Portugal.
A few years back my parents and sister traveled abroad and visted Portugal and spoke so highly of it, so I decided it was my turn to give it a visit. My flight went from Philadelphia to Lisbon and I spent two days in Lisbon for this trip. It was rainy and foggy my second day visiting as it was spring time, but the rain wasn’t too bad and I came prepared. It was a beautiful time of year and perfect traveling temperature for all of the walking I did.
Lisbon.
One aspect that I love about Portugal is the city center is located between two hills. This created a unique look to the city because when you are at the bottom you just see the city rise above you on both sides. I started my tour of Lison on the east side. I slowly made my way up to all the look out points, and then headed back to the city center and tackled the west side. It seemed like the bulk of the city was on the east side with more look out spots and the castle located there.
Upon walking through the city you will encounter so many look out points or “miradouro.” My favorite look out point, Sophia de Modello, had me speechless when I first walked up to it.
We loved using Uber in Lisbon to get around! Both times I have visted I took an Uber straight from the airport to the city. It cost about $10 for an UberX to and from. I have also used the metro to and from the airport. Heading to the city from the airport cost me under $3 for a train ticket; this can be purchased in the metro station at the airport. If you are going to the old city, there will one line change halfway through.
You can spent hours walking up and down the hill (my legs were so sore the last day) or even catch a trolley ride though the city. Trolley 28 was the one I hopped on and I rode it for about 20 minutes. Just be mindful when riding because they tend to be full and it is a prime pickpocket spot.
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- Azulejos = Mosaic Tiles
I opted to skip the tour of Castelo de S Jorge the first time, but going back we went in. It’s cheaper if you go under the age of 25.
Belem.
Belem is an area of Lisbon that is home to one of my favorite pastries in the world! It’s a short metro ride out of the city center. There are a few sites to see in this area and worth the trip for the pastery! I actually started my trip in this area, as I took an Uber from the airport to Belem Tower. After seeing the Palace of Belem, Jeronimos Monestary and Ponte 25 de Abril I took the train into the main station of Lisbon.
Sintra.
Sintra is a part of Lisbon that is home to Pena Palace. A round trip train from Lisbon’s Rossio Plaza to Sintra can be purchased for 5 Euro. The castle is located on the top of a hill, which is a 45 min walk or a 7 Euro bus ride on 434 bus. I hoped off the bus on the way down at Sao Martinho to view the hillside town.
Where to stay.
I’ve gotten to visit Lisbon twice once solo and once with my boyfriend. The first time I stayed in a hostel called YES! Lisbon. It was about $40 a night, had an all female suite, A/C, and keycard access. If you are looking for a hostel try this one out! The second time we stayed in a hotel for about $150 a night called Dear Lisbon Bordalo House.
Top sites to see in Portugal:
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