Olá e bem-vindos à Capital Portuguesa

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Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly and scenic capital is beautiful. It’s a city of winding streets, ocean views, and flowing wine.

Situated along the south of the country’s west coast, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) boasts an incredible mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music, charming plazas, and laid back cafes where you can watch the world go by.

Wandering through the winding cobblestone streets of Portugal’s colourful capital it’s easy to fall in love with Lisbon.

Getting Around Lisbon

If you plan to use the public transport around Lisbon it maybe a serious consideration to purchase a Lisboa Card from the airport before you catch the Metro into the city. You have to purchase this card with cash as credit/debit card isn’t accepted as form of payment but it allows you unlimited use of public transport – Metro, trains, buses and even offers discounts or free entry into some tourist attractions. The card can be purchased for as many days as you wish. I purchased a two-day pass for €35 (GB£31).

Districts of Lisbon

Principe Real: Famous for its striking 19th Century mansions and chic boutiques this is one of Lisbon’s most loved neighbourhoods. Whether you are browsing local art and antiques on a sunny afternoon or dancing the night away this is the place to do.

Embaixada Palace: This 19th Century Moorish beauty is now a swanky cultural hub. Explore the impressive architecture as you wander amongst the artisanal shops.

Praca Das Flores: A picturesque square is full of lovely little restaurants and cute cafes.

Santos & Cais do Sodre: This is the perfect place to get away from the tourist traps and crowds of the city centre. Only 15 minutes from the heart of Lisbon this cool little neighbourhood will give you a glimpse into local life.

Bairro Alto: Just beside Principe Real you’ll find this hopping district. While Bairro Alto has the best nightlife in Lisbon that is probably a good reason not to find accommodation here.

Alfama: Perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill this was one of the few areas spared by the earthquake of 1755 and is home to some of the city’s most historic sites. For sweeping views and a hearty dose of tradition this is the place to be.

Chiado: In the historic heart of this district is known for its luxury shops, famous landmarks, and historic cafes.

Alcantara: This trendy waterfront district is famous for its hoping nightlights and iconic views of the river.

Belem: Famous for its seafood and colourful tiled houses, this quaint neighbourhood will give you a glimpse into the seafaring past.

What does Lisbon offer?

My trip to Lisbon was a very short and packed two days. Thankfully Lisbon is a small city and can be navigated easily.

Belem Tower

Built in 1515 Belem tower was used as both a fortress and a lighthouse during the height of Portuguese power in the Age of Discovery. Situated on the bank of the Tagus River the tower stands 30 metres (98 feet). It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is open for self-guided tours where you can wander the halls, peek out the various portholes, and visit the pit where prisoners were kept. Admission is €9 (GB£8). However if you have purchased a Lisboa Card then entry is free.

To get to Belem catch the Metro on the green line from Baixa-Chiado to Cais do Sodre then change here for the train to Cascais. This takes roughly 25 minutes. If you hold a Lisboa card it’s unlimited travel.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500 year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in the early Portuguese Empire). Standing 52 metres tall it depicts Henry holding a small caravel alongside other heroes of Portuguese history. The monument is shaped like a ship’s bow and looks out above the water across the Tagus River.

Jeronimos Monastery

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see. The monastery took over 100 years to build and was designed in a Portuguese Gothic style. The monks were primarily involved with helping sailors and mariners who anchored offshore that is why there are many maritime designs and influences in the architecture. While the monastery is no longer active you can still tour the massive buildings and grounds. Admission is  €10 (GB£8.80). If you have purchased a Lisboa card then entry is free.

Pasteis de Belem

After all this exploring make time to stop and have a bite to eat at Pasteis de Belem. It sells Portugal’s famous Pasteis de Nata – This delicious custard filled pastry is a Portuguese staple. You can find them all over the city. They’re traditionally served warm and with cinnamon paired with a coffee or hot drink. Be mindful it is extremely popular and becomes extremely busy. You can either just purchase pastries from the bakery section or walk into the cafe area and have drinks and pastries sat down.

Belem Tower, the Discoveries Monument, Jeronimos Monastery and the Pasteis de Belem are all concentrated near to one-another.

Time Out Food Market

Located directly opposite Cais do Sodre train station is the perfect place to stop for some food and drinks before changing to the green Metro line heading back into the city centre. Time Out Market offers ‘Street Food-esk’ meals all under one roof. Find space at a table and order from one of the numerous food sellers.

Pink Street

A very short walk from Time Out Market is a street known as ‘Pink Street’. It’s correct name is Rua Nova do Carvalho. It’s a small street lined with bars and cafes. It’s a little underwhelming but as it’s situated so close to Time Out Market it merits a photograph at least.

