Hello everyone! Today I will tell you about one of the most beautiful cities of Western Europe, Lisbon. Before I start my article, I must say that I am quite excited, because Lisbon, Portugal was among the geographies that I wanted to go to and that I was very interested in.
In my article, I have visited most of the places to visit in Lisbon from my first two days. i will talk about. My travel note this time will be in the form of a comprehensive Lisbon travel guide.
What to do in Lisbon, where to go in Lisbon, how to get to Lisbon, what to eat in Lisbon and most importantly, I will tell you the whole adventure of the atmosphere in this impressive, “different and familiar” city!
On the Way to Lisbon / Swiss Alps
How to Go to Lisbon?
Wednesday, March 18, 2015. My long awaited Lisbon trip had arrived.. My plane departs from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Today I will go to the westernmost part of Europe, the total distance I will travel will be approximately 3000 km.. This distance is one of the longest distances that can be traveled within the same continent..
We take off with Turkish Airlines flight 1759 at 12:30 Turkish time.. It will be a long flight that will take 5 hours in total.. This is the shortest way to get to Portugal. Thanks to the cheap flight ticket I bought months in advance, I will be able to directly reach Lisbon without the need for a transfer.
The weather is clear, along our Lisbon route during the flight via Venice, Marseille and Valencia. we pass. I was able to choose these cities I’ve been to very clearly from the plane.. Even to the important symbols of the cities. This includes the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Marina in Marseille. Before I even arrived in Lisbon, I found myself in France and Italy by surprise!
Venice, Italy from the air
Where is Lisbon?
First of all, I would like to briefly introduce Portugal and Lisbon. Portugal is actually a country that you all know by name.. It is located in the westernmost part of Europe on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its population is around 10 million.. Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages in the world.. Their cultures are unique. Since a part of this culture has remained from Andalusian times, they do not have common points with us.
Portugal is a country with a very old history.. first 9. century, they showed their presence. The Portuguese States, which saw wars in the course of time and fought with the Ottomans during the reign of Osmannlı in the Moroccan region 17. It has been ruling these lands for centuries.. The proclamation of today’s Portuguese Republic took place in 1910 in these lands, which also became one of the pioneers of the colonial movement in the world.
Lisbon General View
Is it Necessary to Obtain a Visa to Portugal?
Portuguese Republic, European Union and Schengen a member country. Turkish citizens need Schengen visa to visit Portugal. Holders of Special and Official Passports are exempt from visa for short-term visits.
- Which countries do you need a visa for?
Lisbon, Portugal’ largest city and capital of. Located in the westernmost part of the country and Europe. According to the data of the World Meteorological Organization Lisbon is the hottest capital in Europe. It is a generally temperate city under a typical Mediterranean Climate.. It was founded on the banks of the Tejo River, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean.
The history of Lisbon intersects with the history of Portugal.. Today, the urban metropolitan area has a population of 3 million.. Lisbon is one of the most important tourism destinations in Europe, with many places to visit.
Lisbon Baixa District General View
It’s time to return to my Lisbon trip. After a long flight, our plane lands at Lisbon Portela Airport at 16:00 local time.. A medium-sized airport. During the passport control, with the humor and friendly attitude of the officer I had a pleasant atmosphere with the Portuguese people from the first minutes!
Transport from Lisbon Airport to the City Center
Metro system is used for transportation from Lisbon Airport to the city. It’s also very close to the city center.. However, the machines required to buy tickets do not accept cards, you have to get euros in cash beforehand.
The metro from the airport ends at San Sebastiao station.. From here you must transfer to the metro line that goes to the city center and ends at Lisbon Santa Apolonia train station.
San Sebastiano Metro Station
First Impressions from Lisbon
Ben Avenida I’m getting off at the station. I will stay at Lisbon Chillout Hostel located here. For three nights in total, I pay a fee of 30 euro suitable for Europe in general.
- How to find a place to stay abroad?
After leaving my belongings, I immediately set out to start exploring this city. I’m in Lisbon now. Around the afternoon, I feel the heat of Lisbon from the first minutes.. Even though it’s mid-March the weather is around 20 degrees. One of the most ideal weather conditions for sightseeing !
