I was totally unprepared when I traveled to Portugal. I didn’t intend to go to Portugal this year and when I booked my flights I mainly went to do a long distance walk. So I landed in Lisbon without any expectations and without the pressure to follow a list of must-sees. In the days before my departure I’d quickly tried to look up some attractions, but I mainly spent my days wandering through the city and I loved it!
Lisbon sits in an absolutely extraordinary location. Although it’s not located by the ocean, it lies on the river Tagus, which is so wide in Lisbon that it feels like you are by the sea. A massive, high bridge, lookalike of the Golden Gate bridge stretches over the river to connect some of Lisbon’s suburbs on the other bank. The beautiful Praça do Comércio can be found near the river and connects to the Baixa neighborhood, where you can find streets in a grid offering shops, restaurants and accommodation. The Baixa is surrounded by hills, which offer the most amazing views!
Imagine walking through streets filled with whites and pastels. There are cobbled streets and tiny sidewalks. Small yellow trams ride up and down the hills. There are alleyways with stairs and elevators that are a mode of public transportation. Some houses have beautifully tiled walls in red, green or blue. The temperature is pleasant and the sun is warming up your face. Not that you weren’t warm enough yet. You’re slowly walking up a steep street, turning your head in every direction to see what’s going on. Then you hit a park with an incredible view over the city.
That was basically my time in Lisbon. There are so many streets to explore and just walking around is a treat for the eyes. There were unexpected squares, iconic little streets and wide views. Lisbon has done an outstanding job in creating parks in the most beautiful places. In the evening people come out to enjoy a drink and the watch the setting sun. I do think I got incredibly lucky since there weren’t many tourists, but I certainly wouldn’t mind visiting Lisbon again.
