Exploring Lisbon: 72 Hours in Lisbon

-



Discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon as we explore its historic districts, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak in breath-taking views from its iconic viewpoints. Follow our travel guide to make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.

Lisbon came highly recommended and I'd always wanted to go. Explore the highlights of Lisbon, from its stunning landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods to its delectable cuisine and captivating history. Join us on a journey through this charming city and get inspired to plan your own adventure.


Arrival and Hotel Experience

Arriving at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, we embarked on our Lisbon adventure. We chose to stay at the Lumen Hotel in the Marques de Pombal area, renowned for its modern design and mid-century aesthetic. The hotel's stunning courtyard views and the unique Lisbon Light Show were among the highlights of our stay.


Exploring Lisbon

To fully experience Lisbon, we took advantage of the convenient Lisbon Metro system, which offers quick and affordable transportation throughout the city. Whether you opt for a Viva Viagem top-up card or a Lisboa Card, you'll have easy access to the city's top attractions and transportation.



Discovering the Historic Districts

We began our exploration in Terreiro do Paco, the riverside station leading to Praca do Comercio. This grand square, with its panoramic views of the Tagus River, served as our gateway to the charming Baixa district. As we strolled through its wide avenues and admired the beautiful tiled buildings, we couldn't resist a stop at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau for a taste of their famous gluten-free cod fishcakes.




From here we climbed past many famous (and crowded viewpoints) up the winding streets to the Castle of Sao Jorge crowing the top of the Alfama to take in the breath-taking views. We spent a couple of hours enjoying the sunshine, learning about the history from the Pre-Roman foundation of the city to the present day, and watching the beautiful peacocks strut around the garden.


Bairro Alto - Trendy and Picturesque

Ascending to the Bairro Alto district, we immersed ourselves in its trendy atmosphere. This former poor district now brims with stylish boutiques, upscale bars, and top-notch restaurants. The iconic yellow trams and historic Elevadors offered us a unique perspective as we explored the narrow streets. Park, a rooftop bar with stunning views of Ponte 25 de Abril, provided the perfect setting for a memorable sundowner.



From here we walked through the narrow lanes to the Principe Real district, home to a number of fantastic bars including the hub of the LGBT+ community in Lisbon. We found ourselves in the incredibly fun and welcoming TR3S with a very international crowd, drinking Caipirinhas until the early hours of the morning. 



Belem - A Journey through History

Venturing west to Belem, we marveled at the Monasterio de Jeronimos and Torre de Belem, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their impressive Manueline architecture. The MAAT building and the LX Factory, both vibrant artistic complexes, further enriched our cultural and culinary experience. We sampled various cuisines at the Time Out Market and indulged in gluten-free Pastel de Nata from the Zarzuela bakery nearby.


Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation - A Cultural Gem

Our final day took us to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a haven for art lovers set in a picturesque park. From Ancient Egyptian artifacts to exquisite Lalique Jewelry, the museum captivated us with its diverse collection. After savoring a delightful lunch in the gallery restaurant, we concluded our trip with a leisurely walk through the Avenida de Liberdade, appreciating the city's cosmopolitan vibe.



Lisbon is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and contemporary charm. From its awe-inspiring viewpoints to its vibrant neighborhoods and delectable cuisine, Lisbon offers an unforgettable travel experience. Embrace its rich heritage, soak in its breath-taking vistas, and let the city's vibrant energy leave an indelible mark on your memories.


Popular posts from this blog

Summer in Porto: 6 Best Bars in Porto

-
Image
Are you looking for a summer escape that fuses Lisbon’s heritage with Barcelona’s lively bar scene? Porto could be your ideal city break! Wander its charming old town, drink in views of the Douro River, and relish iconic Port wine cellars, without having to avoid Lisbon’s crowds or Barcelona’s well-trodden paths.  Indulge your senses in Porto’s summer charm at these top bars. From classic taverns to cutting-edge cocktail bars, discover where to sip, socialise, and create lasting memories this Summer. Cozinha das Flores, Ribeira Cozinha das Flores is absolutely my favourite bar in Porto, if not Europe. It’s the kind of place you dream of finding when you land in a new city. The bar is located in a well trafficked square at the bottom of the Rua das Flores, a people-watching hub, and always filled with music. The cocktails are at the cutting edge, using local and off-the-wall ingredients to create memorable drinking experiences, even adding amazing theatre to your favourite cocktails...
Read more

Exploring Lisbon: How to spend a day in the Alfama

-
Image
Are you looking for the ultimate city-break destination this year? Want somewhere with timeless charm, captivating culture, and a thriving culinary scene - look no further than Lisbon. The Portuguese capital seamlessly blends the past and present, with this being no more evident than at the ancient hill-top Alfama district. Journey through charming labyrinthine streets, past colourful tiled buildings, to some of the most iconic viewpoints on the continent. Here are my top tips for visiting the Alfama district for you to use this summer: Prebook for the Sao Jorge Castle The iconic Sao Jorge Castle sits crowing the Alfama hill, and is visible from the whole city centre, lit beautifully at night and standing as a monolith to the 3000 year history of Lisbon during the day. It’s a vast complex detailing Lisbon’s history from pre-Roman, through the Moorish kingdoms, and to today, so is understandably popular with Tourists.  As you finish climbing to the top of the hill, you’re likely to ...
Read more