My hostel is located 1.5 kilometers north of the city.. I start walking down Liberdade Boulevard towards Rossio Square.. Liberdade makes me feel like descending directly from Barbaros Boulevard to Beşiktaş.
Restauradores Square / Right Next to Rossio
The general atmosphere of the city put me in a very different mood.. I must say that I was very impressed from the first minutes.. Lisbon is fascinating with its history, buildings decorated with light Mediterranean colors and the sound of trams descending steep slopes!
When this atmosphere is combined with a clear, beautiful air rehearsing a sweet summer evening in March for me in Lisbon. I arrive at Restauradores and then Rossio Squares before I realize how it crosses Liberdade Avenue. Rossio is one of the city’s most important squares since the middle ages.. The square is almost completely surrounded by buildings exemplary of Portuguese Architecture.
There are many pleasant parallel streets descending from Rossio Square to the beach.. There are shops, restaurants and local shops in general here.. The biggest and most important of these streets is Rua Augusta.
Rua Augusta Street and I
Rua Augusta is the heart of the city.. Augusta Street is in Lisbon what Istiklal is in Istanbul.. The seats of the restaurants in the middle of the street and the huge Rua Augosta Triumphal Arch at the end have a wonderful view.. You arrive at the most important square of the city with the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch.. This is Praça do Comércio, that is, Commerce Square.
Praca Comercio is located right on the beach. The square is surrounded by yellow and orange buildings representing the general culture of Lisbon, and there is a huge monumental statue in the middle.. At that time, the view of the buildings is indescribable with the sunlight approaching to set!
Rua Autosta Triumphal Arch
I am now reaching the beach with the square. When you reach the beach, One of the symbols of Lisbon will greet you.
Yes, you guessed right. Ponte 25 de Abril aka 25 April Bridge.
25 April Bridge is one of the most important structures of the city and even the country.. Built in 1966, this bridge reminds one of the Golden Gate Bridge, as you can all think of it.. The company that built the Golden Gate Bridge has already built it.
Those who go to San Francisco will know that another important bridge of the city is even more similar to the Bay Bridge. Painted in a red-like color, it salutes to America in the far west of Europe!
Praca Comercio / Commerce Square
Now it’s time to look a little to the left of the bridge. Although it may seem small compared to the size of the 25th of April Bridge, the 110-meter-high Cristo-Rei Statue, the Jesus Monument, will embrace you in all its glory. This monument is another symbol of Lisbon. Hz in the Monument. The face of Jesus looks directly into the city center of Lisbon and, according to belief, embraces the city.
I am on the Lisbon beach with this delightful view. There is a beautiful beach and seating areas that you can enjoy here.. In addition, this area hosts performances by street artists and various activities in the evenings.. Don’t mind that I call it a beach, of course you can’t enter the river from here.. There are different alternatives to swim in Lisbon, keep reading !
Lisbon Beach / 25th April Bridge and Christ’s Monument
It’s getting dark now. My last stop for today is Mercado da Ribeira. This is a nice city market building typical of Lisbon. Inside, there are mostly pubs where you can try the famous Portuguese wines and local snack restaurants.. Those who will visit the city should definitely taste the delicious flavors here!
I’m going back to my hostel with the lights of the city of Lisbon now.. While I was drinking the Porto Wine that I bought on my way back, after chatting with my fellow travelers at the hostel, it’s time to sleep.
- How to make a travel plan?
Today, I visited the center and the living parts to taste the city atmosphere and feel that I am in Lisbon. Tomorrow I will go to the main attractions of Lisbon. There aremore places to see in Lisbon !
Mercado da Ribeira
Thursday, 19 March 2015. I wake up to a new day in Lisbon. I started the day with a satisfying meal by adding tea to the free breakfast provided at my hostel.
I’m leaving the hostel.. Today, on my route to Lisbon, there is the high castle area and Alfama, which is located in the east of the city first.. The place I mentioned is not far from the area where my hostel is located.. Anyway, Lisbon is not a very big city in general.. Especially so you can walk around the touristic areas. But if you still get tired, you can use the subway and the nostalgic yellow trams.
