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I needed a few days off to my further education, after all I had to finish a multi-page report. How better than getting on the plane and meeting the muse abroad? :) Of course, bbacksoon was my travel agency again, so I only figured out the language my muse would speak the day before I left.
I was blown away when I arrived. I left Zurich in February (out of the cold) and landed in sunny weather. To be greeted by Lisbon’s sun at 8 am has a special charm.
From the airport into the city
The city center can be reached in around 40 minutes by metro. From there it was only a few minutes on foot to my hotel. I also quickly realized that Lisbon is the most pedestrian-friendly city I have ever been to. Everything was within walking distance. And if it got too steep for me or too far away, the well-known trams are quickly available and have many stops. Some of the trams still have old compartments with wooden benches. Some lines are very touristy, but it is worth taking a break in a tram compartment.
For those on the go, I recommend buying a rechargeable metro card directly at the airport. Either load with single trips or add a day ticket. Choose wisely though, I hardly used the day tickets because I explored the city on foot.
Traveling in the city
Everything is close, so I hardly used the bus, tram or the overpriced tuk-tuks. There is also a lot more to discover on foot. For example, the beautiful walkways, because they are made of limestone and volcanic basalt. The fine art of a stone setter is something you appreciate more on foot.
Shopping
To my surprise I hardly broke into shopping madness during my stay. I booked a tour guide with ShowAround and he led me through the streets where there are not many tourists. The old alleys had their charm and I found a lot of street art.
I thought there was something to discover around every street corner: street cafes, interesting construction, street art ... a little bit of everything. There was so much to see I didn't miss shopping (unbelievable that I admit such a thing at all).
My personal highlight
A highlight for me was the Convent do Carmo, a former monastery that was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755. A wing has been restored where the National Guard is now located. Concerts are performed in the remaining ruins in summer.
Just giving you my highlights won’t do the city justice. I was impressed by the hospitality and open nature of the Portuguese and I ate myself through the typical national cuisine. In just three days I wasn’t able to see everything. But for me it became clear: Lisbon is one of the top destinations for city trips in Europe for a reason.
Three things to do in Lisbon:
- Pastel de Nata. A little sinful baked treat. These are offered in many cafés. This small puff pastry tart is not too big, ideal for your coffee break.
- A break in the Time Out Market is also ideal at lunchtime. A food court with 26 restaurants, 8 bars and a handful of shops to stay and spend some time.
- In the evening, enjoy the fado music for a typical Portuguese dinner. Fado music was sung by sailors and is part of the legacy of the city's poor neighborhoods. Rather melancholic, but a nice accompaniment to the meal.
Shop your perfect travel tee
Show off your wanderlust, at home or on the road, while you dream of your next triumph: discovering an amazing little pastry shop… finding the perfect travel T-shirt (the kind you really miss on laundry day!)… fitting everything into your travel bag on the first try. Whatever journey you can dream up next, you know it will be good. Because an adventure always awaits, just around the corner.