My Lisbon Escape: A City of Light, Tiles, and Soul
Lisbon welcomed me with sunshine, sea air, and a rhythm that immediately felt both ancient and alive. The Portuguese capital sits on seven hills, and from my very first viewpoint at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, I was hooked. Terracotta rooftops spilled toward the sparkling Tagus River, and I knew I was in for a love affair with this city.
Getting Lost in Alfama
I started in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, where time slows down in a maze of cobblestone alleys and tiled façades. Here, laundry sways from balconies, and the sound of fado music drifts from doorways. One evening, I tucked myself into a tiny tavern and let the soulful songs wash over me—it was one of those moments when travel feels truly transformative.
Lisbon’s Flavors
Food in Lisbon deserves its own chapter. My first bite of a pastel de nata—a warm, flaky custard tart dusted with cinnamon—was pure bliss. I followed it up with a hearty bacalhau à Brás, Portugal’s beloved salted cod dish, and washed it down with a glass of vinho verde. And yes, I tried ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur, from a street-side counter where locals happily toast with strangers.
Riding Tram 28
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the famous Tram 28. I hopped on, squeezed into a wooden seat, and rattled past palaces, churches, and sunlit plazas. It felt like watching the city perform its daily play, with each turn offering another postcard-worthy view.
A City of Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood I explored revealed a different personality:
- In Bairro Alto, I wandered by day and returned by night to find a completely different energy—bars buzzing, live music spilling into the streets.
- In Belém, I stood in awe of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, reminders of Portugal’s age of exploration. Of course, I couldn’t leave without joining the line at Pastéis de Belém for their legendary tarts.
- At LX Factory, an old industrial complex turned creative hub, I browsed bookstores, sipped coffee, and admired street art. It was Lisbon’s modern soul in full display.
Beyond Lisbon
Lisbon also became my springboard for day trips. I ventured into the fairy-tale hills of Sintra, where the candy-colored Pena Palace rises like a dream. I took the train to Cascais for a breath of ocean air and golden beaches, and I wandered the Roman ruins of Évora, where history speaks from every stone.
Why Lisbon Stays With Me
Lisbon is a city that lingers. It’s in the way light reflects off azulejo tiles, the melancholy of fado balanced with the joy of community, the simple pleasure of sipping an espresso in a sun-drenched square. I left with the sense that Lisbon doesn’t just want to be visited—it wants to be felt.
AllTown Escapades Travel Tip: Lisbon is best enjoyed slowly. Let yourself wander, linger at cafés, and take those side streets with no plan. The city rewards curiosity with its magic.
