There are so many interesting things to do in this city but here are a few that I've enjoyed doing solo as Jordan has been feeling under the weather.
One day, after doing a bit of walking, I decided to take a tuk-tuk which turned out to be a wonderful way to cover a lot of ground! My driver took me through several areas that I had previously walked, but also to new places. It was really fun and he shared interesting details as we passed things as well as personal tips. I marked several of these neighborhoods on my google map and plan to return with Jordan to more thoroughly explore them. We even stopped for some Ginja at the restaurant where he works as a waiter (for his second job). It's a Portugese liquor made from Ginja berries (sour cherries), served in a shot glass, with a piece of fruit in the bottom.
Another time I went into the Lisbon Cathedral. It's construction began in 1148 making it the oldest church in the capital! It of course underwent remodeling in the 18th century after the 1755 earthquake destroyed part of the building. There was a very narrow overlook area that had wonderful views.
I visited some gorgeous gardens like the Jardim do Torel which has beautiful views and plants and some fun ones like the Jardim Braancamp Freire which had colorful roosters & chickens hanging out with the ducks/geese. I walked past funiculars, churches, up/down hills, ate at small cafes, went inside an incredible store called A Vida Portuguesa, drank espresso, read my book, ate vegan ice cream, gazed out at views on overlooks and found cool street art.
One day, when wandering through the narrow alleyways in Alfama I was surprised to see a large cruise ship parked at the port so I headed in a different direction and discovered beautiful tile, colors, small and large plazas, gorgeously designed cobblestone patterns, flowers and lots of places to plop down. I ate lunch inside a small loud Portuguese restaurant filled with locals, busy waiters and loads of fresh seafood and wine. I sat there soaking it all up and making conversation with a French couple sitting next to me.
One afternoon I enjoyed the most scrumptious salad and chocolate cake with a glass of Medeira wine on the rooftop of the Rossio Gastrobar. The views were just stunning and can't wait to share it with Jordan.
I can't get enough of that photo of you in the tuk-tuk next to that mural!!!! It's just so darn cute. ❤️ Love seeing and hearing about all the places you stumbled across. Sounds totally perfect. So much gorgeous gorgeous art again!! I LOVE that blue tile mural of the canal. And those gardens look heavenly– so many blooming things in these photos. The purple petals on the ground and those exploding pink shrubs. 😍 Your lunch at the local Portuguese restaurant sounds like a dream! This post especially makes me wish I was there wandering around with you, discovering rooftop bars and bookstores and gardens and huffing and puffing our way through all those hilly streets. 😄
Great photos once again. Hope Jordan feels better soon. How do you like Lisbon compared to the Algarve?