Lisbon

Lisbon is a spectacular city and utterly recognisable from the one I visited twenty years ago.  The varied architectural influences are splendidly observed on every corner. The feel and vibe of the city, fresh and welcoming, great food and coffee, resisting the temptation of another pastel de nata.

Transport is cheap and hassle free, the shameless use of Uber at a fraction of the cost of extortionate London fares.

So many attractions, four days and there was still plenty to see and experience.  It abounds with tourists which at times can feel a little over-bearing.  Take time to avoid the crowds, and explore parts of the city that may not necessarily have been featured on tripadvisor.

A trip to Sintra was recommended - yes it's a fabulous place to visit, Palacio de Pena with its techni-coloured facade, but the queue to view the interior is an incalculable waste of time.

Visit Belem for the Monsatry, Torre, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos that affords views from the top at a modest 6 Euros.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

View from Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Torre de Belem

From Belem, take a walk along the river up to the 25 de Abril bridge.

Ponte 25 de Abril 

The city is aesthetically very charming, each corner presenting another sublime perspective.

Saving time and resting weary limbs, the funicular is a fun way to avoid steep hill climbs.

Fado Vadio is the most famous Fado graffiti in Lisbon, located in the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão.

Tram 28.  Urgghh the much heralded Tram 28.  Queue for hours, get squashed into a space constrained carriage and roll through the city partially seeing the sights you had already walked past the day before.  I don't get it.  The trams are great, a real throw-back to the past, but get on any tram.  Preferably one that you don't have to queue all day for.  

The 28 Tram

Yummy Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belem.

Mmm Pasteles

Pasteis de Belem

The Time Out market great for a lunch date, or simply experiencing the atmosphere while being lured into buying an affectation or two.

Time Out Market

And more impressive street art that I just love.

Fabulous Street Art

Head up to the Castelo de St Jorge, and watch the sunset over the village.  Really lovely but take a warm coat as it can get chilly outside of the summer season.

Castelo de S. Jorge

View from the Castle