baixa & chiado in loco
Lisbon’s Hostels There is an old joke about a traveller who arrives in Lisbon and, inspired by the cosmopolitan air of this old rejuvenated city, only gets to know one part of it: the hostel where he is staying. And it is this hostel that makes him return again to discover the rest of the city. ferent ambiances. Characters from films inhabit the common areas and accompany the tourists as they relax. Internet, magazines in various languages, films and games are available, as well as a kitchen, inviting people to share. Besides the friendliness and hospitality of the staff, the aim was to create a family atmosphere of the “feel at home” variety. At Goodnight Backpacker’s Hostel and Traveller’s House, right in the centre of Baixa, the atmosphere is young and carefree, ideal for making friends and exchanging experiences about the city. They are also equipped with large, well decorated lounges
Traveller House
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that provide all the services you could need. If what you are looking for is more of an inspiring experience, then don’t miss the lively Lisbon Poets Hostel,
his story could only take place in that parallel
housed in a restored building parts of which date back
world inhabited by tourists and travellers. But
to the 17 th century. The wonderful location in Rua Nova
little by little it is getting truer!
da Trindade will free your inner poet.
The simple B&B is a thing of the past. Since 2005, Lisbon
But if the idea was to write that bestselling life story,
has become home to some of the world’s finest hostels.
with romantic and mysterious Lisbon as your backdrop,
And they offer much more than just bed and breakfast.
then you can’t miss the “O Escritor” bedroom at the
Staying at a hostel means enjoying a rich and exciting
Lisbon Story Guesthouse (very much in the style of Wim
experience for somewhere between 18 and 35 euros.
Wenders), a fuchsia-painted luxury room with four wide
There is a new generation of travellers which wants
windows overlooking Rossio and a typewriter, of course.
more than just a place to sleep. These new places afford
This guesthouse also has other themed bedrooms that
comfort, quality and irreverence using ‘common areas’
will open a door into the spirit of Lisbon without you
to create a happy and festive atmosphere where differ-
ever having to leave your room: the lacy darkness of
ent languages and cultures can mix.
the “Fado” room, the clear blue of the “Tejo” room, the
Old buildings hide luxury interiors right in the centre of
colour of the “Festas Populares” room, the hardships
the city. Two jewels of the hostel world, both belonging
and joys of the “Bairros Populares” room and, it goes
to Mário Alexandre, stand out. Lisbon Lounge Hostel and
without saying, the incomparable whiteness of the “Luz”
Living Lounge (the latter deemed Europe’s best by the
room.
New York Times) are the utmost exponents of the “bou-
After staying at one of these hostels, after meeting the
tique hostel” genre. More than the modernity and the de-
people who pass through and are enthralled by the
sign, it is their unique artistic creativity that surprises.
hospitality and interaction that define these places, you
Themed dormitories and bedrooms evoke figures from
start to understand how difficult it really is to put on your
Portuguese history (Amália and Pessoa) and create dif-
shoes and go out. •
10 · baixa & chiado con vida