PORTUGAL |
In this article, you will read about Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais. |
Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with its only neighbor, Spain, at the east, having a coast to the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal was once part of Spain until the 17th century before becoming an independent country.
In June 2015, on my two-week ‘Eurotrip’, I had great moments during my journey: From Budapest in Hungary to Barcelona in Spain, to Lisbon and Estoril in Portugal, and to Rome, Pisa and Milan in Italy, the experience has been one of my longest solo trips up to that time. The feeling of standing on my own feet as a woman, meeting new people from all walks of life on the one side and visiting my friends in Portugal, and batting around 4 countries and 7 cities in 14 days… Knowing that every corner of the world is your home…
On June 13, I took an early flight from Barcelona to Lisbon and arrived at around 9 a.m. I was going to stay at a friend of my friend in Lisbon. I got her home address from WhatsApp, took the airport transfer shuttle to the last stop. Then started to walk to find her place… No internet, no calls; the only thing I had was her address! After searching for about half an hour, I finally got to the street, and found the place! And I said: “Here I am!”
On the one side, I was experiencing a totally new adventure, the farthest place I have been up to that time. On the other side, the similarity of the Portuguese people to Turkish people regarding their appearance, behaviors, hospitality; and the resemblance of Lisbon to Istanbul made me feel home.
With its warm climate, as well as hospitable people, amazing cuisine, Portugal has always been among my dream destination. Medieval castles, marvelous architecture, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and sandy beaches: my Portugal experience was more than just a journey!
So, let’s start to explore the city of Lisbon!
In June 2015, on my two-week ‘Eurotrip’, I had great moments during my journey: From Budapest in Hungary to Barcelona in Spain, to Lisbon and Estoril in Portugal, and to Rome, Pisa and Milan in Italy, the experience has been one of my longest solo trips up to that time. The feeling of standing on my own feet as a woman, meeting new people from all walks of life on the one side and visiting my friends in Portugal, and batting around 4 countries and 7 cities in 14 days… Knowing that every corner of the world is your home…
On June 13, I took an early flight from Barcelona to Lisbon and arrived at around 9 a.m. I was going to stay at a friend of my friend in Lisbon. I got her home address from WhatsApp, took the airport transfer shuttle to the last stop. Then started to walk to find her place… No internet, no calls; the only thing I had was her address! After searching for about half an hour, I finally got to the street, and found the place! And I said: “Here I am!”
On the one side, I was experiencing a totally new adventure, the farthest place I have been up to that time. On the other side, the similarity of the Portuguese people to Turkish people regarding their appearance, behaviors, hospitality; and the resemblance of Lisbon to Istanbul made me feel home.
With its warm climate, as well as hospitable people, amazing cuisine, Portugal has always been among my dream destination. Medieval castles, marvelous architecture, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and sandy beaches: my Portugal experience was more than just a journey!
So, let’s start to explore the city of Lisbon!
Lisbon
Mini Info about the City
Being the capital city of Portugal and the westernmost capital of Europe, the city of Lisbon is situated on several hills, like the city of Istanbul and San Francisco. It is the city where the River Tejo (Tagus) meets the Atlantic Ocean, making it a natural beauty. With its rich history, vibrant culture, warm climate, narrow streets and limestone buildings, Lisbon offers a perfect travel experience and unforgettable memories. The airport in Lisbon (Aeroporto de Lisboa) is the largest in Portugal. Just before landing, you can see the beautiful River Tejo flowing under the two renowned bridges of Lisbon (25 de Abril Bridge and Vasco da Gama Bridge). The airport is dominated by TAP Portugal, but it is also well served by low-budget airline companies such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, and Vueling. There are several options for the transfer from the airport to the city center. Lisbon has a well-developed and efficient public transportation network which provides connections to the airport. You can take the metro on red line (Linha Vermelha) to final destination ‘Aeroporto’. A single journey costs €1.45 with Viva Viagem card. Or if you prefer a faster option, you can take the airport shuttle ‘Aerobus’ which costs €3.60 for a 24-hour pass. There are also public bus options from the airport to the city center. |
Must-See Places
Lisbon is a quite big city, and there is a lot to see! Below are listed only a few of the landmarks.
Lisbon is a quite big city, and there is a lot to see! Below are listed only a few of the landmarks.
- 25 de Abrel Bridge was designed in 1966 by the same architect of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Formerly known as ‘Salazar Bridge’, it was renamed after the fall of dictatorship in Portugal on 25 April 1974. The bridge connects the cities of Lisbon and Almada across the River Tagus. There is a good view of the Bridge from Belem.
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- Cristo Rei Statue is across Lisbon, and situated at the end of 25 de Abrel Bridge in Almada. It was inspired by the similar statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue was built in 1959 for the gratitude to the God for saving Portugal during WWII.
- Saint George's Castle can be seen almost anywhere in Lisbon as it is located up the hill. Its oldest parts were built in the 6th century while the other parts were built in various times or reconstructed due to earthquakes. You can either walk from the downtown to the castle, or take the bus 37. From the castle, you will see the city of Lisbon, and 25 de Abrel Bridge at a distance. There is an entrance fee of €8.50 for adults, but they also have discounts for children and students.
