With a minimal 3 nights in Lisbon and 3 nights in lagos I was eager to experience as much of the Portugese culture as I could. Lisbon is a beautiful city and much like every European city is filled with monuments, statues and gorgeous cobble-stone streets. The best hing to do here is wander around, from the port to the main square, to all the winding alleyways and hills that offer spectacular views you will not get bored.
My favourite things to do are:
- walk. Just go on an adventure and find your own favourite place to relax and enjoy Lisbon.
- visit Belem. Just a short 15min tram ride away is the Belem Tower and monastery. The monastery is a lot smaller than expected but so serene and beautiful it makes up for its size. Here you can read lots of history about the building or enjoy it’s peaceful green courtyard that’s surrounded by ornate carved wooden walls that are exquisite to admire.
- eat pastels del nata. These famous portugese tarts are incredibly delicious and you’ll be doing yourself a disservice to miss out. There is a small blue pastry shop just down from Belem monastery that is famous for its pastries, and with reason. They are delicious! Another great spot in Lisbon is Manteigaria. Mine was warm and fresh out of the oven, I tried it like a local, with a sprinkling of cinnamon and icing sugar and am still day-dreaming about it now.. Next door is also a great bakery which sells Gods Bread – treat yourself again and buy one for a mere $1 euro, they are scrumptious! And kind of taste linebackers delight finger buns (sweet bread buns with icing).
see St George castle. Dotted around the castle are little areas of green where locals sit to enjoy some wine and food. Don’t be shy to copy them, they’re there for a reason. Grab your own picnic, hike up and relax. The views are rewarding and look out over Lisbon.- go to Barrio Alto. This area comes alive at night (we mean 11pm onwards) and the tiny cobbled streets are filled with those eager for a drink. Bars and clubs open everywhere and people spill outside, drink in hand, making friends and having a good time. Make sure to join in.
- visit the local restaurants. Just up a hill from the main square this bubbling little restaurant has the best salmon steak I have ever had in my life. It is literally bursting with flavour and just flakes apart with a fork leaving you mouth sized pieces of slightly charred skin and juicy pink flesh to devour. Walk up the little hill on your left, climb the stairs, turn right and there’s a little restaurant with tables and chairs all over the pavement. From here you can see the castle between the buildings too, and watch the sun disappear with good food and wine.
madeleinecurby 