Lost in Lisbon: A Whirlwind of Tiles and Unexpected Encounters

okay, so lisbon. where do i even begin? i landed there a couple of days ago, feeling like a crumpled napkin someone forgot in a back pocket. the flight was...an experience. let’s just say the in-flight movie selection was a crime against humanity. but hey, no complaints, right? i'm a *budget student trying to soak up as much culture as possible before ramen becomes my only food group again.

The weather’s… interesting. i just checked and it's like a warm hug with a side of humidity. the official temp is 23.29°C, feels like 23.89°C, and it’s hovering around that for the next few days. humidity's at a solid 85% - definitely bringing a portable fan. it’s not raining, thank goodness, because cobblestones and rain are a recipe for disaster. i’m hoping for some sunshine though, gotta get those vitamin D levels up!

I’m staying in Alfama, which is… a maze. seriously, it’s like someone took a jigsaw puzzle and threw it at a hillside. amazing views though - you can see the whole city sprawling out before you. the locals are pretty cool. everyone’s super friendly, even when i’m butchering the Portuguese language. i’ve been trying to learn a few phrases, but it’s going…slowly.

people walking on green grass field near body of water during daytime

So far, the highlights have been wandering through the tile shops - seriously, the azulejos are breathtaking. i spent a good hour just staring at them. and the food! oh god, the food. pastéis de nata are life. i’m pretty sure i’ve consumed my body weight in those little custard tarts already. i found a little bakery near Praça do Comércio that makes them fresh all day. highly recommend - check out their reviews on Yelp.

Gear List (aka what i crammed into my backpack):
Reusable water bottle (essential - the tap water is drinkable, but i prefer to be safe)
Comfortable walking shoes (seriously, don’t even think about wearing heels here)
Portable charger (my phone dies faster than i can take pictures)
Phrasebook (because google translate just isn’t cutting it)
Small backpack (for all the pastry-related essentials)

I heard that the Tram 28 is a must-do, but someone told me to avoid it during peak hours. apparently, it gets so packed it's basically human Tetris. Visit Lisboa has a good overview of all the trams, but that warning stuck with me.

the sun is setting in the sky over the trees

There’s so much more to see and do - the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the LX Factory. i’m planning to head to Sintra tomorrow; it’s supposed to be magical. someone said the Pena Palace looks like something out of a fairytale. and i’m definitely going to check out some of the fado houses later - apparently, it’s a very emotional experience.

"Don’t be afraid to get lost. That's when you find the best little cafes and hidden gems." - a local i chatted with at a bar last night.

Lisbon feels...alive. buzzing with a chaotic energy that’s both overwhelming and incredibly appealing. if you get bored, Porto is just a short train ride away, it's supposed to be gorgeous. i’m thinking of making a day trip sometime next week. or maybe even venturing further north into the mountains.

a red insect sitting on top of a blue wire

The air smells like salt and grilled sardines. i just saw a group of guys playing Fado in a tiny alleyway. it’s the kind of thing you stumble upon when you’re not even trying to find anything. and that’s pretty much the vibe here. authentic, a little rough around the edges, and utterly captivating. i’m off to find some more pasteis de nata - wish me luck!

Seriously, if you’re looking for a city that’s equal parts history, culture, and delicious food, put Lisbon on your list. I found some cool hostels through Hostelworld if you're looking for affordable accommodation.

Lost in Lisbon: A Whirlwind of Tiles and Unexpected Encounters

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About the author: Emma Hayes

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