The Places That Made Me: Denise Dahlberg

WORDS & PICTURES: Denise Dahlberg

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Travel photographer Denise of @denisedahlb is from Sweden. Since she is a traveller by heart, she decided as soon as she finished school to explore the world. By coincidence, she ended up in Lisbon, which has been her home for the last year. When she is not packing her bags for her next adventure, you will probably find her with her camera in a pretty coffee shop.

The Places That Made Me is an interview series exploring the destinations around the world that people have most fallen in love with. Every week, we speak to a keen traveller or writer about the travel experiences that have made them the person they are today. This week, we speak to Denise (@denisedahlb) about her home in Lisbon.

Where is the ‘place that made you’?

The “place that made me” is Lisbon, Portugal. I fell in love with the atmosphere, the colourful houses, the old trams crossing through the narrow streets, the food and the people. Lisbon will always have a special place in my heart.

What is your favourite memory from that place?

I have so many beautiful memories from Lisbon, so it is hard to choose only one. Although a day I will always remember is my very first day in Lisbon. I can almost feel the sun on my skin while walking the hilly streets looking for a place to eat breakfast. I remember the excitement both my boyfriend and I felt, finally being in Portugal – our new home.

Discover Lisbon with our Alfama and Alcantara neighbourhood guides

How did it change or impact you?

It sounds cheesy, but I have learned that home is where the heart is. Lisbon feels more like home than any other place in the world. For me, a home is a place where you feel love and happiness, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be where you grew up.

“I will always remember my very first day in Lisbon. I can almost feel the sun on my skin while walking the hilly streets, looking for a place to eat breakfast.”

If you had only 24 hours there, what would you see/do?

Lisbon is a walking city, so if I only had 24 hours in Lisbon, I would put on my comfiest shoes and discover the city on foot. I would explore Alfama and Bairro Alto, which both are older parts of the town, with beautiful tiled houses. I would also enjoy the view from Miradoura da Graça, take a tram ride, eat Pasteis de Nata and of course, do some cafe hopping since there are gorgeous coffee shops around every corner in Lisbon. I would end the evening with a glass of vinho verde at one of the many rooftop bars the city has to offer.

What is a little-known fact or hidden secret about this place that tourists wouldn’t know?

I don’t think it is a hidden place anymore, but it is definitely a gem. If you have some time to spare during your trip, I would recommend you to take the tram to LX-factory. It is for sure the coolest neighbourhood in town, with many unique coffee shops, boutiques and bars.

I also want to recommend Cerâmicas na Linha that is located in Chiado. They have the most beautiful Portuguese ceramics, and you pay per kilo!

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