Lisbon, Portugal: A Whirlwind of Numbers and Rain
okay, so where do i even start with *Lisbon? it’s…a lot. i landed last night, and honestly, the numbers that flashed on my screen as i was booking everything - 2809346 and 1276652118 - felt like a punch to the gut. like, what even is that? maybe it’s the number of trams that rattle up those ridiculously steep hills? or the number of pastéis de nata i’ll inevitably consume? i’m not sure.
and the weather? ugh. i just checked and it's…a persistent drizzle, with a breeze that’s trying its best to steal my scarf. it’s hovering around 8.1°C, feels like the same, with a low of 7.14°C and a high of 9.43°C. humidity's a whopping 89%, so yeah, pack layers, people. the air smells like wet stone and something vaguely salty. The pressure is 993, which just makes it feel…heavy, you know? Like the city itself is holding its breath.
i’m staying in Alfama, which is…an experience. think narrow, winding streets that look like they were designed by a drunk toddler, cobbled walkways that demand you wear sensible shoes (which i clearly didn’t), and laundry hanging everywhere. it's chaotic, charming, and utterly captivating all at once. i heard that someone told me it's best to get completely lost here - just wander and see what you stumble upon. apparently, that’s the real Lisbon experience.
Neighbors are pretty laid back. you'll see people sitting outside cafes for hours, sipping coffee and watching the world go by. if you get bored, Cascais is just a short train ride away. i'm planning a day trip there - allegedly, the beaches are beautiful, even in this weather. i'm also curious about Sintra, which is supposed to be dripping with fairytale castles. i've been reading up on Visit Portugal for inspiration.
Food: oh god, the food. i’ve already had three pastéis de nata, and i’m not even ashamed. the seafood is incredible, obviously. i’m hunting down a good sardinha assada spot - grilled sardines. apparently, the best ones are found in the smaller, family-run restaurants. someone warned me that some places are tourist traps, so i’m relying on Yelp reviews to guide me. (check out Yelp Lisbon).
i spent the afternoon getting completely sidetracked by a little vintage shop tucked away on a side street. everything was covered in dust and smelled like mothballs, but i found this amazing embroidered jacket that i just had to have. finding unique pieces is my jam. i also tried to find a good place to learn about the city’s history - I’m a sucker for that kind of stuff. i heard that Lisbon Historical Archive has some fascinating stuff, but it’s all in Portuguese.
"Don’t be afraid to get lost. That's when you’ll find the real magic of Lisbon."
Gear List (so far):
Waterproof jacket (essential!)
Comfortable walking shoes (seriously)
Scarf (to ward off the breeze)
Portable charger (for all the photos)
Phrasebook (my Portuguese is…limited)
*Tips:
The trams are packed. be prepared to stand.
Wear comfortable shoes-you'll be doing a LOT of walking. like, a lot.
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases-the locals appreciate it.
* Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path-that's where the hidden gems are.
right now, i'm grabbing a coffee and trying to decipher the map of Alfama. it’s a beautiful mess, this city. a real jumble of history, color, and rain. and it's somehow completely enchanting.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/sao-paulo-static-humidity-numbers
- https://topiclo.com/post/po-de-queijo-crumbs-and-confessions-what-belo-horizonte-shoves-in-its-mouth-when-nobodys-watching
- https://topiclo.com/post/the-real-cost-of-utilities-and-bills-in-riyadh
- https://topiclo.com/post/chennai-after-dark-whiskey-stains-drum-jams-and-the-safe-spots-between-chaos
- https://topiclo.com/post/mumbais-coffee-culture-is-a-midnight-crime-i-didnt-sign-up-for