Tiled Houses of Lisbon
Tiles of Lisbon
I’m starting to walk. The weather is beautiful and sunny as it was yesterday. What draws my attention in this region is the part of us of Lisbon; tiles…
You heard right, Lisbon’s tiled houses are one of the pieces that make up the city’s style. Aren’t these tiled buildings, which I have not seen anywhere else in Europe, familiar from Anatolia?
I talked about our similarities with the Portuguese culture a little bit.. In this region, the lands ruled by the Andalusian Umayyad State. Naturally, there are traces of Islam and the Ottoman Empire as well. China is the biggest example of this.. It is possible to come across tiled houses frequently in the streets of Lisbon.. With the sun shining on some streets, the shining tiles of the houses create a wonderful view in Lisbon.
A Beautiful Street With Tiled Houses Shining
It’s time to go up a little bit.. There are lots of these hills in Lisbon, too.. There are three important cities in the world that are built on hills, Istanbul, San Francisco and Lisbon…
Another of these three cities The common feature is that it is famous for its bridges and trams. Lisbon, which is the third and last link for me, who has already lived in one of these cities and visited the other, is quite familiar!
Coming to the Castle District / Steep Streets of Lisbon
Places to Visit in Lisbon
The most beautiful city in the city. I even went to the top. The narrow and steep streets that I passed through on my way out both offer a unique view and allow you to wander through the city like an explorer.
The most important place you should visit in this region Sao Jorge castle . The castle of 6 BC. It is thought to have been built by the Iberians in the 16th century.. It is located on a high point overlooking the whole of Lisbon.
You can visit this castle for 10 euros during the day.. However, I don’t think it’s necessary to visit the inside.. Because the view of the castle is almost everywhere in this region and the castle itself looks more beautiful from the outside. I can recommend the museum inside for people who are very interested in history.
One of the High Points of the City / Sao Jorge Castle on the left
I keep walking. Now there are two churches in front of me. The first of these is the Church of São Vicente of Fora and its Monastery. This church is 16. built in the century. This building, built with Romanesque Architecture, which forms the basis of Gothic architecture, is one of the most beautiful in the city.. There is also a huge monastery behind it.
There is another building Panteão Nacional right next to it.. This church is 20 years old, which is a much newer date than its other brother.. built in the century. It is a part of the city atmosphere with its white color.. Also, the colorful houses right next to the church are as worth seeing as the Panteao!
Panteão Nacional Church
The Observation Terraces of Lisbon
Actually, we can call this area the old city center.. Together with the Alfama District, which I will talk about a little later, it forms the historical part of Lisbon.. You will frequently come across mystical buildings on the streets in this area.. But now there is another issue; observation terraces..
If a city is built on hills, wouldn’t there be observation terraces? yes it does. Lisbon view terraces are one of the city’s major tourist attractions. They are especially abundant at the ends of the hills in the castle area I am in.. Each one has a unique view.
Colorful Houses Next to the Panteão Nacional Church
The observation terraces are called “miradouro” in Portuguese. You can follow all the signs with this ending in the city.. I leave it up to you to explore these terraces !
Time to go down a bit. Next is the Alphama Region. Alfama is located on the east side of the coastal part of the city, in other words, right next to Lisbon Santa Apolonia Train Station.
One of Lisbon’s Observation Terraces and Me
This area is quite different with its houses and people reflecting the characteristics of Portuguese Culture.. In some streets, let alone a car, not even two bicycles can pass side by side. They’re so narrow!. Portugal already has this kind of culture.. It is possible to come across local entertainment taverns in these narrow streets.. Those looking for a different understanding of entertainment with their local instruments and wines they call Fado should try such an alternative for Lisbon nightlife.
Alfama District. There are souvenir shops and nice restaurants where you can have a snack on the street that stretches along the beach.
I keep walking.. Now I am at the point where the Alfama District and the city center meet.. Right next to me is the Lisbon Cathedral.
Narrow Streets of the Alfama District
Lisbon Cathedral is the city’s oldest and most important church. Built in 1117, this church is interesting with its structure resembling a castle walls.. It has been badly damaged as a result of the earthquakes it has gone through throughout history and has been restored again.
