2.5 Days: 74,704 steps
The first thing I noticed when we arrived in Lisbon was how fresh the air was. We really loved Lisbon. The streets were clean and bright, and the people were really friendly. At this point in my trip, I wasn’t as interested in going in Cathedrals or Museums. I would rather just spend my time exploring a city. By the end of our time in Lisbon, we didn’t have much of a choice because everything was getting shut down in the city.
Lisbon was very picturesque; from giant monuments, to winding streets, and rustic abandoned homes. I was also able to take pictures that many people will never have a chance to as the streets slowly emptied.
I also spent one day going to Sintra and Cascais. These are definitely must-see towns close to Lisbon. Each place really needs a day to enjoy, but because most monuments were closed, I was able to go to both in one day.
Sights
S. Jorge Castle – This castle is one of the most historic landmarks in Lisbon. After doing two 3-hour tours through the Alcazar and Alhambra, we decided to not go into the castle but the surrounding area (Alfama) is really beautiful to walk through!
Alfama – Filled with a mix of quaint shops, street musicians, and abandoned homes. We really enjoyed getting lost in the streets surrounding the S. Jorge Castle. It was here in Alfama that I took some of my favourite photos of Portuguese homes
Time Out Market – One side is filled with your classic market stalls (produce and meats). The other side is a cafeteria where you can get a taste of traditional Portuguese dishes and treats (pastéis de nata!)
R. de Bica de Duarte Belo – the most photographed street in Lisbon, it is worth stopping here to enjoy the steep hill and funicular for a classic Lisbon shot.
Praça do Comércio & Arco da Rua Augusta – Landmarking the main street of the city centre, the Rua Augusta Arch is a magnificent piece. You can also find tourist information hubs in the square adjacent to the arch.
Eats
Fábrica de Nata – There are no lack of bakeries with Portuguese Custard Tarts. The best ones I tried were at Fábrica de Nata
El-Rei Dom Fango – A good lunch spot, enjoyed their octopus salad and the first good cappuccino I’ve had!
Bonjardin – A really great hidden spot for roasted chicken and nice service. They served Portuguese bread (amazing) and cheese (Sabor Alentejano – Cow and Sheep mix) which were delicious.
Páo Páo Queijo Queijo – I’ve been having fun going into smaller restaurants asking for whatever’s best. This was a great place to stop for lunch. They have a large variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads.
*Taberna Anti Dantas – I stumbled upon this really unique spot for dinner and drinks. The walls were full of pictures and statues. The food looked great and I wanted to come back but unfortunately didn’t get the chance L I would recommend checking this place out though
Sintra
It’s fairly easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon. You can grab a train from Rossio Station (running every half-hour on weekdays, and every hour on weekends). It costs 6 euros for a 24-hour metro pass.
I would recommend taking the trip out to Sintra to see the beautiful castles and historic town. The town is surrounded by lush forests and hunting grounds. Unfortunately, when I arrived just about everything was closed. I enjoyed a nice walk through the historic centre but there were no buses running to get to the castle and palace (and it’s a 7km walk up hill one way). So, I decided to leave Sintra and continue my day trip to Cascais.
Cascais
You can take a train straight from Lisbon to Cascais, but you can also take a bus from Sintra. The 417 bus will bring you straight to the centre of Cascais. It takes about 40 minutes and costs 4.30 euros.
Cascais is a really pretty town. There are several beaches in the coves made from rocks that cover the shoreline. You can also walk around the fortress, marina, and the small streets to explore local shops and restaurants.
I saw a couple people on stand-up paddle boards and made it my mission to find a spot to rent one (not easy when everything is shut down with the virus). I was delighted to find SurfnPaddle Cascais where I rented a board for an hour for 15 euro. It was a really cool way to explore the coast and it was really beautiful (wish I could have taken photos, but I did not bring my phone out with me).
Tocca – Grabbed an Açai bowl from Tocca after a long day of walking and being in the sun.
Taking the train back to Lisbon is easy too. Trains depart every 20 minutes and it takes about an hour to get back to the city.
I really enjoyed my time in Lisbon. I don’t feel too shortchanged on the things I missed out on because of the corona virus. I did, however, have to make some tough decisions about the rest of my trip while in Lisbon. I made a large effort to not let this disappointing news ruin my time here. I am off to Porto and will be heading home on Wednesday. I know that nearly everything will be shut down, but I am up for the challenge of finding new ways to enjoy the city until my departure.
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