Lisbon, a city that was my daughter’s first passport stamp and my first time leaving North America. From the charming pebble stone streets, to the rich history, friendly locals, and delicious food this town truly stole my heart. My only regret about visiting Lisbon was not staying longer.
Things to know before visiting Lisbon
-Museums and major attractions will be closed on Monday in Lisbon. However, Sintra attractions are open on Monday but can be quite crowded.
-The city offers a card called the Lisboa card which allows you access to multiple attractions and public transportation for one price. In addition, this card will also cover the train ride to Sintra and discounts to some of the monuments. If you are planning a short visit to Lisbon and want to visit many attractions in one day the card can save you money. However, public transportation is very cheap in Lisbon, so if you are only planning to visit 1 or 2 attractions a day it might be costlier to purchase the card depending what sights you are visiting.
-Good walking shoes is a must. Lisbon is a great city for walking, and traveling by foot allows you to really experience the city. In addition, much of the city is paved in cobble stone streets and quite hilly, so when travelling with a baby be sure to come prepared with a baby carrier and consider leaving the stroller at home. For older kiddo’s be sure to take breaks and plan your routes accordingly to ensure both you and your child’s legs make it through the day.
Safety: One of my biggest concerns traveling as a single mom is safety. Luckily Lisbon is a very safe city with low crime rates. Personally I felt very safe while exploring the city and very welcomed by the locals. In fact the most memorable part of the trip for me was how warm and kind they were to my 5 year old daughter.
Things to do in Lisbon. Lisbon has a plethora of things to do. Whether you are visiting for 1 day or a lot of days you will not get bored
1. Tram 28:
When visiting the iconic Tram 28 you will feel as though you have traveled back time. This gem has been operational for more than a century and travels over 7 kilometers and has 38 stops. On this rickety tram you will be traveling up and down narrow streets while passing through some of Lisbons oldest districts and most popular sights including ST. Georges Castle and Lisbon Cathedral. While on the tram be sure to stop at “Largo das porto de sol” which gives you panoramic views above the historic alfama district.
While this is a must do in Lisbon, its important to know that this is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions and a mode of public transportation for locals. To get the best experience take the tram first thing in the morning especially if you are visiting during the summer when its really hot outside. Also instead of boarding the tram at martim Moniz which is the heart of the city, you could try boarding at the end of the route “Campo Ourique.” Starting here will take you to all the same stops just in reverse and you will end your Tram 28 experience in “Martim Moniz” Another option if you are looking to avoid the lines is taking a sightseeing tram tour instead. While these tours are pricier they follow the same routes and offer audio guides.
2. Belem Tower- A symbol of protection. This fortress is located approximately 6 kilometers from city center of Lisbon and is situated on the Tagus River’s northern banks, it was built during the 1500’s with the purpose of defending Lisbon against invading forces . When visiting the tower you will start on the ground floor which houses cannons pointed through the little windows that are aimed across the river. After exploring the ground floors you can start climbing up the narrow staircases to different levels of the tower which will eventually lead to the roof terrace that has panoramic views of the city and waterfront .
3. Take a day trip to sintra- A must see excursion known for it’s magnificent palaces, historic castles, and breathtaking landscapes. This picturesque town is located approximately 30 miles west of Lisbon and should definitely be on your list of things to do while visiting portugal. Train travel is among the most affordable and convenient methods to get to Sintra, with two to three trains departing every hour, and it will take around 45 minutes one way from the Rossio Station. Along the 45 minute route there will be multiple stops with Sintra being the very last stop.
Pena Palace- While in Sintra be sure to check out Pena Palace which is known for its beautiful architecture, bright colors, and incredible views. This palace was once a vacation home for the Portuguese royal family and makes you feel as though you have stepped into the middle of a fairytale. Getting to Pena Palace can be a little tricky as it is not easily walkable due to it being a steep up-hill journey. The best way to get to the Pena Palace from the train station is by using Uber which is called Bolt in Europe. Another option is a tuk tuk, just whatever you do avoid the scotterb bus as they are known for scamming.
4. Time Out Market: Go on a food tasting culinary adventure. This busy food venue has so many options to choose from that it is impossible to not find something to please everyone in your group. From authentic Portuguese cuisine, to pizza, Thai food, as well as numerous deserts and beverage bars you could spend hours exploring the menus and trying new foods.