CHARMING 2ND FLOOR APARTMENT ON THE OLD QUARTERS OF LISBON - BAIRRO ALTO CHIADO

Simply perfect. If you come to Lisbon, stay here.

It doesn't feel like a vacation home, it feels like a home. It's stunning - every bit as beautiful as the pictures suggest, if not more so - and it has all the amenities you could possibly want. It's big even by North American standards, and huge by European standards. Full kitchen with everything you need to cook, lovely bathroom, laundry, and a big, comfortable bed. Spotlessly clean, and tastefully decorated. The owners have gone above and beyond to make this place welcoming for visitors. Tons of natural light, too.

The location is perfect, close to Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa. Alfama and Graca are a short walk away, and Principe Real is just up the hill. I highly recommend the botanical gardens there. It's on the edge of the party district, but if that's not your scene don't worry. You can walk out, even at night, without passing through it if you so chose. And with the windows closed I never heard so much as a peep from the revelers. And if you are into the party scene....well you can party 'til dawn and quite literally be less than 5 minutes from home.

The owners were extremely kind and helpful. They have maps and guides, as well as suggestions on where to go in the city. If you don't know Lisbon well, follow their suggestions. I found some truly amazing, authentic Portuguese experiences from her advice. Tasca do Chico, around the corner, has amazing Fado music on Mondays and Wednesdays. A word of advice: go at least an hour and half before the music starts if you want any chance of sitting down. Or go in the afternoon and book a seat. It get packed. Expect to share your table even if you come early, or stand if you come late.

Cais do sodre is just down the hill, providing easy access to Belem and Cascais. Estoril as well, if you like casinos. The cliffs along Cascais are stunning; highly recommended for a day or half day trip. Free bike rentals, though they were all taken when I went. And you cannot come to Lisbon without going to Sintra. It is breathtaking, both for its architecture and for its natural beauty.

My only very small complaint is that I couldn't pay the deposit by paypal. Paying by bank transfer was tedious, and rather expensive. But a very small complaint.

I've traveled quite a bit, but this apartment tops any place I've stayed before. There's really not enough good things to say about it. Would recommend to anyone, and will certainly be back.