Lisbon Lost & Found: A Whirlwind in the City of Seven Hills
okay, so. lisbon. where do i even begin? i landed here yesterday, and it's already a complete sensory overload in the best way possible. the flight was… an experience. long, but worth it. i’m currently sprawled on a tiny, sun-drenched patio overlooking a maze of terracotta rooftops. the air smells like salt, grilled sardines (obviously), and something floral i can't quite place. the humidity is thick - feels like a warm hug that might suffocate you if you’re not careful. the numbers i saw before booking? 2407660 and 1694104584 - probably just some random flight codes, but they felt significant somehow, like little clues to the adventure ahead.
The weather? i just checked, and it's…golden. the sun is relentlessly cheerful, which is a nice change from the perpetually grey skies back home. it’s clinging to a balmy 26 degrees Celsius, which is pretty fantastic.
I'm staying in the *Alfama district - a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that seem to defy logic. it’s gorgeous, but also a little…intense. cats are everywhere, lounging in doorways and generally ruling the roost. folks are yelling, laughing, playing Fado music, and just generally living their lives at a pace that's both frantic and strangely calming.
Overheard Gossip: i heard from the woman running the tiny cafe next door that the best Pasteis de Nata are found in a place called 'Manteigaria' - but be prepared to wait in line for hours.
I’ve been trying to navigate by instinct and a vague sense of direction, which is proving to be…a challenge. the streets curve and wind unexpectedly. Google Maps is my best friend (besides the aforementioned sardines). i even attempted to take a tuk-tuk which ended up taking us on a scenic tour of areas i definitely didn’t ask to see.
Being a budget student, I'm trying to make the most of free activities - wandering through the Castelo de São Jorge, soaking up the atmosphere in Praça do Comércio, getting wonderfully lost. I even braved a free walking tour (tips are definitely encouraged!). someone told me that the Tram 28 is the quintessential Lisbon experience, but also the most overcrowded.
Pro-tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. You'll be doing a lot of walking. and bring a reusable water bottle - the tap water is perfectly drinkable.
Speaking of food, i’ve already had more seafood than i thought humanly possible. Francesinha looks… intimidating, but i’m determined to try it. I’m also eyeing up some Pastel de Natas for later. seriously, those custard tarts are a religion here.
I'm planning on a day trip to Sintra tomorrow - apparently, those palaces are insane. I heard the pastries there are even better than in Lisbon, which is a pretty high bar. Someone warned me that Sintra gets packed*, especially during peak season, so arriving early is crucial. you can check out some tour options on TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor Sintra Tours.
It's funny, travelling always feels a bit like shedding layers - shedding expectations, shedding routines, shedding… well, probably skin cells too. Lisbon is definitely doing that for me. It’s messy, chaotic, beautiful, and utterly captivating. If you're looking for a city that will challenge and charm you in equal measure, this is it. Also, if you're into photography, there are some fantastic viewpoints to capture the city's beauty. Check out this list of viewpoints on Yelp: Lisbon Viewpoints Yelp.
I'm off to find some more sardines. wish me luck.
Seriously obsessed with finding cool vintage finds here - a local recommended checking out a vintage shop in Alfama.
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