Lisbon Lowdown: Pastel Hues and Lost Keys
okay, so lisbon. just...lisbon. i'm still processing. the weather? i just checked and it's...a gentle, sun-kissed haze clinging to everything right now, like a good feeling you can almost taste. seriously though, you need to come here. i spent a solid three days just wandering, and i feel like i barely scratched the surface.
first off, the tram 28 is an absolute must. but be prepared for a squeeze - it’s a charming, rickety beast that rattles through the oldest parts of the city. i heard that someone warned me about the lines being insane during peak hours, but it was worth it. totally worth it. it's like a living, breathing postcard. check out the official tram info here: https://www.lisbon28.pt/
the neighborhoods? oh man. alfama is…a maze. a beautiful, chaotic maze of narrow streets and hills. seriously, my feet are still recovering. i got completely lost more times than i’d like to admit.
Someone told me that getting lost in Alfama is half the fun. Also, watch out for the cats. They rule the streets.
and the food! seriously, the food. i ate so much pastel de nata. like, a concerning amount. and fresh seafood - grilled sardines every other day. i heard that someone’s favorite spot is "Cervejaria Ramiro," but it’s apparently a madhouse. i ended up at a smaller place near the river - it was amazing, so authentic. you can check out their menu on Yelp: https://www.yelp.es/search?find_desc=Cervejaria+Ramiro&find_loc=Lisbon but be prepared to queue.
i also spent an afternoon exploring the botanical garden. it’s a little oasis of calm, surrounded by the bustling city. seriously needed that. check it out here: https://www.jardinsdemaroco.pt/en/
the locals? they’re…friendly. a little reserved at first, but once you break the ice, they're genuinely lovely. i overheard a couple chatting about how difficult it is to find decent coffee outside of the tourist areas. apparently, the cafes in Baixa are a bit… underwhelming.
i also swear, i saw a street artist doing some seriously impressive work in the Bairro Alto district - vibrant murals popping up everywhere. it’s really adding to the city’s charm. if you're into that kind of thing, check out Lisbon Street Art: https://lisbonstreetart.com/.
honestly, lisbon is a city that gets under your skin. it's a little bit gritty, a little bit romantic, and completely unforgettable. just be prepared for hills. lots of hills. and maybe invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
if you get bored, the Algarve is just a short drive away, or you could hit up Sintra - it’s a fairytale town with castles and palaces. it’s all so… enchanting.
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