A Weekend in Lisbon

Portugal has been on my wishlist for ages. I was so curious of exploring this Country, and all of my friends who've been visiting Lisbon were telling mw that the city is simply stunning. So when I realised I had a weekend free, tickets were not expensive and on AirB&B a lovely flat was available to rent, I took the occasion to go and finally see Lisbon with my eyes.

Amazing view of the city from Miraduro de Santa Lucia

Was I disappointed? Absolutely not. Lisbon is indeed a lovely city. Not too big, easy to explore in a weekend, easy to walk, so colourful and perfumed by its simply delicious food and desserts.

From the airport (all airline land in Terminal 1, but low cost ones depart from Terminal 2, an information handy to know for when you're coming back home) you can easily find the red metro line taking you directly in town. From there, you can swap on the other metro lines and reach your location. There only are 4 metro lines in Lisbon, and that might make you understand that the city is not too big, and quick to explore.

Cathedral Se', Old Lisbon

Before jumping on the metro, you can purchase a ticket at the machine; you can either buy a single ticket, or a daily ticket, which you will be able to use on trains, trams, buses and metro, and will be valid for 24 hours. Mind that it is 24 hours, and not one day, meaning that if you buy it at 3.00 PM on a Saturday, it will be valid until 3.00 PM on Sunday. So if you need to use the public transport again after that hour, you will need to purchase another ticket.

Jump on a yellow tram and enjoy the city view!

Terrace with a view, isn't it so pretty? So perfect for happy hour. Wait here for sunset, you'll see an amazing show

So which are the things you simply must see in Lisbon? Well, first of all Old Lisbon, the oldest part of the city, up the hill, that you can reach jumping on one of the typical yellow trams. Number 28 is the one that will bring you all around old Lisbon, and you can have a glance of its beauty before getting off and explore by yourself. Its narrow roads and ancient buildings will steal your heart, together with the amazing contrast between the colours: the blue sky, yellow trams, pink and green buildings, turquoise sea.

Placa du Commercio

Old Lisbon treasures some of the most beautiful attractions of the city, like the S. Jorge Castle. Entrance ticket is 8.00, you can stay in as much as you want. At 1.00 PM there is a free English tour making your exploration easier if you like. Make sure you visit the dark room, as it is amazing. Its a tower with which, thanks to a system of lenses and mirrors, you will be able to see the whole city at 360 degrees, reflect on a white canvas. In Old Lisbon you can also see the Cathedral Se', the S. Engracia Church, Museum Do Fado, Casa Biscos with its peculiar “spikes” on the facade, and the Igreja do Carmo, the 14^th Century convent destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, and of which you can still see standing some amazing columns and arches. Don't forget that Old Lisbon also hosts some of the most beautiful viewpoints, like the simply stunning Miraduro de Santa Lucia.

From Rossio, down Rua Aurea, to Placa du Commercio

Igreja do Carmo, of which you can see a few columns and arches still standing

There are plenty of viewpoints in Lisbon, especially in the Old City. Terraces opened on the landscape, giving you breathtaking views of the city roofs, the ocean, the green mountains. One of my favourite was the Elevador of Santa Justa, a beautiful metal elevator situated nearby Rossio (on the green metro Line), on the top of which you have Lisbon at your feet.

Walking down the river, enjoying the view of colourful Lisbon

From Rossio have a walk down one of the typical Portuguese roads, like Rua Aurea, and find yourself in the stunning Placa du Commercio, one of the main squares, opened on the river Tejo. From there, have a walk by the shore, and admire in front of you the amazing 25^th of April Bridge, which is a kind of exact copy of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. At the other side of the bridge you can also see a big statue of a white Christ (does you remind something like Rio?...).

Bridge 25th of April and the White Christ on the opposite shore

If you want to speak food... well, food in Lisbon is simply amazing. I loved everything I tried, from the fish based dishes, and meats, but most of all, I loved their desserts. Obviously if you're in Portugal you can't but try a pastel de nata, and their typical piri chicken (to which Nando's is inspired, if you're curious about that).

Funny sculptures found walking down the river

Another amazing view of the city, from Park Eduardo VII

I had a lovely city break in Lisbon, and I can't but suggest you to go and visit, because its so, so worthy. For any question, feel free to ask. I hope you found this little article useful, and that it might have made you curious to go and explore this little European gem!

M