Postcards from Lisbon
Ola! I’m in Lisbon and it’s lovely. I was only planning to be here for a day or two, but I fell under her spell and have extended things a while. I’m getting really excited about the fact that I’ll be in Africa in just over a week! AFRICA! It looks like I’ll be heading to Servile later this week to meet a friend then heading to Cadiz before making our way by ferry to Morocco. Although Lisbon is the first stop of my trip, I already feel beyond blessed to be here. It’s so charming, there’s an understated elegance about Lisbon. There’s another reason I’m found of Lisbon too – in 1755 there was a terrible earthquake here, tens of thousands of people died and there was considerable damage to all of the city. Since then things have been rebuilt and it’s so great to see so much life in a city that suffered such a big tragedy. It makes me hopeful for the recovery of my home town, Christchurch.
Since I left America in April, Portugal is the first new country I’ve visited. It has reminded me of so many things I love about travel: hearing a new language, seeing a new culture, trying new food and being completely lost. There’s something incredibly empowering about arriving in a fresh place alone and managing to find your way to wherever you need to be. There’s also a special magic in having an entire day free, just to wander around and see what you discover along the way. I’m SO SO SO excited about my upcoming travels, but I’m taking the time to slow down and focus on this lovely little city.
If you’ve got any “must dos” for Lisbon or nearby, please let me know. I’m really keen to make the most of my time here.
I really liked Lisbon too. I would recommend going to Sintra to see the Palace and Castle. It is a short train ride from Lisbon.
There are also some good walking tours of the old town that I would recommend.
I see you already got the Pasteis de Belem. Those are awesome.
Seville is also a great place. Make sure that you have enough time there.
Suggestions for Seville? I loved LOVED LOOOOOVED Sintra, so thank you very much for that suggestion. I got lost often enough in the old town to consider that a walking tour, although I do wish there was some narration. Pasteis de Belem make my life! They are probably the best “dessert” I’ve ever had. Period.
We’ll be there in about a month, so I look forward to *your* ideas on what to see.
Haha! I feel under pressure. Lisbon’s lovely, I’ll be doing a post on Sintra and a city guide to Lisbon as well. It’s just such a great city, I’m a bit sad I don’t have more time to see more of Portugal, so if you haven’t already and don’t have a rigid schedule, make sure you lock in more time. It’s lovely.
[...] from the hike up to the castle are really something special. I wasn’t supposed to be in Lisbon as long as I was, but it was so difficult to leave. The next time I’m in Europe I’ll [...]
[...] on the metro. But above and beyond that, there was an amazing view of Praça de D. Pedro IV one of Lisbon‘s most important squares. Not a bad view to enjoy while you’re sipping on your morning [...]
Hello
That’s really nice to see that you fall in love with Lisbon! I live here so if you need any extra tips let me know!
For other people who would like to stay in Lisbon for a few days, contact me because I have some apartments in Bairro Alto for renting.
Enjoy your trip!