Lisbon Lowdown: Lost in the Alfama
okay, so check this out. i'm still buzzing from lisbon. seriously, it’s like a beautiful, slightly chaotic dream. i landed on the 9th of may, and the weather? i just checked and it's... there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. a soft, hazy sunshine that makes everything look golden. humidity's through the roof, though, so pack accordingly!
my first instinct was to just wander. and honestly, that’s the only way to experience lisbon. i spent hours getting gloriously lost in the Alfama district, the oldest part of the city. the narrow, winding streets are packed with tiny restaurants, fado houses, and crumbling azulejo tile buildings. it's a labyrinth, and you'll definitely get turned around, but it's part of the charm.
*gear list - because who doesn’t need a list?
comfortable walking shoes (seriously, you’ll be doing a lot of it!)
a good camera (you'll want to capture every angle)
a reusable water bottle (the tap water is delicious)
a phrasebook (a little Portuguese goes a long way)
a cardigan or light jacket (it can get surprisingly chilly in the evenings)
*so, what’s the story?
I heard that someone warned me about the tram 28 - apparently, it's a complete tourist trap, but it’s also an absolute must-do if you want to see a different side of the city. it rattles and groans its way up the hills, and the views are insane, but be prepared for crowds. another thing someone told me was that the pastries? legendary. definitely don't skip the Pastel de Nata. i got lost debating which bakery to try first, and ended up sampling at least five.
Someone at a cafe said: “The best way to see lisbon is to just get lost. Don’t follow the map. Let the city lead you.”
A local I chatted with in a park claimed: “Be careful of the pickpockets in the Baixa area. They’re like shadows.”
I also spent an afternoon exploring the São Jorge Castle. it offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River. it’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it. i even stumbled upon a hidden courtyard with a little fountain - pure magic.
And the food. oh, the food! i ate my weight in seafood. grilled sardines, fresh octopus, clams… i’m pretty sure i gained five pounds, but it was totally worth it.
if you get bored, porto is just a short train ride away. it's a totally different vibe - more port wine, less Alfama hustle.
reviews? someone told me that the Time Out Market is overpriced, but it's a good place to sample a variety of Portuguese cuisine. another local warned me about the long queues at Belém Tower - it’s worth it, though. i'm going to find that tripadvisor link to Belém Tower and see what people are saying.
seriously, though, lisbon is a city that gets under your skin. it’s a place to slow down, get lost, and soak it all in. and it’s all so* much better when you're completely unapologetically yourself. i’m already planning my return trip. maybe next time i’ll finally master the fado.”
P.S. don't forget to try the Ginjinha - a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. it's surprisingly delicious!
You can check out more about Lisbon on Visit Lisboa.
And if you're looking for some local finds, check out Yelp for restaurant recommendations!
Finally, for some inspiration, head over to The Travel for a more comprehensive guide.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/why-kathmandu-is-ranked-one-of-the-fastest-growing-cities
- https://votoris.com/post/zagrebs-food-scene-what-locals-actually-eat-not-what-the-tourists-think
- https://votoris.com/post/tripoli-the-city-that-feels-like-a-hot-mess
- https://votoris.com/post/tamale-where-the-sahara-meets-the-savanna-and-my-hair-is-still-frizzy
- https://votoris.com/post/shrz-when-your-feels-about-diversity-hit-different-a-broke-students-take