The bridge construction took place while Portugal was living in it’s fascist regime, and was originally named after the goverment leader, Oliveira Salazar. It’s initially plan also included a train line, but the project has stopped for many years, only being concluded in 1999 and finally Portugal was connect from north to south with a single train line. It was now possible to get to Algarve from the center of Lisbon without changing transportation. The bridge was the fuel that galvanized the growth of the south margin of the river, making one of the greatest suburbs of Lisbon city, where thousands of Lisbon workers live and sleep every day.

In 1974, the fascist regime was overthrown, in the 25th of April. Given the memory of the old regent, the bridge changed it’s name to 25th of April, to celebrate democracy and freedom.

Every year, in March, the bridge is used in the Lisbon Half-Marathon race. The event, starts on the south side of the bridge, it is open to everyone who wants to participate. It’s a great opportunity to cross the bridge of foot and take some great photos of the city. Meanwhile, if you are visiting the city in some other time of the year, you can always take the train back and forth to Pragal (the first stop on the south side) and enjoy the view. The price is something below 2€ for each journey.

• Pasteis de Belém – They can be found in one of the oldest pastry houses in Lisbon, located right by the Jeronimos Monastery, in Belém area (between and the Monastery and the Belem Palace, where you can also find the Coches Museum). The “Pastel de Belém” is a unique recipe for a nationwide cake, the “Pastel de Nata”. The version you’ll be eating here is something you won’t find anywhere else. Choose a table, have your breakfast or afternoon snack here.

• Ginjinha – You may not be a big fan of alcoolic drinks, but don’t worry, as the ginjinha is a shot size drink, that won’t get in your system, at least if you have just one. The drink is a sweet version of brandy, and has in name (and taste) from the Ginja, a special kind of cherries that grow in Portugal. You can get one almost everywhere in town, but the most tipical spot to get one is in Praça de São Domingos, between Rua Portas de Santo Antão and the Rossio square.

• The Sun And The Sea – Like the title of our blog says, Lisbon in a sunny city, and located right by the ocean. The weather here is normally sunny, and even in the winter months when the temperature drops, you can almost everyday catch the sun outside. So enjoy yourself, take a train to Cascais and Estoril, have a walk by the beach, breath the salty air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

• Fado - You’ll find it in every city guide, and it’s not enough to stress it. Lisboa spirit lives in Fado houses, little restaurants in the Alfama district where Fado, the national music, is sang, not by big stars, but by amateurs and residents, keeping it’s true nature. The songs are melancholic and sad, just like the blues. They speak of “saudade” the portuguese word, for missing something or someone.
• The Nightlife – When it’s time to party in Lisbon, schedules and clocks are left at home. The nightlife in the city starts late (around midnight) and ends up at… well whenever you feel like it, since there are houses open until 9 or 10 in morning. Enjoy the Bairro Alto district with is small bars or the riverside are of 24 de Julho, with it’s dance clubs. Have a beer and have fun, enjoy yourself.