1755 Lisbon Earthquake
Speaking of the earthquake, I have unfortunately mentioned another common aspect of these three sister cities I mentioned.. Istanbul, San Francisco and Lisbon are the largest and most important cities known to have the highest earthquake risk and have been shaken by earthquakes in the past.
Lisbon Cathedral
On November 1, 1755, Lisbon experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in history.. Almost all of Lisbon was destroyed by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale and nearly 100 thousand people died.. Lisbon, one of the biggest cities of the period, lost a significant part of its population with this earthquake.
Things to Do in Lisbon
I’m going back to today’s Lisbon. The area where the Lisbon Cathedral is located is one of the most lively touristic spots of the city.. The famous “Lisbon’s Number 28 Tram” passes right in front of it.. Those who want to taste the atmosphere of the city should definitely take any tram in this city.
Tram No. 28 Passing In Front of Lisbon Cathedral
Another transportation option in this region is “tuk-tuk“s.. You can also take these tuk-tuks, which we are mostly accustomed to from India and Thailand, in Lisbon.
What to Buy in Lisbon?
I follow the street that goes down in front of the Lisbon Cathedral.. I have now come to the central region that I visited last night.. I’ve already bought a little yellow tram for my collection from the gift shops here!
Lisbon’s Tuk-Tuks
The day is approaching noon. I fill my stomach with little local cookies from Lisbon’s unique patisserie in the city centre.. Now there’s an interesting place next!
I’m talking about the Santa Justa Elevator. Locally known as Carmo Lift. This elevator connects the city center, aka Baxio District, to Bairro Alto District.. This elevator, which was put into use in 1902, is actually a part of daily life in Lisbon.. I think it’s the only place in the world I’ve ever seen a similar elevator in Izmir.
Lisbon, Baixa District / The Street Going Down from the Cathedral
Next Bairro Alto District, connected by the Santa Justa Elevator exists.
Bairro Alto is one of the historic districts of the city. Located on a hill on the west side of the city centre.. The biggest difference of this place from Alfama is a little more modern containing cafes, bars and restaurants.
Souvenir Shops of Lisbon
Don’t be fooled by what I call modern! Bairro Alto almost all smells of history. Only its facilities are modern. The streets here are narrow and straight to the beach.. It is possible to see small art galleries, markets and various shops along the way.
There are peddlers set up on the roadside in this area as well.. Even who cook and sell chestnuts ! Portugal really resembles our country in many ways, and this similarity is not only in terms of culture.
Santa Justa Elevator
Portuguese people are physically reminiscent of Turks in general Most of the people are Turkish while walking on the street. I have often compared. It cannot be said that they alienated me too much.
I have completed my sightseeing in the central points of the city.. Now it’s time to move a little further west. I’m going to the Belem District, which also houses many of Lisbon’s landmarks.
Bairro Alto District
How to Get to Belem ?
Belem is 5 kilometers from the center of Lisbon stays as far west. I can say the other side of the 25th of April Bridge. Actually, the most logical option to go here is to take the train. These trains leave from the Cais do Sodré Station, in the west of the city.. The fee is around 1.5 euros.. But I prefer to reach this area on foot, taking into account the nice weather.
I must say that it is a pleasant routefor those who like to walk. You are walking along the beach with a wonderful view of the bridge.. In addition, you can take closer photos with the 25 Nisan Bridge and visit the marina right under the bridge.
Walking to Belem / 25 April Bridge
I’m starting to walk. To tell the truth, the bridge is so big that it doesn’t seem to get any closer. However, it seemed quite close from afar!
After a bit of a tiring and long walk, I’m just under the 25th April Bridge.. Can you take great pictures here with the bridge?. The best part of this place is that it is right in front of the Jesus Monument.. It’s great to see these two landmarks of Lisbon in the same frame and so close!
25th April Bridge and Christ’s Monument
A small marina is located on the beach at the bottom of the bridge . There are very pleasant cafes and restaurants here.. This is one of the escape points of the people living in this city.. It’s the right place to come and get some air and coffee for a few hours.
