Lisbon, Portugal
Aug, 2023
Lisbon, Portugal
Aug, 2023
Lisbon, Portugal
Aug, 2023
Day 1: Sintra
I arrived in Lisbon by train , while my friend flew in separately. Unfortunately, both our journeys were delayed, which left us scrambling to pick up our rental car and make it to Sintra in time for our 12:30 p.m. tickets.
Once we arrived in Sintra, parking turned out to be a nightmare, as the entire area is filled with one-way streets. After circling around for a while, we finally found a spot, but it still required a 20-minute uphill walk to the entrance. Luckily, a tuk-tuk driver offered us a ride to the top—definitely worth it for the views and the energy we saved.
When we reached the entrance, we were met with unexpected news—our tickets were no longer valid because we had missed our time slot. Left with no choice, we had to purchase new ones before finally entering the magnificent Palácio da Pena. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the palace made the visit worthwhile. Walking through its lavish rooms and terraces, we marveled at the panoramic views of Sintra’s rolling hills and misty forests.
After descending from the palace, we checked into our hotel in Avenidas Novas, a central and well-connected area in Lisbon, ready to explore the city the next day.
Day 1: Sintra
I arrived in Lisbon by train , while my friend flew in separately. Unfortunately, both our journeys were delayed, which left us scrambling to pick up our rental car and make it to Sintra in time for our 12:30 p.m. tickets.
Once we arrived in Sintra, parking turned out to be a nightmare, as the entire area is filled with one-way streets. After circling around for a while, we finally found a spot, but it still required a 20-minute uphill walk to the entrance. Luckily, a tuk-tuk driver offered us a ride to the top—definitely worth it for the views and the energy we saved.
When we reached the entrance, we were met with unexpected news—our tickets were no longer valid because we had missed our time slot. Left with no choice, we had to purchase new ones before finally entering the magnificent Palácio da Pena. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the palace made the visit worthwhile. Walking through its lavish rooms and terraces, we marveled at the panoramic views of Sintra’s rolling hills and misty forests.
After descending from the palace, we checked into our hotel in Avenidas Novas, a central and well-connected area in Lisbon, ready to explore the city the next day.
Day 1: Sintra
I arrived in Lisbon by train , while my friend flew in separately. Unfortunately, both our journeys were delayed, which left us scrambling to pick up our rental car and make it to Sintra in time for our 12:30 p.m. tickets.
Once we arrived in Sintra, parking turned out to be a nightmare, as the entire area is filled with one-way streets. After circling around for a while, we finally found a spot, but it still required a 20-minute uphill walk to the entrance. Luckily, a tuk-tuk driver offered us a ride to the top—definitely worth it for the views and the energy we saved.
When we reached the entrance, we were met with unexpected news—our tickets were no longer valid because we had missed our time slot. Left with no choice, we had to purchase new ones before finally entering the magnificent Palácio da Pena. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the palace made the visit worthwhile. Walking through its lavish rooms and terraces, we marveled at the panoramic views of Sintra’s rolling hills and misty forests.
After descending from the palace, we checked into our hotel in Avenidas Novas, a central and well-connected area in Lisbon, ready to explore the city the next day.
Day 2: Lisbon
We spent the day wandering through Lisbon’s historic streets, starting at Praça do Comércio, a stunning waterfront square lined with grand yellow buildings. From there, we took in the views from the Santa Justa Elevator, a beautifully designed iron structure offering panoramic city views.
As we explored, we admired the architecture of one of Lisbon’s oldest churches and stumbled upon Plaza de Carmo, a charming square with a mix of history and lively street performances. One of our favorite discoveries was a unique thrift store/bookshop, a hidden gem filled with vintage finds and old Portuguese literature. Of course, we had to stop and take photos of the iconic yellow cable trams as they made their way through the city’s hilly streets.
For dinner, we visited Prado, a highly recommended restaurant from a friend in London. Given my dietary restrictions as a Hindu and my friend’s as a Muslim, we informed the staff, who did their best to accommodate us. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor. If budget wasn’t an issue, we would have dined there every night—it was easily one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
Day 2: Lisbon
We spent the day wandering through Lisbon’s historic streets, starting at Praça do Comércio, a stunning waterfront square lined with grand yellow buildings. From there, we took in the views from the Santa Justa Elevator, a beautifully designed iron structure offering panoramic city views.
As we explored, we admired the architecture of one of Lisbon’s oldest churches and stumbled upon Plaza de Carmo, a charming square with a mix of history and lively street performances. One of our favorite discoveries was a unique thrift store/bookshop, a hidden gem filled with vintage finds and old Portuguese literature. Of course, we had to stop and take photos of the iconic yellow cable trams as they made their way through the city’s hilly streets.
