Three Days in Lisbon

At the end of August, I went to Lisbon for the first time. Having been to Brussels and Milan previously with my brother and sister, this was our third sibling trip. Branded as one of the oldest cities in the world, and second oldest in Europe (after Athens), coastal Lisbon is known to be hilly, bright and sunny. We were in the city for three full days, each day taking us to a different place, whether it be a main attraction or a place of great food (that latter we found to be numerous throughout the city).

Posing in sunny Lisbon.

Day 1

After landing in Lisbon at around 1pm (WEST) and finding out that there is no time difference between Portugal and the UK, we checked into our hotel before heading to the illusion museum. Our hotel was located in the centre of the city, 15-20 minutes from all key sights. Called the 3D Fun Art Museum, the museum is full of interactive 3D paintings - you could be sitting in the hand of King Kong, lying in a bed overlooking the incredible New York skyline or even falling through the sky holding a parachute - all of which was enclosed in four walls.

We then walked to Marquis de Pombal Square, a mere 20 minute walk from the Museum. Reminiscent to Trafalgar Square in London, Marquis de Pombal Square is dedicated to Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the 1st Marquis of Pombal, a statesman and diplomat who ruled the Portuguese Empire from 1750 to 1777 as chief minister. Due to its tall column and the monument of the Marquis standing on top, the whole roundabout can be seen from a mile away, with vehicles driving from three exits.

The historical roundabout

Day 2

At the desire of my brother, we visited Estadio da Luz. Opened in 2003, the football stadium is home to Benfica Football club and it is one of the largest stadiums by capacity in Europe and the biggest in Portugal. Coloured in red, the stadium exudes an almost royal quality, something reiterated by its animal inhabitants; before every match, there is a tradition in place which sees an eagle fly around the stadium - if it flies over the stands twice, the belief is that Benfica will win. 

We then headed to Time Out Food Market, home to every food lover's dream. Located near the River Tagus, the Market celebrates food from all over Lisbon whether it be burgers, hotdogs, seafood, desserts (Portuguese and French pastries, ice cream, etc), along with the city’s most well- known market vendors of meat, fish, fruit and flowers. As expected for a main attraction in a global city, the Market was extremely busy, with there being limited space to walk. Nevertheless, we were the lucky ones who were able to get a table when eating our very messy loaded hotdogs. 

Inside the bustling food market.

Lisbon is a city of walking, something that we could not forget throughout our trip. This remembrance became even more profound as we walked along the River Tagus in the 30 degree heat. We walked up and down the coastline, seeing sights like the Belem Tower and Cristo Rio which were situated across the river. We then passed Praca do Comercio (Commerce Plaza), which was built where the old Royal Palace stood before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. For decades it was crucial for the city’s maritime time; today, as the plaza sits facing the harbour, it is a main tourist attraction.

An overlooking statue - Cristo Rio from across the river.

Day 3

On the last day of our stay, we headed to Praia de Torre. A sandy beach, Praia de Torre is situated on the Lisbon coastline and was perhaps the furthest we had to travel - 30 minutes by car. Nevertheless, it was worth it - the beach boasts soft golden and gleaming sand and bright blue and clean water. The only negative aspect of the beach were the dead jellyfish, which were scattered around the shore. But this didn’t put people off from going deeper into the water, swimming, playing and relaxing in the sea.

We then headed back to central Lisbon and ventured into LX Factory. Like Shoreditch in London, LX Factory - once an old industrial complex - is a mini village within the city full of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and art studios. It appears to have its own eco - system, a vibrantly concentrated area among a much bigger and bustling city. We spend a lot of time there, into every shop whether it be a bookshop, a clothes shop or even a small accessory shop, before heading back to our hotel.

The entrance to LX Factory.

Overall, Lisbon was a great summer break. We spent most of our days walking to the main sights or along the coast. The city is famous for its colourful architecture and its hilly landscapes, making Uber our best friend (it was only £3-£5 per ride). The food also lived up to our expectations; everyday we feasted on a new Portuguese delight whether it be its seafood, its meat (the chicken was exceptional) or its desserts (we devoured the pastel de nata - custard tarts - every time we were in close proximity to it).

A great example of Lisbon’s buildings.