Getting to know Lisbon
Lisbon is a city that feels like sunshine. With every step, you walk through bright streets, hear soulful music, and taste delicious flavors. Exploring Lisbon is like dancing with history and happiness at the same time. Today, I’ll take you on my unforgettable journey through this magical city by the sea.
Get ready to fall in love with Lisbon. Let’s go! 😊
Tram 28: The Rattle of Time and Romance
My Lisbon journey began with a little yellow tram. Tram 28, to be exact. It’s a small yellow tram that goes up and down the city’s steep hills. I found a wooden seat next to a window and held on tight. The tram squeaked and rumbled through narrow streets, past churches, colorful buildings, and tiny cafés, passed crooked balconies dripping with laundry and flowers. It felt like I was inside a moving postcard.
Locals hopped on and off with baskets and bags, greeting the driver like an old friend. Their calm, familiar rhythm made me feel like I was part of something timeless.
Tram 28 wasn’t just a ride. It was a gentle, rattling journey through the heart of Lisbon — full of charm.
Igreja de São Domingos: A Church with Deep Scars
Next, I stopped at Igreja de São Domingos, a very old church in the heart of the city. This church is not your typical postcard church. It’s raw. It’s scarred. It’s real. The walls were dark and broken, with burn marks from a fire long ago. But the church was still standing, strong and peaceful.
There was no gold or glitter, but there was silence. A deep silence that made me stop and think. This church has survived fires, earthquakes, and wars. It reminded me that even broken things can be beautiful. There’s something strangely comforting about a place that has been through hell and still chooses to stay standing. Maybe we all do that, in our own quiet ways.
Mercado da Ribeira: A Carnival of Cravings
After one point I was hungry – really hungry, and Mercado da Ribeira answered with a feast fit for the gods. The moment I walked in, I was hit by a dizzying mix of smells—grilled sardines, sweet pastries, roasted garlic, fresh-cut herbs. My stomach didn’t stand a chance. I bounced from stall to stall like a kid in a candy shop. Codfish with potatoes. Octopus salad. A plate of creamy rice soaked in seafood and then came pastel de nata.
Oh, pastel de nata. A warm custard tart with a flaky crust and cinnamon dusted like magic on top. One bite and I closed my eyes. Two bites and I may have wept a little. (Three bites and it was gone.)
I ate like someone who’d been hungry for this moment their whole life.
Please don’t get me even started with the Portuguese wine. My personal favorite is the “Vinho Verde,” especially the red wine of Vinho Verde. This is a young, light wine that tastes like summer. The flavors danced in my mouth. I felt truly happy. Lisbon feeds your stomach – and your soul.
Belém: Where Discoveries Begin
Later, I headed to Belém, a neighborhood by the river. This place is full of history and beauty. I saw the Belém Tower, standing like a brave guard beside the water. I walked to the Jerónimos Monastery, with its fancy stone walls and peaceful gardens.
This is where Portuguese explorers began their sea journeys long ago. I imagined their ships sailing away into the vast ocean, chasing the horizon. That moment, I felt a quiet sense of wonder — like the spirit of adventure was still in the air. Belém felt like the soul of Portugal – full of courage, hope, and timeless stories.
São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint: A City of Tiles and Rooftops
Now, it’s the time to say good bye to the beautiful sun, I climbed up to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. When I reached the top, the view was amazing. Red rooftops, white churches, green trees, and the wide blue river all spread out before me. The sky turned pink and gold. A street musician played guitar nearby. People were sitting, laughing, watching the sun go down. I stood there quietly, just breathing it all in. If Lisbon had a postcard moment – this was it.
Fado: The Soul of Lisbon
That evening, I found a small tavern in the Alfama district, where I listened to Fado music. It’s the traditional music of Portugal – soft, sad, and full of feeling. A woman in a black dress sang with her eyes closed. Her voice told stories of love, loss, and longing. I didn’t understand every word, but I felt every note. It gave me goosebumps. Fado isn’t just music – it’s emotion. It’s Lisbon singing straight to your heart.
A Little Tip: Watch Your Pockets
Lisbon is full of beauty, but like any big city, it’s good to be careful. Some areas, especially around trams and crowded streets, are known for pickpockets. Keep your bag close and your valuables safe, just to be sure.
Join the SmartWalk Lisbon
This wasn’t just a tour; it was an adventure through history, culture, and hidden beauty. Each street, each building, had a story to tell. There’s so much more I haven’t even mentioned yet. But some things are best discovered in person. If you want to uncover the real Lisbon, you’ll have to come and see for yourself. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Book SmartWalk Lisbon now and let’s walk through the hidden side of Lisbon together!
