Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon (or Lisboa) is the capital city of Portugal, located just southeast of an awesome coast and if you’re traveling from Madrid to Lisbon, it takes about 9 hours, and 30mins by bus (you’ll probably have an overnight stay in the bus if you’re departing in the late evening) and do note the time differences of an hour between Spain and Portugal. It was an exciting place to visit, superb Portuguese egg tarts, and a variety of other dishes that you’d die for!
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN LISBON
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
I find this monument to be very unique on both sides, having sculptures of men (and probably women too) that sits on the northern bank of the Tagus River. This monument is big, and trust me that you’ll need to keep a distance for getting yourself fitted into the picture.
Nearest Railway station: Belem
A view of 25 de Abril Bridge & National Sanctuary of Christ the King
Sitting by the banks of Tagus River next to Padrao dos Descobrimentos, you’ll be able to observe the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge (that connects the city to the municipality of Almada), and the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, a Catholic monument and shrine. If you’re not planning to walk over, here’s a good spot for a good snapshot!
Nearest Railway station: Belem
Belem Tower
Moving further towards the west from Padrao dos Descobrimentos, you’ll see Belem Tower that was built in 1515 and designed as a defence system to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor.
Nearest Railway station: Belem
Rua Augusta Arch & Commercial Square (a.k.a. Praca do Comercio)
The Rua Augusta Arch is a historical building located within the Commercial Square. There are restaurants surrounding the Square, and I was actually so hungry that I could eat a horse. This is because I have not had any meal ever since I have arrived Lisbon from Madrid!
Nearest Metro station: Terreiro de Paco
Lisbon Cathedral (a.k.a. Se de Lisboa)
This is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located not too far away from the Commercial Square. One advise is to keep an eye of your belongings because I nearly got myself pick-pocketed as these places seems to have a lot of small and narrow roads, and you might want to take extra precautions!
Nearest Metro station: Terreiro de Paco
Graca District (specifically at Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen)
You’ll find this spot to be very much breathtaking, providing you with a panoramic view over the city (neighborhood areas). On top of that, this place seems to be a little bit crowded but there will be a cafe where you’ll be able to hangout, sit back and relax, with your friends!
Nearest Metro station: Martim Moniz
National Pantheon (a.k.a. Church of Santa Engracia)
This is one beautiful church where it’s being used for the final burial location for the many important Portuguese.
Nearest Metro station: Santa Apolonia
Santa Justa Lift (a.k.a. Carmo Lift) & A night view of St. George’s Castle (a.k.a. Sao Jorge Castle)
This is one beautifully crafted elevator that transport passengers up to the ruins, giving you a panoramic view over the city. Well, heading to St. George’s Castle in person may impose a challenge, but you’ll never miss snapping a picture of the St. George’s Castle from up here! You’ll also have access to the back, heading out to the streets that leads you to some shops and restaurants.
Nearest Metro station: Rossio or Baixa-Chiado
D. Maria II National Theatre (a.k.a. Teatro Nacional d Maria II)
This is one beautiful National Theatre in Lisbon, and if you fancy something like this, it’s a must to see! You will also notice this building from the Santa Justa Lift!
Nearest Metro station: Rossio
Jeronimos Monastery (a.k.a. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos)
You’ll find this monastery to be very eye-catching and you’ll come across if you were walking from Padrao dos Descobrimentos to Belem railway station.
Nearest Railway station: Belem
Pasteis de Belem
You must not miss a place like this, specifically this store where it’s all hyped about the Portuguese egg tarts! There will always be many people queuing to get them, so what are you waiting for?
Nearest Railway station: Belem
Mercado da Ribeira
I would suggest visiting this food market as they offer a huge variety of local and non-local food and drinks here. I would believe that you’ll turn hungry and there are various cuisines being served here.
Nearest Metro station: Cais do Sodre
OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING
National Sanctuary of Christ the King
Getting here requires a transport, but you’ll be able to have a close-up of the significant National Sanctuary.
- Nearest Railway station: Alcantara-Mar
National Museum of Ancient Art (a.k.a. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
If you’re a fond of ancient arts, here’s a right place for you!
- Nearest Railway station: Santos
Ajuda National Palace
You might find this palace to be a little bit out of the way, but you might find this place mesmerizing! It’s also the 19th century residence of the royal family and now, also a museum.
- Nearest Railway station: Belem
Igreja de Sao Domingos
At one time, this was the largest church is Lisbon and it’s now classified as a National Monument.
- Nearest Metro station: Rossio
Palace of Necessidades
It’s actually optional to visit this palace because it seems ordinary by its outlook.
- Nearest Railway station: Alcantara-Mar or Alcantara-Terra
FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY
A stroll at Tv. do Poco da Cidade Street
A glass of white wine (Vinho Verde)
The local meat dish at Floresta da Cidade
The local fish dish at Floresta da Cidade
Apart from the Portuguese egg tarts and Foot Market as mentioned earlier, you might want to take a stroll at Tv. do Poço da Cidade street, about less than 15mins walk from the Santa Justa Lift. Do only come here at night, and you’ll find many restaurants serving all sorts of local dishes, particularly famous with their meats and fish dishes. There were many people hanging out here during my stay in July 2015 too.
Portugal is famous for its white wine, Vinho Verde, as well as their local meat and fish dishes that you’d be best to ask for recommendations.
RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
Metro station
Well, the Metro stations here in Lisbon does not cover the city entirely because its city is partly located on a hill that provides a limited accessibility to travel throughout. However, the Metro station does help by getting you around.
Railway station
You will be likely to change to the Railway station to get to some destinations in Lisbon. For instance, getting to Padrao dos Descobrimentos or Belem Tower may require you to change from Metro to Railway station and DO NOTE that not all trains arriving at the Railway stations stops at all subsequent stations depending on the time of your boarding. You will need to refer to the timetable to see if your next train would stop at your next designated location, based on the time given. On the other hand, by taking the Railway station, you could travel to several destinations outside Lisbon, such as Sintra and Cascais.
Metro and Railway station: Network Map
By Foot
You will need to do some walking if you’d like to travel in Lisbon. However, if you’re heading to places such as St. George’s Castle or Graca District, the roads can be narrow and you could easily get lost too. Do be careful of pickpockets!
TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS
Hostel Prices
- Shared dorm rooms: Starts at EUR15 per pax/night, but EUR20 – EUR25 is average; and
- Private rooms: EUR45 – EUR60 at average per night for a double room.
Hotel Prices
- Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR40 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR50 – EUR70 at average per night for 2 persons.
Food & Drinks
- Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR10; and
- Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR15 – EUR20 for an average meal.
Transportation
- Metro station & Carris buses: Viva Viagem card costs EUR0.50 (reusable). In addition to that, a top-up for a single journey costs EUR1.40; or a 1 day ticket (valid for 24 hours upon validation) costs EUR6. Otherwise, a single journey (using the zapping option on the Viva Viagem card) costs EUR1.25; and
- Railway station: You might need to repurchase a separate Viva Viagem card (check with the operator), probably at the same costs and fares as applied to Metro station & Carris Buses in order to use the Railway station.
You will need to purchase a Viva Viagem card if you’d like to use the transportation system here in Lisbon. Well, I would suggest getting a 1-day ticket if you’re using the Metro & Carris buses frequently, otherwise, you could just zap on the reusable Viva Viagem card. This way, you could save so much more!
Carris Buses, Metro and Railway station: Tickets
Admission Fares
This could be an average of about EUR15-EUR25 per person depending on your interest.
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Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at July 2015) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.
