My Memorable Trip to Lisbon: Exploring Alfama to Belem
Day 1: Alfama Adventures
Our Lisbon adventure began when we traveled from Cascais to the beautiful Alfama district. We hopped into an Uber, and within 40 minutes, we found ourselves at our destination. Alfama is a historic neighborhood known for its winding streets, colorful buildings, and its unique charm that will transport you back in time.
Our first stop was the Castelo de Jorge, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of Lisbon. I can't stress enough how important it is to organize your tickets ahead of time or book online. The lines can get incredibly long, especially during peak tourist seasons, and waiting in the heat is far from enjoyable.
Once inside, we were immediately greeted by a breathtaking view of Lisbon, with the river and Ponte 25 de Abril stretching out before us. The castle itself is a fantastic place to explore, with its ancient walls and winding pathways. While there are free 20-minute tours that run every half hour, my boys were too excited to wait, so we embarked on our own adventure.
After our castle exploration, we retraced our steps into the enchanting backstreets of Alfama. We stumbled upon a charming café with a lovely garden and decided to have lunch there. It was the perfect spot to recharge before continuing our adventure.
With satisfied appetites, we continued our exploration through Alfama's labyrinthine streets. Along the way, we stumbled upon the picturesque Miradouro das Portas do Sol, offering captivating views over the city. Following the tram tracks, we found ourselves at the Se, Lisbon's gothic cathedral.
For the grand finale of the day, we climbed up to the Panteão Nacional and treated ourselves to an ice cream on the way back to our apartment, freshening up for a remarkable dinner with a view of the Rio Tejo.
Day 2: Oceanário and Culinary Delights
Our second day began with an Uber ride to the Expo site of 1998, home to the renowned Oceanário. This incredible oceanarium houses a diverse array of marine life from various ecosystems, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Booking your tickets in advance is a wise choice as it can save you from again the lengthy queues.
After this aquatic adventure, we strolled along the Rio Tejo and had a delightful pizza lunch at a riverside restaurant, relishing the scenic views and the vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening, we ventured through the bustling streets of Lisbon, passing through Pink Street to reach Time Out Market. Here, you can find a variety of local and international food vendors, making it a perfect spot for trying out different flavors and tapas.
Day 3: Tram 28 and Exploring Estrela
On our third day, we woke up early to catch the famous Tram 28 as this tram can get pretty busy with queues for up to an hour to hop on. The number 28 tram is an iconic Lisbon symbol that can also take you on a scenic ride through the city's winding streets. We hopped off in Estrela and decided to climb up the Basilica da Estrela for its incredible views of Lisbon. Nearby, we found a relaxing park, and while the boys played, we enjoyed some well-deserved rest after climbing all the stairs at the Basilica.
We also explored the enchanting "Green Street" and stopped for a pleasant lunch at a local cafe. Later, we visited the LX Factory, a trendy district filled with shops and boutiques, concluding our day with another round of delectable tapas.
Day 4: Journey to Belem
Our final full day in Lisbon was dedicated to Belem, a charming district that's brimming with historical landmarks and mouthwatering pastries. We started the day by joining the queue for the famous Pastel de Nata at the birthplace of these delectable treats, Pastéis de Belem. The crispy, creamy goodness was worth every moment in line.
We then explored Belem, passing by the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a symbol of Portugal's rich history and craftsmanship. Make sure to secure your tickets in advance to avoid long queues as they seemed to go forever that day.
Our journey continued to the Belem marina, where we savored a leisurely lunch while watching the boats go by. We then visited the Torre de Belem, a fortress that stands tall by the river. You have to book in advance to access the Torre de Belem and book your timeslot.
Our next stop was the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, a striking monument that pays tribute to Portugal's Age of Discoveries.
With our hearts and minds full of Lisbon's beauty, we returned to pack for our early flight the next day, but not before making one last stop at the Time Out Market to savor more delightful Portuguese cuisine. Conclusion
Our trip to Lisbon was such a fun experience, filled with stunning sights, rich history, and unforgettable culinary adventures. From the cobblestone streets of Alfama to the historic treasures of Belem, Lisbon truly captured our hearts, leaving us with cherished memories. If you plan to visit Lisbon, make sure to book your tickets in advance to fully savor the city's offerings and avoid long lines, and don't forget to indulge in the local Portuguese flavors that make this city even more magical.