10 Things You Never Knew About Lisbon

5. The City Of Seven Hills Actually Has More

Lisbon has long been hailed the ‘City of Seven Hills’, but in actual fact there are more than just seven. It’s rumoured that the number seven was arbitrarily decided on to make it seem more like the Holy City of Rome.

6. Lisbon Guards Some Seriously Secret Recipes

The pastels de nata at Lisbon’s Pasteis de Belem are so revered that the centuries-old secret recipe has never been written down. A mere three bakers have been entrusted with the recipe for these flaky custard tarts, and they’re strictly forbidden from travelling in the same car or plane together. Superstitious, but sensible.  

7. The Portuguese Are The True Creators Of Tea Time

The quintessential English tradition of tea time was actually invented by Portuguese princess, Catherine de Braganza. She brought the tradition to Great Britain when she married Charles II and relocated to the UK, bringing loose leaf tea with her.

8. The Government Loves Graffiti

Unlike other cities, Lisbon’s city hall has a taste for street art and runs its own public art programme called Gallery of Urban Art. There’s no boutique gallery space however; instead, they hire artists to make murals over old, decaying buildings. Look out for pieces by Vhils, Portugal’s answer to Banksy.

9. Lisbon’s Trams Aren’t Authentically Theirs

Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are part of any picture-postcard image of the city. The idea, however, came from the USA, which explains why locals affectionately call them Americanos.

10. It’s Got Record-Breaking Bookstores

Lisbon is home to the oldest bookstore in the world still in operation: Bertrand Books, which opened in 1732. You’ll also find one of the world’s smallest bookstores in Lisbon. There’s only enough space for one person and an impressive 3,000 books, meaning you’ll have to ask the eponymous owner, Simone to leave the store as you peruse.