Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is one of the coastal European cities I have always wanted to visit. It is a vibrant city filled with unique culture and interesting attractions. The slower pace of this location compared to that of the larger European cities was an attractive feature for me choosing this destination.
Trip Recap
- Day 1: Flying from Houston to Lisbon with a layover in Amsterdam for a day.
- Day 2: Indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine at Pinoquio for an authentic dining experience.
- Day 3: Today I explored Belém's iconic monuments and enjoyed a scoop of gelato.
- Day 4: Taxi ride to explore historic sites in picturesque Sintra, Portugal, is recommended.
- Day 5: Explored Chiado, then got lost in the charming streets of Alfama district.
Highlights
Taking a tuktuk ride up to Sintra. Saved us so much time and energy walking up the steep incline in the foggy weather.
Exploring the vegan Cuisine in the city.
Dinner at Pinoquio. Our waiter was a doll and very lovely.
Day 1
Travel from Houston to Lisbon. One stop layover in Amsterdam.
Day 2
Explore Baixa. Baixa is a traditional district in downtown Lisbon, Portugal. It is one of the city's oldest and most central neighborhoods, making it a popular tourist destination. The area is home to a variety of attractions, including old churches, museums, and public squares, as well as several restaurants and bars. It is also known for its iconic architecture, colorful tiled buildings, and cobblestone streets.
Dinner at Pinoquio (Pallela): restaurant offers traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau, caldo verde, and feijoada. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. The ambiance of the restaurant is casual and relaxed. It is open for lunch and dinner and offers outdoor seating in the summer.
Day 3
Grabbed breakfast at Honest Greens. They specialize in organic and vegan dishes as well as smoothies and juices.
Explore the iconic monuments located in the Belém district. Start by visiting the Jerónimos Monastery and admire the magnificent Manueline architecture. Then, make your way to the Tower of Belém and soak in the breathtaking views of the Tagus River and the Monument to the Discoveries. Make sure to stop by Nosolo Italia Belém for a nice scoop of gelato.
Next, stroll through Parque Eduardo VII is a large public park located in Lisbon, Portugal. The park is named after King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who visited Lisbon for the first time in 1902. The park covers an area of 47 hectares and offers stunning views of the city from its highest point. It has a variety of attractions, including an artificial lake, a rose garden, several monuments, statues, and fountains, as well as a wide variety of trees and plants. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and snack bars located in the park, which makes it a great place to spend a day.
Jerónimos Monastery: (Portuguese: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a 16th-century monastery located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. The monastery was classified as a National Monument in 1907 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon. The monastery was built to commemorate the voyages of Vasco da Gama and was funded by proceeds from the spice trade. The monastery is home to the Church of Santa Maria and the tomb of Vasco da Gama. The complex also includes a cloister and several historic chapels.
Monument to the Discoveries: (Portuguese: Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary in the civil parish of Belém, Lisbon, Portugal. It was built to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or Age of Exploration) during the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument is a 52-metre-tall slab of limestone situated at the mouth of the Tagus River and is a memorial to the Portuguese who took part in the Age of Discovery. It was built in 1960, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
Day 4
Day trip to Sintra. Sintra: is a town located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, near Lisbon, Portugal. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque scenery, historical monuments, and colorful gardens. The town is filled with historical sites, such as the Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra. The area is also known for its lush landscape, including the Serra de Sintra Natural Park and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Visitors can also explore the nearby beaches and the cobblestone streets of the old town.
Tickets: 14€ Adults / 12,5€ Youths
Note: Pay and take the taxi ride uphill. The walk is not for the faint of heart and is well worth it
Day 5
Explored Chiado. Chiado is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods of Lisbon, Portugal. It is located on the slope of one of Lisbon's Seven Hills and is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. The neighborhood is filled with narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and stunning panoramic views of the city. The area is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as a variety of shops and galleries. If you’re lucky you will be able to get a seat at the window to watch the yellow streetcar pass by.
Next, Get Lost in the Streets of Alfama. Spend the last day exploring the winding streets and take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhood filled with old shops and eateries. Stop by the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and admire the stunning views of the Tagus River.
Anything you would add or do differently?
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I would have explored more restaurants and made reservations at the popular restaurants beforehand.
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We would have taken the time to visit another part of Lisbon for a day trip such as Porto.
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We could have also planned a little better to see more attractions but overall, we were able to get quite a bit done in our time there.
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