1- The vintage tram 28 (Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique)
You must have seen pictures of the tram carts dotted around social media and the internet. A quaint yellow tram that screeches and rattles through the narrow streets of the city. It passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.
Many consider it a highlight of visiting Lisbon.
It's worth exploring for a few stops, the whole length of the ride is very long especially if you take it back towards your starting point (which is likely to be the city center).
We took this on the evening of our arrival day for the whole round trip. It's used as a mode of public transport as well as being a tourist attraction so expect it to be crammed at peak times.
Lisbon tram
2- Belem Tower: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Erected on the northern bank of the Tagus river to protect the city. It's very close to the Jerónimos Monastery. You can climb all the way to the top and have lovely views of the river and the surrounding city. Photos in the tower or of the tower are really good for those Instamoments if that's what floats your boat, I do recommend taking the time to visit it in spite of that
Tower of Belem
3- Monument to the Discoveries
a 52-meter tall monument built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde.
You can go up to the observation deck and have a panoramic view of the surroundings and a view over the Belem tower.
4- Jerónimos Monastery
A beautiful ornate monastery, built in the 1500s as a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth, was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It does look stunning from the outside, although on the itinerary we didn't manage to go in. It's on my list for the next time I go to Lisbon.
The monastery is the birthplace of Pastel de Natas, with the monks and nuns using too many egg whites to starch their clothes the leftover egg yolks led to the birth of this delicious pastry. The recipe dates to over 100 years ago.
5- Praça do Comércio
I went in the evening with my friend, I think it's much more beautiful at night with all the lights around it. We wandered from there to Santa Justa lift, the alleyways, shops, and squares nearby in the Alfama district.
6- Santa Justa Lift and Miradoura de Santa Luzia viewpoint
We missed the sunset but still, the view from the top was well worth taking the time to witness.
aim to head there at sunset, I am told the view doesn't disappoint
7- The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines
Would you like to have a can of sardines with your birth date on it?
If yes, then this is the place for you. You feel like you walked into a circus with music and carousels. The displays are very colorful and it makes a great idea for a unique souvenir. They also have sardine cans marked with dates of historic events.
If you pass by it you should stop and have a bit of a nosey.
8- Monserrate Palace
On our second day, we set off to Sintra.
A charming resort town in the foothills of Portugal's Sintra Mountains near Lisbon. The forested town used to be a Royal sanctuary.
We first headed to Monserrate Palace, an Arab-influenced Moorish Palace. I found it absolutely stunning, a blend of Arab architecture and history weaved with Gothic and Indian styles surrounded by beautiful thick lush green English gardens.
9- Queluz National Palace
A beautiful and elegant Baroque palace partway between Lisbon and Sintra. The palace once served as an official Royal residence.
You can walk around the very impressive throne room where the Royals would have sat to receive their guests and then wander around their private apartments.
It's not difficult to get lost in the beautifully landscaped surrounding gardens either.
10- Amoreiras Shopping Center
After getting back to Lisbon and getting some kip we headed out to have a wander around the shops and to find something to eat.
It was cold and raining so we decided to go to the mall!
Great shopping spot, with a nice collection of restaurants as well.
It is also home to Lisbon's best 360 degrees viewpoint!
