Our first night in Lisbon (after we got off a lengthy train ride from Faro) was spent meandering the streets with our luggage bump-bumping along the cobblestones to our hotel. Once situated (and definitely a step up in hotel stays from our last two places) we found a local place to eat nearby then prepared ourselves for a full day of sightseeing.
Our first full day in Lisbon started out with us heading to Terreiro do Paco. We found a tourist information place with loads of information and it's here that we got our Lisboa card: the gateway to savings in Lisbon. With this card, we were able to take any public transportation for free (of course after the price of the card), free to discounted entrances to many sites and museums, along with discounts on other events and trips. So using the tram system we first jetted off to the Belem district. Here we saw many sights such as the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and the National Coach Museum. For lunch we stopped at the infamous Pastel de Belem, where we had our first experience of the traditional custard Belem pastry and it definitely lived up to the hype.
Street view from the hotel
Terreiro do Paco
Tagus River
Belem Tower
Drawbridge and all!
It's amazing how it echoes in here
when a loud school group has you in its clutches.
To the top of the tower we go!
Jeronimos Monastery
Compass rose and map of the world
(view from the top of the Monument to the Discoveries)
Monument to the Discoveries
Jeronimos Monastery
Courtyard in the monastery
Cathedral at the monastery
Palace Guards
Coaches in the National Coach Museum
(one even had been for Queen Elizabeth II during a visit)
After our excursion in the Belem district, we headed back to Terreiro do Paco and then explored the area north of the square. Here we found the main shopping district, various squares with monuments attributed to those of Lisbon's historical past, and found the noted A Ginjinha place where we got to experience a traditional (oh boy) Portugese shot. It was definitely one not to forget! (*cough* *cough*)
For supper we decided to head to a famous monastery turned beer hall, Cervejaria Trindade, and in doing so got to experience a short funicular ride on an old tram (SO cool inside - reminded me of the 'olden' days that you see in the movies) and a magnificent view of the city. The food was lovely at the beer hall and in an excellent location both for nightlife and metro stops. Plus it was neat that the waiters all wore monk smocks as part of their uniform.
Note: The metro in Lisbon was great and easily accessible. We could easily maneuver about the city using it.
Locks are attached to each letter and the heart itself
A church that survived the time of burning after the 5 days of fire
that fell after the 1755 earthquake on Lisbon
Rossio area
Funicular tram
Lisbon city view
More buildings with tile (very Portuguese)
Rubbing the golden lottery ticket for luck
During our second day in Lisbon we decided to head just outside the city, about a 30 minute train ride, to Sintra. (Note: This train ride was free with our Lisboa card) We had heard that this town was beautiful but that was an understatement - even in the shadows of grey skies and a cool, almost spring breeze it was almost magical. Definitely a tourist town, Sintra is situated on a hill and reminded me of a town in Beauty & the Beast. Here we used the HO-HO bus which was amazing because it took us to the westernmost point of Europe and actually makes a point to stop there for a few minutes so photo ops can be had. Many of the notable sights in Sintra are quite spread out so this is the absolute best form of transit while here, plus it will return you to the train station when you need to depart.
National Palace
Sintra
"Main" square
City hall
Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point
Atlantic
Wicked windy that day!
Pena National Palace
This place could TOTALLY be out of a Disney movie.
SO beautiful! (The castle that is lol)
One of the rooms in the palace
The grand hall
The "antler" room
Path on the way to the castle
Dem bones (burial site)
Castle of the Moors
They definitely had to be sure of foot, especially during windy days. :s
Looking down below
When we returned to Lisbong we went off the beaten path and had supper at a 'mall' that we found (and I use that term very loosely to describe the building we were in). However, there was a Starbucks and it didn't let me down in butchering my name yet again lol. And oh, what this led to.... (a quick get away was eminent soon after).
Our final day in Lisbon had us doing some sightseeing in the center of the city again. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to see all the many, many splendid sights that the city has to offer (one could definitely vacation here for a week and never be bored easily) but we did get to take in a humorous Hippo trip (land and water tour), a church and Sao Jorge Castle. For our evening extravaganze, we took part in a traditional Portugese Fado music and meal dinner. All-in-all a great time was to be had in Lisbon! Will surely recommend this city to family and friends alike, but be sure to have many days to spend as your time will be easily occupied by all there is to do and see in Lovely Lisboa.
Our tour guide
View from the water
Lunch at a restaurant in Terreiro do Paco
(with musical accompaniment)
Enjoying dining al fresco in the sun
Tram ride (they get VERY squishy)
Sao Jorge Castle
Not all of us climb up onto the castle walls.
Those who don't seem to cause some shenanigans ;)
Learned that peacocks do NOT like me :(
Castle entrance
Fado musician group
Our last evening in Portugal :( Had a wonderful time!
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