💭 What I Remember
Lisbon was almost 4 years ago at this point, so this isn't going to be a detailed guide. My memory has softened over time and I didn't take that many pictures back then. But Lisbon left enough of a mark that it deserves a page anyway. It was the first time in 10 years or so that I took a plane, and also my first holiday with friends, which is what made it especially memorable. In a way, my travel journey kind of started here. And honestly, Lisboa is a great city on its own. Here are the fragments that stuck with me.
💭 Memories
Fragments that stuck with me
Exploring the city of Lisbon itself
We spent days just wandering through the city, the narrow streets of Alfama. The colorful tiled buildings, the impossibly steep hills that make you regret every dessert (lots of ups and downs in this city, quite literally). Lisbon has that mix of grand European capital and faded charm that grows on you fast. The miradouros (viewpoints) scattered around the city give you new angles on the red roofs and the river every time. Nightlife is also active and fun (but commercial). We took trams, taxis and even steps in the city.
Sporting Lisbon football match
We caught a Sporting CP match at the Estádio José Alvalade, one of those things you don't really plan but ends up being a highlight. Portuguese football fans take their clubs seriously, and the atmosphere was electric even though it wasn't a derby. The chants, the smoke, the energy when a goal gets scored. Completely different from watching a match on TV. Worth doing once even if you're not that big of a football fan.
Day trip to Sintra
Sintra is the day trip everyone tells you to do, and for good reason. The fairy-tale palaces tucked into the hills above the town feel almost unreal. Pena Palace with its bright yellow and red towers especially. We spent the day exploring the gardens and the wider area. It's touristy and busy, but the scenery genuinely earns the hype. We didn't pay to enter the Castelo dos Mouros but instead we did go next to the castle on the rocks and chilled there a little bit with a crazy view. Take the train from Lisbon, it's the easiest way in.
Panorâmico de Monsanto & the forest around
An abandoned 1960s restaurant turned street-art gallery on a hill west of the city. The views over Lisbon and the Tagus river are some of the best you'll find anywhere in the city, and the graffiti-covered interior gives it a totally different vibe than the polished tourist spots. The Monsanto forest park around it is huge and quiet (unlike the city). Perfect for a walk away from the city crowds.
Praia do Guincho
Wild Atlantic beach west of Lisbon, near Cascais. The water is much colder than the Mediterranean and the waves are serious. This is surfer territory, not lounging-with-cocktails territory. But the raw cliffs and crashing waves make it feel like the edge of Europe (which it almost literally is). A welcome change of pace after the city days, where we could also just enjoy a beach day next to the surfing.
Cascais
Coastal town a short train ride from Lisbon. We came here for an afternoon to escape the city heat. Pretty harbor, small beaches, plenty of restaurants and a much more relaxed pace than central Lisbon. It feels almost like a Portuguese Riviera village but still touristy I have to say. We also did some cliff diving close to Cascais. Nice city to visit once but if you're looking for a more 'empty' beach where you can play a little around then I would avoid this one and go to Praia do Guincho.
Trip to the Oceanário
The Lisbon Oceanarium is genuinely one of the best aquariums I've ever been to (I have to be honest I didn't go to many so far, this was an impulsive idea). The huge central tank with sharks, rays, and schools of fish swimming together is mesmerizing. You could sit and watch for an hour. A great way to escape an afternoon of summer heat in the city.
If I Could Go Back
Looking back, I think we actually did a great job hitting some unique spots like finding that awesome viewpoint right next to the castle rocks in Sintra, or exploring Panorâmico de Monsanto. But if I could return, I’d definitely cross the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril to the other side of the river. I have no idea what’s actually over there to explore, but staring at it from the city always made it seem cool. Besides that, I’d probably try to catch a traditional Fado night in Alfama, track down a few more hidden local food spots, and honestly, just eat way more Pastel de Nata. Keep in mind that this was a typical city trip, though. If you are looking for pure nature, raw landscapes, or real outdoor adventure, Lisbon might not be your primary destination, but it's an amazing place for what it is.
When
September 2022
Duration
10 days
From BRU
3h