Explore Lisbon with Saul Schwartz as he takes you through the highlights of Portugal’s capital. During their four-day visit in October, Saul and his wife Fern discovered Lisbon and Sintra’s historic gems. Let’s delve into some of their must-visit spots and practical tips for an enriching experience.
Saul and Fern started their adventure with a free walking tour they booked in advance. Their guide, Gabriel, met them at Placa dos Restauradores, a square commemorating the country’s victory in the war of Restoration. The tour included stops at several significant sites, including the Rossio Train Station, with its stunning Manueline architecture, and Rossio Square, known for its beautiful fountain and tiled floor.
They also visited a memorial dedicated to the massacre of Jews in 1506 near Sao Domingos Church. Following that, they admired the intricate design of the Santa Justa Elevator, built by a French architect who apprenticed with Gustave Eiffel. The nearby Largo do Carmo square is where the Carnation Revolution led to the end of Portugal’s dictatorship, and today it houses the National Guard Museum.
While in Chiado, they visited Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest continuously operating bookstore. The tour concluded at Praça de Comercio, with its impressive 18th-century triumphal arch and statue of King Jose I. Afterward, Saul and Fern explored Saint George’s Castle, which offered panoramic views of the city and insights into its royal history.
Their second day was spent in Belém, a district west of Lisbon, accessible by train. They toured Saint Jerome’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Gothic architecture and the tomb of explorer Vasco da Gama. Nearby, they marveled at the Monument to the Discoveries and the iconic Belém Tower.
Belém Tower, another UNESCO site, provided stunning views of the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama bridge. The couple found navigating the area convenient with trams, particularly enjoying the historic Tram 28, which traverses Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods.
Saul and Fern experienced traditional Fado music at Lisboa em Fado, a small venue where they enjoyed a passionate performance, adding a cultural richness to their trip.
Getting around Lisbon via the Metro was efficient; the system is easy to navigate with frequent trains and beautiful art installations in many stations. Saul and Fern stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton Lisbon, conveniently near the Saldanha metro station. The hotel offered excellent service, a great breakfast, and a comfortable stay with unique architectural details.
If you have more time, consider exploring other attractions nearby, like the palaces of Sintra or the Jurassic sites in central Portugal, just an hour from Lisbon.
Saul, based in Alexandria, Virginia, enjoys traveling across Europe with his wife, appreciating the chance to connect with locals and learn about their culture. His other travel stories cover regions like Southwest Ireland, Modern Athens, and The Vatican.
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