Lost in Lisbon: A Whirlwind of Tiles and…What Was That Noise?
okay, so lisbon. wow. just…wow. i’m still processing. i’m pretty sure my brain is running on fumes and strong bica. seriously, that stuff is liquid energy. the numbers that popped into my head - 3641351 and 1862428934 - they just sort of…appeared. no context whatsoever. like the city itself, a beautiful jumble of old and new.
The weather? i just checked and it's…a balmy 34.18 Celsius, feels like 33.35. sunshine, but a gentle breeze that keeps it from being oppressive. a perfect day for getting gloriously lost. humidity is low, which is a win.
first impressions? the hills. oh god, the hills. i’m pretty sure i’ve discovered a new muscle group. my calves are screaming. but honestly, the views? worth every single agonizing step. picture postcard stuff. the buildings are covered in these stunning azulejos, the painted tiles. seriously, you could spend days just wandering around admiring them.
i spent an afternoon in the Alfama district, just wandering. it’s a maze. a glorious, slightly chaotic maze. the smell of grilled sardines hung in the air, mingled with the scent of jasmine and something vaguely…fishy. i stumbled upon a tiny little fado house - those traditional Portuguese music performances. i don’t speak a word of Portuguese, but the music…it just seeped into your bones. like a good hug.
*Food: Forget the fancy restaurants. find a tasca (small restaurant) and just point at whatever looks good. honestly, everything i ate was amazing. pastéis de nata? don’t even get me started. they're addictive. i’m pretty sure i gained five pounds in the first 24 hours.
Neighborhood Vibes: if you get bored, Sintra is just a short train ride away. It's like stepping into a fairytale. also, check out the LX Factory. it’s a cool industrial complex turned creative hub, full of shops and restaurants.
Pro-tip: learn a few basic Portuguese phrases. it goes a long way. and be prepared to walk. a lot.
I overheard a conversation at a cafe - some local guy was telling another that the best seafood is at a little place down by the docks, but it's only* open until 9 pm. Someone told me that the Tram 28 is a must-do, but be prepared for crowds. Don't forget to check out some of the street art - there's some really cool stuff in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Someone warned me that pickpockets can be an issue, so keep your belongings close. It sounds a little intense, but you know, always good to be aware.
Honestly, there’s a certain magic to Lisbon. it's a city that feels both ancient and utterly modern. a little bit gritty, a little bit romantic. i'm already planning my return trip. next time, i'm definitely learning more Portuguese. and maybe investing in some stronger calves.
If you're looking for lodging, check out TripAdvisor for recommendations. And for some local insights, Yelp is always a good resource for restaurants.
Oh, and if you’re into history, this website has some awesome info about the city’s past.