Beautiful Lisbon - The Capital of Portugal - Follow My Yellow Brick Road

Beautiful Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. Foremost, it is one of the most beautiful, friendly and inexpensive European cities to visit. And it is the first European city that hubby and I visited sans kids in over two decades! Yes. It’s true. Our last European adventure as a couple was to London, the Christmas after we were married. Other European adventures followed, but as a family of four.

This was a “winter” European vacation and as I discussed in my article, “12 Tips to A Successful European Vacation” (click here —https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=2606, traveling off season to Europe offers many perks. Our airfare on TAP, Portugal’s national airline, cost about $40Bef0 per person round-trip. Cheaper than tickets to Florida at this time!

Before you go..

Here’s are some helpful tips :

Lisbon is a relatively small city and is extremely walker friendly. Streets are clean and tiled. Trolley and train service within the city and its “suburbs” is efficient and inexpensive.
Lisbon is broken into several “districts.” To really get to know Portugal’s capital, research and plan to spend time exploring each one of these districts — Baxia, Chiado and Barrio Alto, Alfama, Belem and Park of Nations.
The people of Lisbon are friendly and helpful and we found that many of the younger people speak English.
Lisbon’s winter weather was perfect. For us, anyway. Temperatures ranged from the low 50’s at night to the low 70’s during the day. Remember..this was February. Perfect touring weather!

So join me and hubby on our trip to Lisbon.

Day 1 — Arrive and Acclimate

The first day arriving in Europe is always a bit of a tough one. So my advice is to take it slow and acclimate.

After arriving late morning in Lisbon and getting through customs, we purchased a Via Viagem metro ticket at the airport and set off on a short metro ride to our hotel.

THE 8 DOWNTOWN SUITES located in the Baixa district, was our hotel of choice. Situated on a quiet side street, it proved to be perfect for us.

Although we couldn’t check in yet, the hotel secured our luggage and, of course, we were hungry! In my research, I found the Brunch Cafe. What a find! We wound up eating here several mornings. Delicious brunch menu at an affordable price.

After brunch, we checked in, washed up a bit and began our day exploring the Baixa district No napping for us! Get out and walk around and get acclimated to the city is always my advice. My advice is to always find the main square where all the action is and branch out from there. So our first stop was…

Praco do Comercio , a riverfront square where at one time in history, everyone arriving by boat to Lisbon would disembark. And to this day, it still feels like the gateway to Lisbon.

At its center of this square is the statue of Dom Jose I. This statue’s prominence hints at the royal roots of this area prior to the 1755 earthquake. It is here that the monarchy fell with the assassination of Dom Jose and his son. Believe it or not, this area was used as a car park in the 1980s! Within the square is…

The Arco da Rua Augusta, a symbol of Lisbon’s recovery from the 1755 earthquake. The arch was completed in 1875. The lighting at this arc differs at the time of day. On the left, it’s a partly cloudy day, on the right, the arch glows gold.

Need a toilet break. Look no further than the “sexiest toilet in the world?” Located in the square and for a small fee, “guests” pick their favorite colored toilet paper and do their thing in an architecturally appealing bathroom.

Amazing, huh? I just couldn’t resist!

After a long first day, it was time for dinner and we chose Time Out Lisbon Market .

This concept was created in 2014 by the team at Time Out Portugal. More than 40 individual spaces come together under one roof to display all the best in food and business that make Lisbon what it is. Every single vendor is selected by an independent panel of city experts. Once selected, they can stay in the market from one week to three years.

“If it’s good, it goes in the magazine, if it’s great, it goes into the market.” What a concept! https://www.timeout.com/lisbon/restaurants/time-out-market-lisbon#article\

Day 2 — A morning trolley ride, a visit to Castile de San Jorge and a walking food tour.

Refreshed after a good night sleep, we were ready to take on more of this beautiful city.

Trolley ride, anyone? For an overview of Lisbon’s most popular sites, hop onto Tram 28, Lisbon’s iconic wood paneled trolley car, for a four mile ride from through the city. Along the way, enjoy the driver’s navigating skills around tight turns and steep inclines. If you can get a seat, congratulations. But for the more adventurous, standing on this ride is quite a thrill ride!

Next stop was the Castile de San Jorge, which sits prominently on the hilltop above the Baixa district. Although it was once used by the Romans and Moors, what you see today is actually a reconstruction of a landmark. Walk the grounds, visit its excavation site and meet some friendly peacocks.

