After a few laid-back days in Faro, I took the three and a half hour train journey up to Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling and vibrant capital. My Airbnb was in Bairro Alto, known for its lively nightlife, which is also a nice chilled district during the day – perfect for me.
Day 1: Getting Lost in Bairro Alto
After checking into my Airbnb, I wandered out in search of coffee. The narrow, winding streets of Bairro Alto are lined with cafes and bakeries, and I stumbled upon Manteigaria, where I had my first pastel de nata. I’d heard these custard tarts were amazing, but I wasn’t prepared for just how good they actually are—crispy, flaky pastry with a creamy, sweet filling. I knew right away I’d be having a few more of these over the next few days.
Fueled by caffiene, I spent the rest of the morning exploring and taking photo’s. Bairro Alto by day is quiet and chilled, with colourful buildings covered in azulejos (those iconic Portuguese tiles) and little shops selling all kinds of quirky things. I didn’t have any real plan, just walked wherever the streets took me. It always feels good to just be aimlessly wandering in a new place.
For lunch, I found a tiny place called Taberna da Rua das Flores. It’s one of those spots you might miss if you’re not looking for it, but the food was incredible. I had some petiscos—basically Portuguese tapas—including sardines and chouriço. Simple, delicious, and very satisfying.
In the evening, I headed up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, one of Lisbon’s many viewpoints. The view of the city, with its terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River in the background, was stunning.
Day 2: Trams, Tiles, and a Taste of portugal
I woke up early the next day and headed straight for Tram 28. This old yellow tram is famous for winding through some of Lisbon’s most scenic neighbourhoods. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but totally worth it. I hopped off in Alfama, the oldest district in the city.
Alfama is like stepping back in time. It’s a maze of narrow alleyways, steep steps, and hidden squares. I spent the morning exploring, taking random turns, and discovering hidden little corners. I stopped for a coffee (yes, again) at a small café with just a few tables outside. It was peaceful, with just the sound of a guitarist playing in the background.
For lunch, I found a cosy tasca (a traditional Portuguese eatery) and ordered bacalhau à brás, a dish made with salted cod, potatoes, and eggs. It was super tasty, all from local produce, and the owner was super friendly, even though my Portuguese is pretty much non-existent.
Day 3: Belém, Food, and Farewell
On my last day, I took a tram out to Belém. This area is home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. I spent some time wandering around, taking in the impressive architecture and learning a bit about Portugal’s history with a free waling tour from Guru Tours.
I made sure to stop at Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of the famous pastel de nata. It was even better than I imagined—warm, with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. I ended up eating three, but who’s counting…
In the late afternoon, I wandered around Cais do Sodré, another cool neighbourhood by the water. I found a nice café, grabbed a coffee, and spent some time people-watching. As the sun began to set, I caught the ferry over to Almada for dinner at Ponto Final on the waterfront…
