Lisbon
Lisbon was eventually going to be the starting point of our Portuguese Camino, but with a couple of days to get over the jet lag first, we had the perfect excuse to explore this vibrant city.
Colourful, lively and full of character, Lisbon turned out to be a pretty good place to ease ourselves into Portugal.
What we did
We booked a private Tuk Tuk tour for four hours, which was a great way to get our bearings and see many of Lisbon’s sights. A Tuk Tuk is perfect for a first introduction to Lisbon. particularly when it comes to navigating those small cobblestone streets and hills. We saw all the usual churches, cathedrals, theatres, presidential residences, museums and statues of some of Portugal’s most significant figures.
For me, it was the other things we discovered along the way that I loved the most - the ornate tiled houses, colourful buildings and murals dotted throughout the city. Visiting the world’s oldest bookstore - and purchasing a book there, stopping for a pastel de Belem at the original bakery, and watching them being made, trying cod cakes from the amazing food halls of Time Out Lisbon, and wandering down the colourful and musical Pink Street - with umbrellas overhead.
Outside of our Tuk Tuk tour, we visited St George Castle (Castelo de São Jorge), Lisbons highest point and the place to get the most amazing views. I highly recommend lunch at 1147 Restaurante, the food was great. Exploring the castle grounds was fun and the peacocks were a delightful addition to the day.
We spent another day back in Belém, this time visiting the Maritime Museum and exploring the waterfront. The museum is well worth a visit if you have time, and an interest in Portugals’ extraordinary maritime history. The elaborate ship models, and historic vessels are particularly impressive.
Across the way, on the banks of the Tagus River, is the imposing, tall limestone structure - The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). It honours Portugals explorers from the 15th and 16th centuries. I think this is a must see, and if we had more time in Lisbon, I would have loved to see if from the water on a river cruise - I suspect if would give you a completely different perspective.
And if you have the energy, the walk back towards the city along the waterfront is lovely.
We also made our way to the Parque das Nações., the former Expo ‘98 site. It’s a complete contrast to historic Lisbon - a modern waterfront district of beautiful restaurants, public art, a cable car and the aquarium - Oceanário. The enormous Vasco da Gama Bridge stretching across the Tagus River, makes quiet a backdrop.
A few things worth knowing
We were lucky enough to be in Lisbon on 25th April - Freedom Day, which commemorates the end of Portugal’s dictatorship in 1974. Red carnations were everywhere, with street celebrations and a wonderful carnival atmosphere.
Lisbon’s trams are part of the city’s character. Tram 28 is the one most visitors want to ride - my advice is to go early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
Lisbon is a city of hills - they say seven, although it certainly feels like more! Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Food is very much part of the experience, wander the streets and discover small local restaurants. Make sure you have at least one pastel de nata, and if you happen to spot pastel de nata liquour, give that a try too. Yum!
Lisbon is also a busy cruise port, so when the ships are in, you’ll notice the difference.
And finally, don’t forget to look up. Some of the most beautiful details are on the buildings themselves, with colourful ceramic tiles covering façades throughout the city.
Lisbon really surprised me. It was colourful, fun and sophisticated, with plenty more I’d happily return to explore. And for us, it was only the beginning - our Portuguese Camino was about to start.