Where to go? What to do? Must try foods... Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal!
Yes, we know... your heart skipped a beat with this photo. Lisboa, is the official name given to this multicultural and colorful capital of Portugal. It doesn't have one but several Unesco Heritage Sites.
Get your comfy shoes on but the cute ones, because you will be taking a ridiculously amount of pictures for Instagram. Mark my words.
Like this one:
These trams will shake rattle and roll and you will start to think you are in 1907.
Hop on one and explore some of the most interesting spots of Lisbon’s historical and architectural heritage passing by very narrow streets and plenty of steep hills.
It's called the city of SEVEN hills but I swear I counted at least 25 ha! Believe me, you won't be bored!
The most popular Tram is no. 28 that runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. You will pass by all the must see sites. Then, get ready to feel like a medieval princess and walk over to the São Jorge Castle.
You think that is it? Nope. Plenty of more beauty to see. Let's talk about the azulejos or tiles! Wow... So colorful and artsy. This little painted squares are embedded in the Portuguese culture. Every corner you turn to is filled with unique designs.
You'll want to take them home! (Replicas will cost you a couple Euros) Talking about Euros make sure you have some on you. Although majority of places take cards, it's always a good idea since some smaller shops or restaurants take cash only.
Alright, so have you booked your ticket yet? Talking about that... We traveled in November, yes it could be a little cold and windy! Like 54 degrees and some days were rainy and cloudy but hear me out! We got a great deal on a roundtrip direct flight from Miami (8 hours) for $535 on TAP.
OK, disclosure: We did get charged for our luggage. So pack light!
So even with this charge... Yeah totally worth it.
Visualize this: A roundtrip to San Francisco from Miami (USA) will probably cost you the same. And this is Europe my friends, the old continent, all the way on the other side of world.
Here are more pretty pics for your delight of the must visit places in Lisbon.
FOOD:
Three words: Pastéis de Nata say what! Custard tart deliciousness. Explosion in your mouth... I PROMISE.
You must try the ones from Pastéis de Belém. It's a whole foody historic experience (founded in1837) and the pasteleria is filled with amazing mosaic blue tiles! I can live here and eat Pastéis de Nata forever and ever. Amen.
Frutos du Mar (Seafood)
As fresh as can be... pick the catch of the day, you will see these outside the restaurants in beds of ice. Salted Cod is the king here, if your pallet flirts with the taste go for it!
I personally don't really like Bacalhau, but my husband devoured his plate. So, I think he loved it to say the least! Portuguese make all kinds of concoctions with cod including little pasteis (pastries) which are the staple of this country! I swear is an obsession with this fish.
I went for the Polvo à lagareiro (Octopus roasted in olive oil) if you like octopus you will want to cry with joy on your first bite. It is that delicious! Queijadas da Belem is a must try restaurant!.
POP CULTURE
Lisbon is the only city along the Atlantic coast.
Recognized as an alpha-level global city in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. Basically everything! As of 2018 only 21 cities in the world make the list.
Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 is not from Lisbon, he is from Porto.
Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe and one of the oldest cities in the world.
Fado is a music genre originated in Portugal.
Lisbon has its own Cristo Rei. Like the one in Rio de Janeiro only in tiny version.
There are more than 10 castles in Lisbon. Yeah, as in old school huge castles where there were kingdoms like in the fairytales. Go to Sintra you will see what I'm talking about.
Recommendations:
1. If you are traveling with kiddos... DO NOT forget your stroller. You will die! Lucca my kid is five and very long, too big for a stroller but I still crammed him in there. Why? Because the one day we didn't take the stroller, he fell asleep tired from all the walking and my husband and I had to break our backs carrying him all over the city.
2. I'm not kidding about the comfy shoes, so many cobblestone hills. Your feet will thank you.
3. Você fala português? Download a translation app. So you at least have some form of communication with the locals. When you come back you will learn and feel what SAUDADE means.
4. While eating out you will notice that the waiter will fill your table with bread, olives, cheese, or any other small appetizers. You will be charged for this if you try it. Why you ask? Well, our local friends explained to us that all restaurants work like that. They tease you with the small plates and if you bite you pay.
5. At least spend 3 to 5 days here to really take in the sights and culture. If you are into museums you will need at least 5 to 7. So much to see, so little time!
6. If you have kids OR not... Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa. It is so relaxing to see huge beautiful fish swim around in a gigantic tank after walking the city. Oh, btw it's home to the cutest penguins I ever did see. Also, voted #1 on 2018 by Tripadvisor as best aquarium.
7. There is a great train service and Uber available but you will waste precious time if your hotel is far away from the old town.
Ok, I'm out! Peace Lisbon.
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