Lisbon

We decided to visit Lisbon in April, during Easter, and since then the city has become my favorite European capital. Surely I’m biased because I’m very fascinated by all the cities on the sea, so Lisbon starts already advantaged, but once I got there I was enchanted by its colors, the people so friendly, the sun always shining, the square open on the ocean, the old colored trams, the bridge and the romantic ocean walk of Vasco da Gama bridge, the size neither too big nor too small.
In short, I could not find anything in the city that I did not like.

1. Hang around in Praça do Comércio

Nothing will really make you feel like in Lisbon like Praça do Comércio. In the past, anyone coming by ship landed here, and even today this square is the geographical and spiritual heart of Lisbon, with its vintage trams, grandiose arcades and the typical hustle and bustle.

2. Watch the city from above in Castelo de São Jorge

The Castelo de São Jorge is in a dominant position on top of a hill. The castle’s ramparts, shaded by pine trees, offer a view of the whole Lisbon. Peacocks invade the surrounding garden, scattered with ruins.

3. Ride tram 28

One of the things not to be missed in Lisbon is a ride on the historic tram 28.
During the ride on board this ramshackle, strident and magnificently old-fashioned tram, you can enjoy a marvelous view and you can also go through stretches of great steepness. Get ready for an unforgettable trip in the lanes of Lisbon aboard one of these ancient typical yellow trams

4. Watch the horizon like the explorers at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos was inaugurated in 1960 for the fifth centenary of the death of Enrico the navigator.
The limestone colossus, 52 meters high, depicts Enrico on the bow and behind him the explorers Vasco da Gama, Diogo Cão, Ferdinando Magellano and others 29 important Portuguese.
In front of the monument, a mosaic traces the routes of the Portuguese sailors.
You can take the elevator or walk up the 267 steps and get to the miradouro for a 360° view of the river.

5. Enjoy a trip on the teleférico de Lisboa, watching the seaside from above

A trip on the 20-meter-high cableway linking the Vasco da Gama tower to the Oceanário, offers a fantastic view of the seafront and the skyline to Parque das Nações and the Tago
You can enjoy a relaxing panoramic trip and take lots of spectacular photos.

6. Enjoy a drink at sunset time with the view on Vasco da Gama bridge

The Vasco da Gama bridge is the longest bridge in Europe, extending for 17.2 km on the Tago river. After visiting the Parque das Nacoes area, it may be a romantic end of the day to take a walk along the promenade and enjoy a drink on one of the many little cafes that overlook the Vasco da Gama bridge.

7. Make a trip to Sintra

The Palácio Nacional da Pena is a flamboyant complex, commissioned in 1836 by Ferdinand II of Portugal, a king who loved art.
Each section of the exterior side is individually decorated with bright colors and beautiful stone carvings. The Palácio Nacional da Pena is surrounded by 200 hectares of tree-lined promenades leading to scenic spots or hidden lakes; it is one of the best tourist attractions in the Lisbon region.

8. Enjoy a glass of local Porto

The Porto is a Portuguese liqueur wine produced exclusively from grapes from the Douro region, located about 100 kilometers east of the city of Oporto. The main peculiarity of the port, in addition to the climate in which the grapes ripen, is its incomplete fermentation.
In this way the wine is naturally sweet,  due to the residual sugar coming from the grapes. The Portuguese drink it in large quantities. Porto Ruby, perfect to accompany desserts or as a digestif for after dinner, is the most widespread.

9. Enjoy the sunset time at the Torre de Belém

This fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site,  stretches out over the Tago’s waters, and is the symbol of the age of discoveries.
Climb the narrow spiral staircase for a beautiful view of Belem and the river at sunset. 

10. Have a breakfast with pastel de Belém in the city center

The Pastel de Belémis a Portuguese pastry made with puff pastry and eggs.
The origin of these delicious pastries dates back to the beginning of the 19th century in a cane sugar refinery. The sweet, as well as in Portugal, is widespread in all the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Pastel the Belém can represent a very good start of your day, enjoy them for breakfast in one of the nice bars in the city center.

When to go?

Winter

Quiet period, except for the carnival in February. The climate can be damp and windy.

Spring

Parks in bloom, mild and often sunny days, adequate prices. A perfect season for the visit.

Summer

It’s very hot, but it’s the best time for festivals and for eating out and going to the beach.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, cultural events, few tourists and some sudden downpour.

We visited the city in April, during Easter, and the weather was very good and warm. But the best months to visit Lisbon are May, June and September, being generally pleasantly warm and sunny. Even in July and August the temperature is generally acceptable, but there is a slightly higher risk than it is very hot.

three unmissable stops

Best photos spots

I’m a photographer, so I’m always looking for the best corner in the world to make the perfect picture. Often, with great pleasure of my traveling companions, I also spend hours staring at the landscape, waiting for the perfect moment with perfect light. Therefore, when I decided to create my blog, I could not avoid to include a dedicated section to photography enthusiasts like me, always looking for the landscape that leaves you breathless. Hope you will enjoy these places where, in my opinion, you can enjoy wonderful landscapes and take the best pictures.