Quick Facts:
- Population: ~3 million in Greater Lisbon
- Currency: Euro
Did you Know?
- Lisbon is built on seven steep hills. The hills provide fantastic views of the city.
- The 12.3 km Vasco da Gama Bridge, spanning the Tagus River, is the longest bridge in Europe.
Getting Around:
- The Lisbon Metro covers most of the city (not Alfama or Belém) and is fast and convenient. Trams and Funiculars operate in the hilly areas of the city.
- Uber and Bolt are available in Lisbon and are generally very affordable.
- Walk! Lisbon is a lovely city to explore by foot but, keep in mind, the hills in some areas can be quite taxing.
What kind of electrical outlets do they have in Portugal? Click here to find out!
Lisbon is stunning! It’s very hilly in certain areas and as you walk your way to the top of a peak, the views below are amazing. It’s a place where you love to get lost and explore, where small shops and cafes are happy for your arrival. Here are some of the things I saw:
We spent the afternoon exploring the Alfama neighborhood. Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest working-class neighborhoods. The streets are narrow and winding – perfect for wandering aimlessly. It’s also the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s home-grown music genre. Near to Alfama, we hiked and snaked through the streets to the Castelo de São Jorge (St George’s Castle), built by the Moors in the 11th century.For many centuries it served as the royal palace. We stopped along the way to take in the views of the city below and the Tagus River – simply beautiful!
Along the riverfront in the Belém neighborhood, we checked out the Torre de Belém (Belem Tower), a launching point for many of the Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama. Just a little walk along the river, we came across the Monument to the Discoveries which is a huge statue build to honor Portugal’s maritime navigators.
Finally, since I have a love for food, we ended up at the famous Pastéis de Belém. This bakery makes, among other things, the well-known custard tarts that customers eagerly line up for. What a delicious way to end our visit to a lovely city. I’d go back for a tart any day!!
