Also more commonly known as Lisbon; nobody is joking when they use that epithet. I have never walked up and down so many hills in my life! I’m always dying to lay in my bed and look out my balcony to my favorite view by siesta time. But it’s all been in good fun 🙂 Here are some good ideas for Lisbon if you’re thinking of going:
1. Especially if you have limited time in the city, take a ride on Tram 28. It is definitely worth it, especially if you are lucky enough to acquire a seat in the refurbished 1940’s trolley car. It will allow you to cheaply see the entire city (basically) in a unique way. I bought the day pass for the Viagem card which was 6 euros so I could hop on and off all day- much more economical.
2. Belem is a must-see area of town. I was recommended a walk from a friend of a friend which I would highly recommend to others, but BEWARE! Walking shoes area a must! Take either the metro or walk to the Basilica in Estrela. Take some time to explore the garden across the street too! It’s quaint and beautiful, and there’s always something going on like children’s sporting events or Saturday markets. Then take Avenue Infante Santo down to the river and follow the river all the way down to Belem. It’s a bit of a hike, but the river is beautiful and the breeze makes it much easier. While you’re in Belem, you have to check out the Monument of the Discoveries, the Jeronimo Monastery, the Tower, and Pasteis da Belem (pastry shop from 1837 and makes the BEST cream tarts).
3. If you want to look like a local, the easiest way is to absolutely ignore all traffic laws. Good thing the Spaniards prepared me a bit for jaywalking. The Portuguese are even worse. They don’t even look before they cross, they just do.
4. Just wander around the city and make sure to bring your camera and hat! My favorite parts of Lisbon I found when I was just wandering around the city and not really looking for anything in particular.
5. I was told to take the day trip to Sintra. Not that it wasn’t worth it, because the views were gorgeous, the town was cute, and I had time to kill; but if you’re short on time I would actually recommend skipping it. It seems to be a bit overrated now. It’s all just tourists crowding the streets, whether walking or crammed in an annoying large “hop on- hop off bus”, to tour all the palaces of old.
6. I would highly recommend going to Cascais though! The same stuff as in Sintra (restaurants and shopping), but the town is cuter and there’s a beach! 🙂 Warning: the water is a bit chilly even in the summer since it’s the Atlantic.
7. Last but not least, the Oceanarium! It is incredible! Easily the best aquarium I have ever been too (and the most expensive.. like 14 euro), it was built for the 1998 expo, but it still teaches families and tourists alike about the oceans and why we should strive to conserve them. It has a central tank in the middle to represent the ocean as one system. And then on the outside four corners of the building, there is an ecosystem to represent the Antarctic, the Pacific, the Indian, and the Atlantic Oceans. It is an impressive and captivating sight, and who doesn’t love staring at a sea otter couple!! 😀
Saborearlo 