For dinner, we visited Prado, a highly recommended restaurant from a friend in London. Given my dietary restrictions as a Hindu and my friend’s as a Muslim, we informed the staff, who did their best to accommodate us. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor. If budget wasn’t an issue, we would have dined there every night—it was easily one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
Day 2: Lisbon
We spent the day wandering through Lisbon’s historic streets, starting at Praça do Comércio, a stunning waterfront square lined with grand yellow buildings. From there, we took in the views from the Santa Justa Elevator, a beautifully designed iron structure offering panoramic city views.
As we explored, we admired the architecture of one of Lisbon’s oldest churches and stumbled upon Plaza de Carmo, a charming square with a mix of history and lively street performances. One of our favorite discoveries was a unique thrift store/bookshop, a hidden gem filled with vintage finds and old Portuguese literature. Of course, we had to stop and take photos of the iconic yellow cable trams as they made their way through the city’s hilly streets.
For dinner, we visited Prado, a highly recommended restaurant from a friend in London. Given my dietary restrictions as a Hindu and my friend’s as a Muslim, we informed the staff, who did their best to accommodate us. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor. If budget wasn’t an issue, we would have dined there every night—it was easily one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
Day 3: Belem
The next morning, we ventured to Belém, one of Lisbon’s most famous districts. Our first stop was the Belém Tower, a stunning fortress by the Tagus River, followed by a visit to the National Palace of Ajuda, where we admired the lavish interiors and rich history of Portuguese royalty.
For lunch, I finally had the chance to try Portugal’s famous peri-peri chicken, while my friend opted for a fresh seafood dish. The flavors were bold and delicious, making for a memorable meal.
We then made our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece with intricate details and a deep connection to Portugal’s maritime history. It was breathtaking and an absolute must-visit—though be prepared for a long wait!
Later, we took a ferry, a perk included in the Lisboa Card, which provided an insightful guided tour of the city from the water. Looking back, we wished we had done this tour on our first day, as it would have given us a better understanding of the city’s history before exploring it on foot.
Day 3: Belem
The next morning, we ventured to Belém, one of Lisbon’s most famous districts. Our first stop was the Belém Tower, a stunning fortress by the Tagus River, followed by a visit to the National Palace of Ajuda, where we admired the lavish interiors and rich history of Portuguese royalty.
For lunch, I finally had the chance to try Portugal’s famous peri-peri chicken, while my friend opted for a fresh seafood dish. The flavors were bold and delicious, making for a memorable meal.
We then made our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece with intricate details and a deep connection to Portugal’s maritime history. It was breathtaking and an absolute must-visit—though be prepared for a long wait!
Later, we took a ferry, a perk included in the Lisboa Card, which provided an insightful guided tour of the city from the water. Looking back, we wished we had done this tour on our first day, as it would have given us a better understanding of the city’s history before exploring it on foot.
Day 3: Belem
The next morning, we ventured to Belém, one of Lisbon’s most famous districts. Our first stop was the Belém Tower, a stunning fortress by the Tagus River, followed by a visit to the National Palace of Ajuda, where we admired the lavish interiors and rich history of Portuguese royalty.
For lunch, I finally had the chance to try Portugal’s famous peri-peri chicken, while my friend opted for a fresh seafood dish. The flavors were bold and delicious, making for a memorable meal.
We then made our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece with intricate details and a deep connection to Portugal’s maritime history. It was breathtaking and an absolute must-visit—though be prepared for a long wait!
Later, we took a ferry, a perk included in the Lisboa Card, which provided an insightful guided tour of the city from the water. Looking back, we wished we had done this tour on our first day, as it would have given us a better understanding of the city’s history before exploring it on foot.
Day 4: Food Markets & Beaches
Before leaving Lisbon, we checked out Misericórdia and the nearby food market, where we sampled various Portuguese delicacies. From fresh pastries to local cheeses, it was the perfect way to experience the city’s diverse food scene.
To end our trip on a relaxing note, we drove south of Lisbon to the beaches, spending our final evening by the sea, soaking in the sunset and reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Portugal.
Day 4: Food Markets & Beaches
Before leaving Lisbon, we checked out Misericórdia and the nearby food market, where we sampled various Portuguese delicacies. From fresh pastries to local cheeses, it was the perfect way to experience the city’s diverse food scene.
To end our trip on a relaxing note, we drove south of Lisbon to the beaches, spending our final evening by the sea, soaking in the sunset and reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Portugal.
Day 4: Food Markets & Beaches
Before leaving Lisbon, we checked out Misericórdia and the nearby food market, where we sampled various Portuguese delicacies. From fresh pastries to local cheeses, it was the perfect way to experience the city’s diverse food scene.
To end our trip on a relaxing note, we drove south of Lisbon to the beaches, spending our final evening by the sea, soaking in the sunset and reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Portugal.
