2 Days in Lisbon
Where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic, Lisbon stands as an underrated European city that effortlessly captures the heart. Get lost lost in the charming maze of Alfama's alleys to soak up the vibrant energy. This city is a wild blend of history and modern flair. In this blog post, we’ll dive headfirst into the irresistible charm that makes Lisbon a total standout. Let's make these three days ones to remember!
Day 1
Climb Rua Augusta Arch for a View of the City then visit Praça do Comércio
Rua Augusta Arch is a beautiful site to see as you walk through to the main plaza, Praça do Comércio. The views from the top of Rua Augusta Arch are breathtaking! On one side you can view the gorgeous city with surrounding hills and historic charm. On the other you can view the Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s main historic square, opening up to the wide open ocean.
Photo by Vitor Pinto
The View From Rua Augusta Arch
Visit The Ruins of Carmo Convent
The main nave of Carmo Convent is a beautiful mistake. The roof collapsed long ago in an earthquake and left the roof exposed. You can now wander through the church and and all its arches and pillars with the sky above.
Wander through Rua Cor de Rosa (The Pink Street)
This street was once the red light district of Lisbon. To clean it up, the city started painting it bright pink in 2011 to “make the neighborhood better.” The plan worked, and now this street has become hip and gentrified with new bars and restaurants with the influx of tourism. Portugal in general has a way with tile and color, which makes it so wonderful to photograph. Stop here for some photography and grab a lunch at one of the restaurants along the street.
Dine at The Corkscrew Wine Bar
This quaint wine & tapas bar in the Alfama District has no major frills, but it’s warm and inviting ambiance and delicious food made it an experience to remember. The owner was incredibly kind, and service in general is top notch. Highly recommend!
Day 2
Visit the Monastery of Jerónimos
This masterpiece of Gothic Architecture is a must-see when visiting Lisbon. This monastery began construction in 1501, and took 100 years to complete. It’s incredibly ornate, with intricate ornamentation carved from stone. Truly a work of art.
Check out the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
This is a massive monument romanticizing Portuguese exploration featuring 33 historical figures who paved a path to new discoveries.
Go See Belem Tower
Belem Tower is an iconic fortress-turned-landmark, standing as a sentinel on the banks of the Tagus River, a memorial to Portugal's maritime history and captivating visitors with its intricate Manueline architecture.
Photo by Jose Maria Sava
Explore São Jorge Castle
Perched atop the highest hill in Lisbon, São Jorge's Castle offers panoramic views of the city, its medieval walls echoing with centuries of history and providing a captivating glimpse into Portugal's past.
Photo by Chirill Ceban
To Eat.
Many of Lisbon’s restaurants have a warm and inviting feeling, serving tapas and Portuguese wine while serenading their guests with the sounds of Fado.
I could've ate, drank, and wandered my way through Lisbon with its tiled walls and cobblestone streets. I left Lisbon feeling like I hadn't had enough time. So Lisbon, until we meet again...
