its distinctive aesthetic.
Despite its central location, however, once you step inside the tranquil, laid-back spaces of the home’s interior you’re sure to feel relaxed and far away from the hustle and bustling beyond the door; comfortable within your very own city centre retreat. The living room, which is characterised by its high ceilings and the play of the inimitable Portuguese sunlight that streams through huge original windows, offers a sophisticated seating area comprised of a large sofa with additional sleeping capacity for two guests (bringing the total guest count to six), a smaller coffee table with two funky modern chairs, a large workspace that’s perfect for catching up on work or just doing a spot of reading, and another sofa. Move further inside and there’s an elegant contemporary dining set for four people to sit around and indulge in a homecooked meal made in the sleek and understated kitchen – a space that perfectly epitomises the blend between old and new, with its understated modern fixtures set off by a wonderfully tactile original stone feature wall around the stove. Continue making your way through the expansive-feeling spaces of this compact home and you will then come to two meticulously designed and decorated bedrooms, each of which is finished with a calming neutral palette and a smattering of richly-texturd natural accents. One bedroom has its own dedicated workspace – again, ideal if you have something you need to get done, or simply want to take a little time for yourself with some journaling, writing, or reading. The other houses a lovely little seating area where we can just imagine parking ourselves with a loved one (or solo), pre-dinner cocktail in hand, and enjoying a moment of pure holiday bliss. There are also two contemporary granite-tiled bathrooms, one of which has a bathtub simply made for soaking tired muscles following a day of exploring the hilly terrain and myriad colourful laneways of Lisbon. We’ll take our pastel de nata in the tub, thanks.For those who really want to experience the best of historic, yet thoroughly modern Lisbon; delving beneath the surface of this multifaceted city in order to immerse themselves fully in the varied cuisine, culture, and heritage of the Portuguese capital, then the location of this home really can’t be beaten. Not only is it located in the heart of Baixa Pombalina – one of the city’s most popular tourist districts that houses a wealth of shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants attracting locals and visitors alike – but it is also just moments away from handy public transport links, including bus, metro, and tram stops, so it can be quick and easy to explore the rest of town like a local. The nearest metro stop is Baixa itself and is just 80 metres away.
We just love the lively atmosphere in this part of town, and strolling around one gets the sense that almost anything could happen – in the best way possible. Impromptu street party? Possibly. Live band around the next corner? Probably. A cosy streetside café serving flavourful coffee accompanied by a creamy pastel? Oh, you bet. Littered all around the apartment, you will find new and exciting ways to discover this ever-surprising city and, even without venturing too far, no two days here will feel the same.
The streets are lined with gorgeous neoclassical buildings, creating a distinctive sense of a certain slightly faded opulence. There’s nothing faded about the shopping opportunities, cultural offerings, or the nightlife, however, which is decidedly vibrant. Spend the day exploring the bustling side streets, occasionally stumbling upon large plazas bursting with life. The largest and most beautiful of these plazas is the emblematic Praca do Comercio, which hums with activity day and night and boasts a great location along the banks of the mighty Tagus. Of course, there are also all the museums, galleries, and monuments waiting to be ticked off the list. The city’s readily accessible tram network makes getting to these sights and attractions a breeze.
As the sun begins to set and the waters of the Tagus River start to shimmer like liquid gold, head up to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte to watch it go down. Now, what was that about nightlife?