An evening walking food tour capped off our day. Not only did we get to explore Lisbon with a knowledgeable guide, we got to taste some authentic food and wine including:

Bifana Sandwiches
Bacalhau
Sardinhas (Sardines)
Caldo Verde (green wine)

Thanks to Inside Lisbon tours and our wonderful guide, Carolina!

Day 3– Exploring Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest quarter and for me, the most charming and interesting of them all. This is the city’s ancient Arab district. Spread over the southeastern hill crowned by Castile de San Jorge, this picturesque neighborhood is not to be missed. Wander its maze of narrow streets , steep flights of steps and many alleyways.

Our visit was planned on a Tuesday when their famous flea market takes place — the Feira da Ladra. Although it is relatively safe, I couldn’t help but take a picture of the warning sign of pickpockets.

Came away with some great items including some “cork” accessories and some comic books in Portugese for our son.

The Church of Santa Engracia is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Alfama skyline.

Lisbon is a photographer’s dream. It is actually decorated with several miradouros or purpose built viewpoints – that provide amazing panoramas of the city . These viewpoints all take advantage of the elevated locations and there were many to be had from Alfama.

After a full morning of exploring, lunch was in order. Yak and Yeti , authentic, Nepalese food served by a friendly staff was our choice.

Just a perfect day!

A train ride back into Lisbon to rest up and explore some more. Dinner was at the Taberna da Rua das Flores.

Deliciously prepared contemporary take on the forgotten tavern fare of the city, this small restaurant takes no reservations but is worth the wait.

Dishes are written on a blackboard and are eonce ingredients are used up.

Day 4– Exploring Sintra

After exploring Lisbon for several days, It was time to venture beyond its borders. Only a short train ride away, our first day trip was to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore its main sites –the Pena Palace, Sintra Palace, and Castle of the Moors.

Once you arrive in Sintra, choose one of the following modes of transportation from the city center to Pena Palace–a bus, your feet (a very demanding hike) or a tuk tuk! We chose the latter. What a fun experience!

The Pena Palace, situated at the second highest point of the Serra de Sintra, is called the “crown jewel of the Sintra Hills.” The palace was the vision of Ferdinand II. He took the property, that was originally a monastery and later destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and truly created a fairy tale place.

Only a short walk from the Pena Palace is the Moorish palace with views to die for.

Back to Lisbon, we chose Cervejaria Ramiro Restaurant for dinner. An amazing fish restaurant recommended by many of the locals, it became even more famous after Anthony Bourdain’s ate here and recommended it. Purchase your fish by the weight and eat like a king!

Day 5 — Visiting Belem

Belem was the next district of Lisbon to explore. Belem is famous for — the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and Belém Palace (official residence of the President of Portugal). And, for all the foodies out there, it is the birthplace of the world-famous pastel de nata, a delicious custard pastry!

Our first stop was at the Jeronimos Monastery . This grand religious building was historically associated with the early sailors as explorers, as it was from here that Vasco da Gama spent his last night before his voyage to the Far East. He is buried in this monastery.

After the monastery, we took a lovely afternoon walk along the water and took in beautiful views of the Belem Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos — two structures that honor the strong seafaring history of this country.

The Belem Tower, constructed on the northern bank of the Tagus River, was used to defend the city. Later, it was later transformed into a lighthouse and customs house.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument honoring the 15th and 16th century visionaries and sailors who made Portugal the most powerful seafaring nations of that time.

After a lovely walk, we headed back into the center of town to purchase some famous sweet treats for the train ride home.

Day 6– Exploring Caiscais

Cascais is the finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline, and is a highly recommended day trip from Lisbon. Within Cascais are grand mansions, fascinating museums and attractive parks, while the surrounding coastline offers beautiful beaches.

After a beautiful day, we headed back into Lisbon to walk around and pick up some last minute gifts. Canned sardines, anyone!

Day 7– Saying goodbye is never easy!

Packed up and ready to head out, we had our last lunch in this beautiful city. Floresta Das Escadinhas offered simple Portuguese food prepared beautifully along with some wine and dessert. Thank you!

After an amazing week in beautiful Lisbon, we bid farewell and promised that we would be back to explore more of this beautiful country!