Lima, peru

Protip: This is best viewed in landscape mode. Alternatively, click the full screen button ⛶ in the top-right corner to open the map directly in Google Maps

 
 

Overview

Lisbon is an ancient city, first settled by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC. The reason is obvious geographically - it is set on steep hills overlooking the mouth of the Tagus River, which forms a wide open bay and safe harbor on the westernmost edge of Europe. The hills offer a few things: spectacular views, interesting winding streets, and a great way to burn calories as one eats their way through the city.

Lisbon is super hilly - check out the topographical map here! Some of the points of interest are in the “valley”, which was originally a stream that drained out into the Tagus River in ancient times. Others are up on the plateaus and cliffs.

  • Rua Augusta runs down the center of the valley, named for the Roman emperor.

  • The Castelo des Jorge complex occupies the top of the large hill just east of the center valley.

  • Bairro Alto, as the name implies, is squeezed in atop the hill just west of the center valley.

  • Alfama is a neighborhood of winding alleyways just further east of the Castelo, nestled between the hill and the river.

  • Miradouros (lookout points) abound - I flagged two that I stopped at for spectacular city/sunset views.

Day-ISH Long itineraries

+ Central Lisbon - Museums, Food, Shopping

Easy to access, and an especially good plan if there's inclement weather.

  • Pasteis de nata (egg tarts), one of the signature local snacks.
  • Time Out Market to sample a ton of different local foods, all in one huge building.
  • Rua Augusta for strolling and shopping. Ends with a huge Arch, plaza, and riverwalk.
  • Archeological ruins, which can be found underground beneath a nondescript building just a block off Rua Augusta.

+ Sintra - Mountainous Royal Retreat

This is a 45-minute commuter train ride west of the city. Direct from Rossio Station to Sintra Station. The train is often faster than driving when considering traffic, and is super easy to navigate.

The Portuguese royalty escaped the heat at their mountain retreat Sintra. Lots of points of interest across the whole complex, from museums to stone forts to gardens. I recommend getting a combo pass and getting yourself on a group tour - the guide was really helpful.

  • Sintra National Palace - huge estate turned museum
  • Quinta de Regaleria - palace with a sprawling and very interestingly-designed gardens
  • Castelo dos Mouros - 10th century stone castle that you can climb all over, and see the Atlantic Ocean from on a clear day!

+ LX Factory and Belem - Hipster Haven / Museums and Sightseeing

LX Factory is just a really chill place. Warehouse complex repurposed into coworking space, shops, food vendors, art galleries, etc. On its own, it's more of a couple-hour side quest than a full day adventure.

Tie it into the Belem district attractions further west of Lisbon proper for a full afternoon of exploration.