Lisbon, A City that Will Capture Your Heart.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city that sits by the sea and will capture your heart with ease. With its winding alleys, with its many beautiful viewpoints, with its historic architecture, with its deep ties to the ocean, and with its cafe culture that will make you forget about all your worries, whats not to love?
With the “stop and smell the roses,” vibe, its easy to slow down the pace, and take in all the beauty. You rarely order “to-go” here, and so whether your stopping into one of the many cafes for “coffee” (ie an American espresso), a pastry, or a glass of wine, you will always find someone sitting on the patio doing the same, likely smoking a cigarette, and seemingly enjoying themselves.
When your done with the cafe, take your pick of whats next. Surf? Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches? or Sight see? There is SO much to see and explore here, the history is endless, the extraordinary castles and extravagant cathedrals are numerous. You could live here your whole life and not discover all of its riches.
Lisbon also has a amazing nightlife scene. From chill wine bars to full on all-night clubs you really can find something that suits your fancy.
I recommend at least 3 days to explore Lisbon and at least a week to explore in and around Lisbon. Lisbon has so many gems within an hour (+) radius.
Below are a few of my favorites of things to do/see in and around Lisbon!
Churches
Igreja de São Domingos a hauntingly stunning church that survived the famous earthquake and flood of 1775.
Basílica da Estrela and this one has a lovely park right next to it!
Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Lisbon.
Museum
Museu Nacional do Azulejo, a museum about the famous Portuguese art tiles.
Outlooks
Såo Castle Jorge the most popular, but for a good reason, you get to see an amazing view from an old castle on top of Lisbon.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara a nice (long) walk up a hill pays off for an amazing view, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy!
Lovely Walks
Cruise the boardwalk that stretches from Estoril to Cascais, its lovely with amazing coastline, castles, and many cafes along the way!
Barrio Alto is a “must” as it is central downtown area for tourists, however you will see lots of tourists here! And Principle Real neighborhood (right up the hill from Barrio Alto), is a more upscale area with wonderful shopping and parks.
Alfama and Mouria, some of the oldest and most “authentic” neighborhoods of the past. You’ll hear Fado music (traditional Portuguese “blues”) playing from many windows, stop in, grab a glass of wine and enjoy.
Beaches (by train from Lisbon)
Carcavelos for surfing, a large popular beach but most popular for the waves.
Estoril (a few to choose from in that area) like Poça Beach or Tamariz, for relaxing and sun bathing.
Caxias little beach closer to town for a more local, easy to reach swim from Lisbon. A small stretch of beach by the beautiful ocean next to a castle like building.
Day trips
Sintra! Can’t say it enough. A fairytale-like place, with castles and beautiful scenery, its a one-of -a-kind. You must go here.
Belém is a must-do with many “must-sees” in one area. The monastery is a must, and try a famous Pasties de Nata (where it originated). There are also botanical gardens, and the president’s home, and much more!
Sesimbra/ Setubal coast on the other side of Lisbon. You’ll need a car but over here you can find amazing wineries, stunning nature, and crystal clear water. Enjoy! (See my other Blog post about a must-see beach.)
I could go on and on of the wonderful places to see around Lisbon, but you will just have to go yourself and find what awaits you!
(Don’t forget to color coordinate your CortiçAmor headband with your outfit ;))