- Praça do Comercio (Commerce Square) is a square in the heart of Lisbon, located by the banks of the River Tagus. On the northern part of the square is located the triumphal arch, and in the center is a statue of King Jose I. Once surrounded by government buildings, now restaurants and cafés with outdoor tables are located around the square.
- Rua Augusta is located right behind the triumphal arch in the north of Praça do Comercio. This vibrant pedestrian street with cobblestone pavements, outdoor cafes, shops, and street artists offer a great Lisbon experience for the visitors.
- Rossio Railway Station was once known as ‘Central Station’, and built in the 19th century in Neo-Manueline (Gothic revival in Portugal) style. At first sight, it resembles a theater or an opera building, or a nicely decorated palace. Thus it is among the strangest architectural complexes for a railway station in Europe. Once was a main railway hub, today it serves direct trains to Sintra.
- Rossio Square is one of the most vivid squares in Lisbon where locals and tourists relax and enjoy their times. There are two baroque fountains on both sides of the square, and at the center is situated a monument of Dom Pedro IV. Dona Maria II National Theater, which a monumental building built in the 19th century, is located in the north of the square.
- Santa Justa Elevator is among the places where you can find the best sights, and a very popular landmark in Lisbon. The elevator was designed in Neo-Gothic style, and resembles the Eiffel tower with its architecture. It connects downtown and Bairro Alto. A ticket for both ways costs €5.15, and the entrance to the viewing platform is included in the fee. Noteworthy that there can be long queues for the entrance, so be prepared for waiting for 15 to 30 minutes!
- Lisbon Cathedral is an ancient landmark which was built in the 12th century by the first king of Portugal. Since then the cathedral has been renovated several times, and survived a great deal of earthquakes. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral designed in Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles. To access the cathedral, you can either walk from Baixa district, or see it after visiting Saint George's Castle.
- Torre de Belem (Belem Tower) was built in the 16th century as a fortress in the late Gothic Manueline style. This iconic tower was once the starting point of voyagers and sailors, and said to be the last sight of their homeland. It is listed as a World Heritage monument by UNESCO.
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- Jeronimos Monastery is one of the most stunning buildings in Lisbon, and was declared a World Heritage monument by UNESCO. It was built in Manueline style in the 16th century to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Noteworthy that Vasco da Gama's tomb is also placed inside the Monastery.
What Can You Taste (*heavy breathing*)
Portuguese cuisine is influenced much from Mediterranean cuisine, and is rich for seafood. Olive oil, garlic, herbs, as well as due to its colonial past, a large variety of spices such as chili peppers, saffron, cinnamon are used in dishes. Among the alcoholic beverages, wine is the traditional Portuguese drink.
Fish and seafood is among the most popular food in Portugal, and a must-try during your visit. There are several ways of cooking fish in Portugal: grilled, fried, stewed, roasted, or even steamed. Fish that is cooked in oven is usually served with various types of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes. Other popular seafood includes sardines, octopus, crabs, shrimp and prawns, as well as oysters and mussels.
Portuguese cuisine is influenced much from Mediterranean cuisine, and is rich for seafood. Olive oil, garlic, herbs, as well as due to its colonial past, a large variety of spices such as chili peppers, saffron, cinnamon are used in dishes. Among the alcoholic beverages, wine is the traditional Portuguese drink.
Fish and seafood is among the most popular food in Portugal, and a must-try during your visit. There are several ways of cooking fish in Portugal: grilled, fried, stewed, roasted, or even steamed. Fish that is cooked in oven is usually served with various types of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes. Other popular seafood includes sardines, octopus, crabs, shrimp and prawns, as well as oysters and mussels.
Go Next: Sintra, Cascais...
Sintra is a small town located 28km from Lisbon. The stunning Moorish Castle is situated on the hills surrounding the town. The hills and the surrounding area were declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Getting in Sintra is very easy from Lisbon. You can simply take a direct train departing from Rossio Station. Viva Viagem cards for Lisbon public transport network are valid also for travel to Sintra. A round-trip ticket costs about €4.40.
There you can visit Quinta da Regaleira (palace and gardens), Pena National Palace, and the Moorish Castle.
Sintra is a small town located 28km from Lisbon. The stunning Moorish Castle is situated on the hills surrounding the town. The hills and the surrounding area were declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Getting in Sintra is very easy from Lisbon. You can simply take a direct train departing from Rossio Station. Viva Viagem cards for Lisbon public transport network are valid also for travel to Sintra. A round-trip ticket costs about €4.40.
There you can visit Quinta da Regaleira (palace and gardens), Pena National Palace, and the Moorish Castle.
Cascais is a beach town, and easily accessible from Lisbon by car or train that takes about 40 minutes. With the glorious and sandy beaches, the town is located at the mouth of the Tagus River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights