When I saw Lisbon for the first time through the window of the plane I didn`t know what to expect from it. I had a list of “must-see” things prepared in my pocket. Whoaaa, how dull seemed Lisbon to be on my list in contrast to how I experienced it.
The sight of sunbeams reflecting from Azulejos titles on old facades of worn-out abandon palaces and slow-paced mood of Lisbon made me think about how fragile is our existence and how similar it is to Lisbon’s story. Lisbon is not pretending to be something that`s not and that makes it so unique in my book.
What did I do?
Central Lisbon
Plazza de Comercio, Castle of Saint George, Elevator de Santa Justa, A Ginjinha cherry liqueur, Time out market
Enjoy Lisbon’s vibe and be prepared to walk a lot for amazing views over Lisbon. You can walk up from Commercial square up to the Saint George castle to enjoy views from it.
All along your way you will see picturesque scenes of palaces with worn of facades, this is Lisbon at its best. The Central part has a plenty of options to eat and relax.
Elevator de Santa Justa is an unusual thing to see, again nice views from its top.
You can try Ginjinha liqueur, don`t be afraid of a crowd outside of the shop, just walk inside like you been there before and ask for one.
Instead of Time out market try to visit a restaurant which is full of locals. I found one near cruise port and went for ordinary Portuguese dish, potatoes and sardines and I loved it.
Belem
Torre de Belem, Jeronimos Monastery and Church of Santa Maria, Pasteis de Belem
Belem is a place packed up with Portuguese history, art and culture.
You have several options on how to see it. You can focus on history and museums part or enjoy modern art museums and exhibitions.
Your call how you want to play it but don`t forget to visit the one and only Pasteis de Belem. Once you try their “original” Pastel de Nata, from that moment it will be hard to enjoy any other Pastels anywhere in the world. You have been warned here!
Day trip to Sintra
National Palace de Pena, Moorish castle, Quinta de Regaleira
Sintra is super convenient to reach by train or bus from Lisbon. It`s a fairy-like place full of exotic gardens, palaces and castles. You can use tourist or local buses to easily navigate around it.
Bring your significant other with you or you have to find one there then to enjoy it together.
Tips from Golden Monkey
Get lost in Lisbon, walk its small alleyways and soak in their atmosphere.
Lisbon is hilly but is still perfectly walk able and accessible, you can easily rent a bike to move faster.
Tourists trams are expensive, local transport is cheap and efficient, your call.
Enjoy parks and green areas to relax.
I haven`t done Fado music so hmm no tips here on it 😦
Don`t expect London like service in eateries, I was ignored several times to the point where I started to laugh on it and took it as a part of my Lisbon experience.
Sum it up!
Lisbon provides you with a lot of options and you can tweak it to hit your sweet spot. You want to get to the beach, no probs, hit beaches of Cascais or Sao Joao in South.
You want a combination of history art end culture to uplift your spirits? then see the Belem area.
Romantic trip to… have to stop now.
We can go with a list like this forever, you want something? Lisbon got you covered!
Golden Monkey 