Lisbon is one of the cities that is great to visit in almost every month. If you complain about the wind, well that it nothing, compared to the cold elsewhere. No wonder why the prices of the flights are always in the highest range for Europe. Once you spot a good one, run towards it. I visited Lisbon on two occasions. First time on a total 4 day trip to Portugal, where I focused on the things to see and tourist classic areas. Nevertheless, I did I would say great job, by splitting the itinerary for Lisbon in three days Barrio Alto, Alfama and Belem, and focusing on an area per day. The second time, was on a week long trip, because of a conference. This time the focus was more on eating amazing food, and maybe a bit less sightseeing.
DAY 1: BELEM
After Checking in in a place in Baixa/Chiado area, and snapping some photos in fron of the Triumphal Arc of Rua Augusta, we take the tram towards Belem. Here, we do the tourist classics for Belem: Pastels of Belem, but we are indulging into savory treats as well. Then the Monasterio de Jeronimo, the magnificent Belem Tower, having a second round of sweets in the park in Belem. Continuing to the Monument of the Discoveries, and finishing the tour in MAAT the Museum of Art Architecture and Technology. True architectural gem. On the way back to Lisbon we make a stop in LX Factory, historical industrial complex, now home of a bookshop, arts space and lots of interesting places for food. Our tour was completed in the Time Out Market Hall, where one can choose from dozens of food offers.
DAY 2: BAIXA / CHIADO – BARRIO ALTO
Our days starts at A Padaria Portuguesa, name a better start than freshly squeezed orange juice.
One of the very touristy places that we went to was Casa Portuguesa do pastels de Bacalhau. Technically you can have a fish cake anywhere else or port wine, so if you are not up for overpriced photo, you can try these delights somewhere else. Of course, you can never have too many Pastels de Nata, and our favourite was in Manteigaria, but basically everywhere is a hit, you cant mess up this one.
The steep steps lead us to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, from where we choose to take a break at Lost In restaurant, super chill atmosphere and great city views.
For sunset we are off to Miradouro de Santa Catarina, having the same idea as many tourists and locals, nevertheless enjoying some live music and views on the 25th April bridge.
Great place for evening bites is the Sol e Pesca restaurant, on the cute Pink Street. They literally serve fish cans, but the taste is simply unmatched.
To end the night on a sweet note we went to Pateo – Bairro do Avillez.
DAY 3: ALFAMA
Once you pass the gigantic Se Cathedral, you know you have arrived to Alfama. This is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, has even more colorful houses than Barrio Alto and the streets are like a labyrinth. However, the facades are more chopped, the graffiti more raw, and the number of “miradouros” much higher. Here the tram 28 ride resembles a rollercoaster ride in the best possible way. The itinerary for Alfama would be to get lost in the streets, occasionally look for the signs that lead to the view points. The most iconic viewpoint is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the blue tiles and the flowers give special touch. Personal favorite is Miradouro das Portas do Sol, less crowds more space for acrobatics 🙂
If you have some extra minutes to spear, don’t hesitate a glass of your favourite in the Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia. If you have even more time, and happen to be in Alfama on Tuesday or Saturday visit the flea market Mercado de Santa Clara. The best meal that we had in Lisbon was in a simple restaurant directly opposite the Se Cathedral, simple steak.
Even if you do not plan too much at night Alfama is full of bars and Fado spots, finding a spot in one of them would be a great choice..
DAY 4: SINTRA OR BEACH AVENCAS – CASCAIS
Take the train from Cais do Sodre and head to the beach. Never miss a sunny day to sip some mojitos or wine by the beach. The ocean is anyways too cold for a dip. The area is nice you can have a walk or you can simply enjoy in one of the bars. We did that in Bar Avencas and regret nothing.
If you are more of the active type then hop on a train to Sintra and enjoy the Pena Palace and the cute Sintra town.
To get to Sintra, take the train at Rossio station in central Lisbon, in 45 minutes and 2.45 euros per direction, you will reach it. Pena Palace is 19 century building on a high rock that requires pleasant hike to reach it. The entrance fee is 20 Euro and you need to specify the slot of your visit in advance. It is extremely eye catchy place and the view of the nature is one of the best things.
CONCRETE COLLAGE 