I arrive in Belem shortly after leaving the bridge behind me. The first one that greeted me is the Monument of Discoveries.
Originally, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, that is, the Monument of Discoveries, is another symbol of Lisbon.. As the name of this monument suggests, Portuguese sailors 16. Built in 1960 to commemorate the discoveries of the 19th century there are statues of sailors. I should add that it is quite imposing with its design resembling a huge sail with a pilgrimage in the middle.
Speaking of Vasco da Gama, the bridge in the east of the city, which is actually more famous in terms of engineering, is named after this sailor.. Vasco da Gama Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world with a length of 17 kilometers. Connecting the Lisbon Bay, this bridge crosses the Tejo river across the river.
Discoveries Monument
I had the opportunity to see it on the way back when the plane took off. If you want to see the Vasco da Gama Bridge with the naked eye, you can choose the beach in the Alfama Region, where I was in the morning.. Because I forgot to look at that time !
I keep walking in Belem. You can see various touristic details along the way here.. One of them is a large world map made on the ground. We take a look at Portugal through our country.
Our Country and Portugal on the World Map
After a long walk, I arrive at the last landmark of Lisbon, which I will visit.. Belem Tower.
Torre de Belem, or Belem Tower, is located in the far west of the city, next to the waters where the Tejo River and the Atlantic Ocean meet.. This tower is in memory of Vasco da Gama.. built in the century. It has been able to maintain its elegant gothic architecture to this day.
I can say that the Belem Tower is actually like the Maiden’s Tower above the sea. It is about 20-30 meters from the beach and is connected here by a small footbridge.. There is a cove and a viewing area on the inside where you can watch the tower.
Belem Tower
To commemorate the day on the cove beach inside the tower, me and my travel mate do not forget to write our names and the city of Lisbon and take a photo.
Evening hours are approaching. The sun hitting the Belem Tower at a slight angle, and the clouds in places, are added to the children’s transparent balloons made of soap.. The view is indescribable !
Tower of Belem / Shining Sunlight and Children’s Transparent Balloons
It’s time for the last point I will travel on paper today. Jerónimos Monastery.
Jeronimos Monastery is a historical monastery located just opposite the Explorers Monument. This monastery was built with a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance Architecture. Its construction was completed in 1571, after about 70 years.. I must add that its architecture is frankly reminiscent of the Budapest Parliament.. Of course, this structure is much older.
Jeronimos Monastery
With a long day behind, trains from Belem to Lisbon leave right in front of the Jeronimos Monastery.. But the day isn’t over for me !
I prefer walking to get back too. I’ll do it this time around the north of the city. I continue to travel with an improvised plan that includes Bairro do Restelo and Alto da Ajuda.
Bairro do Restelo and Alto da Ajuda District
These districts are like the summer cottages of Lisbon I can say . It is possible to come across cute structures and tiled houses.. Again, since it is located a little on the hill, it also hosts the view of the city of Lisbon.. I’m lucky to be here during sunset.
The sun is setting now. While reaching the city center, I experienced an adventurous return journey.. During my walk, I strangely passed through rule and poor neighborhoods, this is what living in the city is like for me.
25th April Bridge on the Reverse Side
What to Eat in Lisbon?
I’m reaching the city center. Before going to the hostel, it would be nice not to try a taste of the rich Portuguese Cuisine that Lisbon has, right? And when I’m this hungry.
I’m sitting in a nice restaurant at the intersection of Bairro Alto and the Beixa District.. The most important part of the Portuguese Cuisine consists of seafood.. “Codfish” is quite famous around here.. Here I eat a delicious Cod Fish with its special way of cooking.
One of the Tiled Houses in Bairro do Restelo
I am a person who loves all seafood. Frankly, I also liked the “Cod Fish” I tasted here.. I just think the local sauces it has are not very suitable for our taste.. However, this does not prevent me from enjoying this taste!
You can eat this fish for 10-15 euros in a mid-level restaurant.. Don’t be too afraid of accounts in Lisbon. Prices here are considered below the European average. Anyway, Portugal is one of the economically weak countries of the European Union.
The Portuguese Cod I ate
The day ends here for me. I traveled and saw a lot of places in a long day.. I walked a lot, I went up and down a lot of stairs. But it was all worth it !