Santa Justa Lift

For a sweeping view of Lisbon’s skyline ride the Elevador de Santa Justa. It’s a century old elevator located in the city that connects to a 45m tall (147ft) viewing platform. The lift was originally steam powered and offers a gorgeous view of the city. It has a small restaurant at the top where you can eat too. A ride costs  €5.30 (GB£4.70). If you hold a Lisboa card riding the lift is free. The experience is extremely popular with tourists and queues are very lengthy.

St. George’s Castle

St. George (Sao Jorge) Castle is a massive medieval castle overlooking Lisbon. Fortifications on the hill date back as far as the 1st century BC although the current castle dates to the Middle Ages. It was damaged during various earthquakes until the 1930s when it was finally restored and renovated. Purchase a ticket for €15 (GB£13.30) to walk the grounds offering beautiful views of Lisbon. Watch out for peacock fanning their feathers. Admission is €15 (GB£13.30)

Casa Portuguesea Pastel Bacalhau

Once you have finished at St. George’s castle adjacent to the entrance is a place called Casa Portuguesea Pastel Bacalhau. It offers a cod and cheese flavoured fishcake served with a small glass of Port produced on a small board. It’s a little expensive at €12 (GB£10.70) but very much worth the experience.

Alfama District

Alfama is the historic district of Lisbon. Home to some beautiful buildings. It’s a labyrinth of steep cobblestone streets. It’s a beautiful area to just get lost. It’s a great place to discover small squares adorned with cafes and street artists.

A great place to stop is a little patisserie located in Largo do Chafariz de Dentro square opposite the Museu do Fado. It offers a lovely reprive from all the exploring. Why not try the local lunchtime snack ‘Tosta Mista’. A cheese and ham toasted sandwich.

Pantheon

If you stop at the patisserie in Largo do Chafariz de Dentro square then not far from here is Lisbon’s pantheon. Worthy of a photograph. Whilst I visited there was a street market selling all manners of trinkets.

Lisbon Cathedral

This Roman Catholic cathedral was built to celebrate the defeat of the Moors in the mid-1100s (a conflict that came about after a failed Crusade to the Holy Land). It’s been partially rebuilt over the years due to earthquakes and is now an amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Entry is free. If you wish to ride the famous No.28 tram then there is a tram stop outside.

Arco da Rua Augusta and Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio or Commerce Square is Lisbon’s biggest and most popular square. Located along the riverfront it’s the former location of the royal palace (that was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1755). Two marble columns from the palace are still standing with the Arco da Rua Augusta that leads to a cobbled street lined with shops and cafes.

Tram Cars and the No.28

“…Ding, ding, ding went the trolly. Ring, ring, ring went the bell…”

A highlight of Lisbon especially for any tourist is to ride the vintage wooden yellow ‘Remodelado’ trams. These old fashioned trams are a fun way to explore the city and see the historic Old Town. While the city also has modern trams, enjoying the charm of the old fashioned trams is a cheap and easy way to add some character to your visit. If you hold the Lisboa card then riding the trams are free.

The most famous route is that of what’s locally known ‘The No.28’. It runs 4.5 miles (7kms) through the city from Martim Moniz Square and Prazeres. It runs roughly every 12 minutes between 0600 to 2230. Look for the yellow E28 tram stops. It’s definitely now an essential part of Lisbon’s life and the city would lose part of its charm without the constant rattling of these singular yellow ‘boxes’.

Sintra and its castle

If you are visiting Lisbon be sure to visit Sintra. It’s a wonderful town with cobblestone streets and traditional painted buildings filled with family run cafes and unique shops. Wander the town on foot and check out the historic town hall and the bustling shopping street of Rua das Padarias. Don’t miss the brightly coloured Pena Palace (Sintra Castle). They offer wonderful views of the city.

The train from Lisbon takes about 40 minutes and costs less than €7 (GB£6.25). Catch the train from Rossio train station into Sintra. If you hold a Lisboa card you can ride the train for free.

The walk up the hill to the castle is steep and intense. I am of relative fitness and I struggled as I ascended half-way up. There is a great way to get back down again. Hitch a ride in one of the many tuk-tuk’s. I have a hunch there’s no set price for these. My driver charged €5 (GB£4.40) per person. Well worth it.

Conserveira de Lisboa

Conserveira de Lisboa is Lisbon’s most famous canned fish shop. It blends the traditional with the new offering all kinds of flavoured canned fish from tuna in a variety of flavours, to sardines, cod and mackerel all produced in traditional cans.

Final Thought…

If you haven’t been to Lisbon you will thoroughly enjoy it. Its a beautiful city steeped in history, architecture, cobblestone streets and food. Take your time and savour what it has to offer.