Things to see in Lisbon Portugal. The beauty of this city took my breath away. Lisbon, to me, is A mix between sophisticated Europe and bustling Africa. I found it to be a vibrant city with loads of charm…
This is my 2nd post of our trip during Easter to Portugal. During our time there we rented a car and on one of the mornings (very early) we took the 3 hour drive from Porto (where we stayed) to Lisbon. You can read about my first post of our day in Obidos here (a quaint medieval village in the centre of Portugal). Just on a side note, we booked our apartment in Portugal via Booking.com and we highly recommend them, as well as Airbnb for all our accomodation needs!
The day we visited Lisbon (the capital of Portugal) was a beautiful day. The sun was shining as we strolled through the neighborhoods of the old city. The city is thousands of years old. Evidence of tribes in the neolithic era are evident in ruins on the edges of the city. The streets we walked along that day were built in the Middle Ages. We navigated the narrow cobble stone roads and climbed up and down stairs built into the hills. The houses are tall and narrow with two or three apartments in each. Houses are different colors; some are blue, some yellow, some white, and some pink. They all have those red tiled roofs. Colourful flowers spill out of windows and onto balconies. So so pretty!
By the time we wanted to go to St. George Castle it had started to rain. We were going to ride in tuk tuk’s which are little three wheeled motorcycles that operate like a taxi service. We decided to take the tram instead but the wait for the tram took forever. Because of the rain both tourists and locals were wanting and waiting to ride the tram. We got soaking wet as we waited for nearly an hour, huddled together under our umbrellas. Once it was finally our turn to board there was (almost) no room. We were all squished together. Like sardines in a can. Like Portuguese sardines (ha!).
Street cars (trams) in Lisbon are seriously everywhere and they definitely add to the charm and history of this city…
The St. George Castle, called the Sao Jorge Castle in Portuguese, is the top tourist destination in the city of Lisbon. It was busy with tourists that afternoon but not so busy that we couldn’t enjoy ourselves. We braved the rain and took our time walking the beautiful grounds. Peacocks kept us company as we took in the view of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. We were allowed to climb on the old walls of the fortress (everyone except me were brave enough..). Visiting the Castle was well worth the eighteen dollars admittance fee.
And of course I needed to make sure I got my favourite coffee in for the day. Starbucks. Have I ever told you guys how much I love me some Starbucks..? Cause I do! However check the photo below of the chandelier and arched window we saw in the Starbucks in the centre of Lisbon.. How beautiful is that!?
Our time in Lisbon was over and we took the 3 hours drive back to Porto. I´m seriously so glad we took the time to visit there because we enjoyed every moment! This will certainly not be my last visit to Portugal or this city…
I have a few more posts to share about our time in Portugal and seriously CAN NOT wait to share it with you guys!!
Have a great week 🙂
Johlene
xoxo
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gorgeous photos. i didn’t know they had tuk tuk there, that’s funny. lisbon is on my list! well, also, the algarves in portugal, too.
b
Me too!! I really want to visit Algarves 🙂 🙂 ps. thank you for the compliment about my photos 🙂
Hi! Ran across your blog and I am so glad that I did! I went to Portugal 25 years ago and hated to leave…I still think about it…It is so beautiful and just plain awesome. I walked around the castle in Obidos and picked up a stone/piece of the wall. It is sitting on my desk to remind of that wonderful trip. When you go back try to go to Sintra and Caldas de Reinha…(think I spelled it correctly, LOL) We did a lot of walking and did some train trips, as well. My biggest wish is that I get back there some day..thanks for sharing!! I love Europe and England but Portugal will always be my dream trip.
I know exactly what you mean Diane! I loved Portugal that much too! We did visit Sintra and loved it! The next time we go back (cause I plan to!), I´ll definitely aim to visit Caldas de Reinha too 🙂 Thanks again!
I am so loving this post series Johlene. and I simply loved the video as well. And the architecture… I can’t say enough about it. It’s simply magical and so breathtakingly beautiful. Lisbon has to now go on my list if places to visit.
Thanks Kia! I know the architecture in Europe is beyond amazing.. I think that´s why I love it here so much 🙂 Happy weekend!! Xo
Johlene, I love reading your travel posts. Just like Cheyanne says, I could sit and stare at the photos all day. I love Europe, so it’s easy to get lost in these posts imagining that I am wondering the narrow cobblestone streets or climbing the walls of the castle. Keep these posts coming! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day…and it provides some great material for daydreaming! 🙂
DaVIS I´m so glad that these post give you a time to switch off a bit… I seriously wish I could travel every single day – that´s how much I love it!
ps. I love Europe too! 🙂
I seriously LOVE your travel posts! I could sit and stare at your pictures all day! Lisbon is so cute and charming!! I love cobblestone streets and the history there looks amazing! So sorry it rained during your time there and you had to wait and squeeze like a sardine into the train! I’ve always wanted to ride in a tuk tuk!! Looks like despite the rain you guys had a beautiful time! Thanks for sharing your trip! I look forward to your next one, dear!! Cheers! <3
Thanks so much girly! Lisbon took my breath away, I didn´t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! Can´t wait to share the next one! Happy Weekend (well almost..) Ha!