It’s really hard to write about a place you visited three years ago. It’s even harder to write when you don’t feel like writing at all. I always have to be in a mood for writing so here I am with my next post after two and a half years of silence. I guess I will keep this post very brief and just fill it with many pictures to compensate for it.
The first view on Lisbon (when I walked out of Baixa-Chiado metro station) was this beautiful house.
Lisbon was a love at first sight. The city has so many beautiful sights, houses and the azulejos (colourful ceramic tiles) are everywhere. I spent only 5 days in Lisbon. The first day was just travelling from Paris to Lisbon and a very long waiting for my couchsurfer. (Sidenote: I had the best couchsurfers all around Portugal.) I was exhausted after a week in Paris, it was very hot and I had my luggage with me so I decided to spend the time in the nearest shopping centre (Armazéns do Chiado). The shopping centre is on the same street as Elevador de Santa Justa (45m tall lift with an observation deck on top of it). I have read many reviews how Elevador de Santa Justa is just a tourist trap so I decided not to visit it. I found a great view over Lisbon at the toilets of the above mentioned shopping centre, I guess the view is pretty similar to the one from Elevador and the best thing about it: it’s for free 😀
Elevador de Santa Justa
Rua do Carmo
Toilets of Armazéns do Chiado have the best view
The main reason why I went to Lisbon was NOS Alive music festival. Yes, I love music and am willing to travel thousands of kilometres just to see my favourite bands live. I mean Arcade Fire, Years & Years, Tame Impala, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club and Grimes is a line up I couldn’t miss. This was the first time I was alone at a music festival and I really loved it. By the entrance they were handing out hats with a strap which was very practical as it’s really hot in july in Portugal and the festival was taking place just beside the river so it was very windy all the time. There was a fake grass carpet (or whatever that green thing is called) on the ground so your feet wouldn’t hurt from all the walking and dancing.
As I warned you I will post more pictures than words, here they are:
Praça do Comércio
While in Lisbon you cannot miss their famous yellow trams. I decided to take a ride on the well known tram number 28 which goes past the most famous Lisbon sights. I took the tram from Rua da Conceição stop and went all the way to the final stop at Praça Martim Moniz. From there I took the tram again and got off at Largo Portas Sol stop to enjoy the view over Lisbon from Miradouro das Portas do Sol view point. Then I took the road downhill and stopped at Miradouro de Santa Luzia for another breathtaking view. I continued down the street where the tram goes and ended up in front of the Lisbon Cathedral. My last stop was Praça Dom Pedro IV also known as Rossio square.
The famous tram
The trams are pretty crowded with tourists
I managed to sit down on my way from Praça Martim Moniz
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Lisbon Cathedral
Praça Dom Pedro IV/Rossio square
National theatre
Rossio train station
People about to watch Euro 2016 finale
Belém palace
Hieronymites Monastery
Hieronymites Monastery
Monument of the Discoveries
Bridge Ponte 25 de Abril in the background
Torre de Belém
On my way back I saw even more people with Portuguese flags lined up in front of the palace so I asked someone what was going on. Portugal won Euro 2016 and Portuguese footballers were having an audience at the presidential palace. Of course I was once again in the right place at the right time so obviously I had to wait with all the fans 😀
Cristiano Ronaldo waving to his fans
It was interesting to see everyone being so happy and passionate
Empty streets of Belém
Empty streets of Belém volume 2
Portugal was on my ”to visit” list since childhood. Lisbon exceeded my expectations and I regret I didn’t have more time to visit all of the beautiful places it has to offer. It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to and I would love to come back in the future.
Suitcase is my best friend 