If you want to experience Lisbon, you have to walk like me. You must witness moments from life. You can only watch this city on the subways or trams.
To sum up, Lisbon is a city I highly recommend visiting.. As I said at the beginning of my article, this is a “different and familiar” place. It has both impressively different structures and cultures and dozens of familiar details.
April 25 Bridge from the West End of Lisbon and the Statue of Jesus Christ
How is the Portuguese people?
As for the Portuguese people. The Portuguese are mediterranean people,they are friendly and fun.. It’s in their culture. I think they like Turks too. Here I was warmly welcomed by everyone.. This is a country that sleeps with football.. Especially, thanks to the Portuguese football players in Beşiktaş, their interest and love for our country has grown even more.. Sometimes you may have to agree with hand signals and simple words, but I don’t think you will have any difficulties.
The only thing I saw in Lisbon on behalf of our country was the THY plane I saw landing.. This place is suitable for those who want to get away from the atmosphere of our country.
A Beautiful Church I Saw While Returning To My Hostel
Lisbon, Portugal Climate
When shall we go to Lisbon? Portugal a country with a temperate climate. My advice is to go in the spring.. It can be a little too hot in the summer. But this is a city that can be visited in 4 seasons.
Is Lisbon expensive? No, Lisbon is quite affordable, especially compared to Central Europe. You can do your shopping at the supermarkets in the city.. In addition, entry to many touristic spots is free.
Lisbon Museums
Speaking of museums, I would like to open this topic.. Lisbon is home to numerous museums. Those interested can explore these museums, especially around the Lisbon Cathedral. I recommend these museums to those who stay in Lisbon for more than 2-3 days.. To me, the city itself is a museum.
Lisbon’s Steep Trams Resembling Funicular
Lisbon Nightlife
Speaking of Lisbon entertainments, I must add Lisbon nightlife. This country loves to have fun. But more locally. There are entertainment venues called Fado Clubs. Apart from that, it is possible to come across western entertainment clubs and pubs on the beach sides of Bairro Alto Region.
Portuguese Wines
Lisbon has wines as well.. Portugal is a country of wine heaven. Here people live on wine.. Prices are also very affordable. It is possible to find huge bottles of wine for less than 1 euro in any supermarket!
You should taste special wines, especially Port Wine, on your trip to Portugal. I have added valuable pieces to my wine collection here.
Can we swim in Lisbon? The city center is not, but it is possible to swim in all coastal towns, especially Cascais, and in Porto.
Wine Prices in Lisbon Markets
Cities to See Around Lisbon
Okay What are the places around Lisbon?. First of all, there are Cascais and Sintra, which are located next to Lisbon. Cascais is a small town on the Atlantic coast west of Lisbon that I also visited and which I will share with you.
Sintra is a historical spot with its famous castle. Those who have time should visit these two cities.. In fact, both can be completed in a half-day excursion. It takes around 1 hour to reach these places by train from the center of Lisbon.
If we go a little further, there is Porto, a city that is at least as Lisbon’s. . This geography is far from our country. While you’ve come this far, you shouldn’t go back without going to Porto.
Lisbon Beach / 25 April Bridge on my left and Hz.. Jesus Monument
How to Get From Lisbon to Porto?
You can reach Porto in 3-4 hours by high-speed trains from Lisbon. Train fares are also affordable. It will cost 40-50 euros for a round trip and it will be worth it !
You can get train tickets from Lisbon to Porto on the cp.pt website. In my opinion, you should book your place in advance, so you can get more affordable prices.
I am ending my article here.. It’s been a long post. Even though I thought of abbreviation, I wanted you to be fully involved in this adventure and get excited for this city, without any missing parts.
I spent three days in Lisbon in total.. In my remaining days, I headed to alternative destinations in more detail, one of them is Cascais.
There are the cities of Cascais and Porto from now on on my Portugal route. I will complete my travel notes here soon.. That’s it for now, I wish you all a pleasant day !
Continued of the article: My Travel Notes to Cascais, PortugalNext Day: My Porto, Portugal Travel Notes
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