Lisbon is great!! We’ve really enjoyed exploring this lovely city – two days in, two to go. Arrived Saturday and caught the bus into the city centre – Rossio Square. Managed to find our accommodation. Lovely little apartment about 200 meters up a winding, cobbled stone street/alleyway from the square. We settled in, had a much needed shower, then headed off to check things out. Such a buzz – restaurants and cafes lining the square and side streets, people everywhere. The next morning we got up early and went for a walk – through the square and into neigbouring side streets. Climbed up to the viewing platform above the Elevador de Santa Justa – sits right next to Largo do Carmo – a huge church ruin. Great views over the city centre, out to the sea, and up to surrounding hills. Lots of photos. Found the local supermarket, had a quick lunch at home, then headed off to visit the Museu Gulbenkian – highly recommended by friends. Tried to take the metro but it’s not that simple in Lisbon – you need a rechargeable ticket – so we walked instead. About a 7 km round trip. A great – very classy – museum full of the personal collection of Calouste Gulbenkian. Lots of paintings, pottery, furniture, tapestries, sculptures and more. Very interesting. So much variety in era, genre, and style – very impressive.
Yesterday was Belem day – an area about a half hour tram ride away. We walked to the Praca do Comercio – a huge square by the docks. Beautiful views of the sea. Several ocean liners sitting quietly nearby. Great place to pull in for travelers – easy access to everything. Caught the tram and arrived in Belem. Now the object of our little trip was to visit a small shop called Pasteis de Belem – renowned for the best Pastel de Nata (custard tarts) in Lisbon. They didn’t let us down!! Yummo! We also checked out the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a very old monastery built between 1501 and 1601. It now houses the Museu de Marinha – the maritime museum. Caught the bus back to Praca do Comercio. Walked through a very large, impressive stone archway on the edge of the square – a real entry point to the city, and headed towards home. More restaurants and cafes – lots of department stores and upmarket shops on the way. Stopped and tried the local ice cream – had heard it was exceptional – no complaints!
A little bit about Lisbon. Distinctive small black and white tiles – every praca/square and footpath is covered with them. Lots of different patterns – looks amazing! Good transport – buses, trams, funiculars, lifts and the metro. You can use your rechargeable card for them all – makes life easy once you’ve got one! The funiculars and lifts are very handy – Lisbon is a very hilly city!! Lots of steep steps to climb when you’re on foot. Gives the city heaps of character – also wonderful views. Our apartment is on the 4th floor – no elevator so keeping us fit. We have lovely views over roof tops towards Rossio Square. It’s an attic apartment so has small rooms with lots of slopping ceilings and dormer windows. Need to keep your wits about you – so far so good!
Love to all
Di and Reg
PS Planning to visit Sintra today. Beautiful historic town about a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon. Looking forward to it.
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