Lisbon - A Gateway into Europe and the Perfect Place to Enjoy the Slow Life
- Hannah Nietfeld
- Mar 8
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 16
My Time
Lisbon, Portugal. A magical place. I went to Lisbon March of 2022 as it was the most affordable flight into Europe from Chicago. My friends and I were coming to Europe to visit two friends studying abroad for the semester. We rallied 8 people to hop on an eight hour plane ride and get maybe five hours of sleep a night for two days straight. But of course, with a little cafe and whole lot of laughter, we had the best time on our journey. These next four posts will reflect on the four cities we visited - Lisbon, Vienna, Dublin, and Barcelona.
To begin with Lisbon, we were all novices to traveling Europe. And, we all went there without any idea of what to do or see, knowing that we would find our way around and stumble on beauty no matter which way we turned. As this was one of the first trips I planned, and I would soon come to find it was a calling of mine. We didn't have much structure or planned tours when seeing this city. But, thinking about what we saw and did, or maybe completely missed, I'll share about that below.
To say that the first day we turned left out of our hostel and walked about, and the second day we turned right is no exaggeration. I think there is so much joy to wander around a new city, with no agenda except to take in your surroundings, and find the beauty in the smallest of things. We walked up a hill, towards a cathedral we saw at the top, and stopped at a little bookstore, and enjoyed seeing patrons playing cards at an adorable restaurant. I treasure this pace of life. Not feeling rushed, nor as though we were wasting time, instead time is being well spent, as it is with the people you love dearly. I knew I would get the hang of Europe, of the lifestyle I'd hope to soon adopt, and the ease to enjoy what is around me, as all drips with beauty.
Here is what I did and would recommend for a weekend or three-day trip in Lisbon!
Day One
Praça do Comércio: This is the perfect grand entrance into Lisbon. I stayed at a hostel right off this plaza, which had so many great restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in such close proximity. This square is the perfect place to marvel at the fact you made it to Lisbon, to relish being next to the water, and to notice all those that have also come to Lisbon to share in the beauty this city provides. This stop is a bit tourist packed, but is a staple and the center of what the city has to offer. Or, see the city by water on a Sunset Wine Sailing Tour.
Lisbon Cathedral: Right next to the Praça do Comércio is the Cathedral. At the very least, it is worth the entry and appreciation. If this is your first European adventure, you must see the cathedral to understand the size and grandiose nature of the churches in Europe. As this was my first time in Europe, and still to this day, I love walking into every church, even for just a moment to see the differences between all the others. It is also nestled into a cute neighborhood, a noticeable yet simple addition to the neighborhood, Alfama.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Within the neighborhood of Alfama and close to the Cathedral is this iconic look out point. Schedule this one into your itinerary so you can capture an idealic view of this city.
Castelo de São Jorge: When we saw a large castle on a hill, we knew that we had to find our way there. Additional challenge was seeing if we could do it without routing our way up. We surely could have found a more efficient way of getting to this castle, but there was something so sweet about climbing the stairs, hiking up the roads, and traversing through suddenly beautiful home and city squares. Having no expectation made the experience ever more spectacular.
Give the Castle a tour, or wander around up top to find a cozy restaurant or picturesque look out point. The castle was closed by the time we made it to the top of the hill as we started our walking tour later in the day. But finding the drink spot on the top of the hill that overlooked the city that was sparkling with lights, we experienced something just as great as sightseeing the monument. I wish I could inform you that the castle tour was well worth it or a skippable event, sadly I was too in awe and completely content with wandering around the city, as everywhere I turned was beautiful in my fresh eyes and fluttered my excited heart.
Day Two
As I mentioned before, we went one way for our first day, therefore we turned the other and set way for an adventure. But you know the only way to start a day in Europe... a proper cafe with pastries. There are so many to choose from in Lisbon that you truly could not go wrong. We chose a place near our hostel as we often woke up hungry and tired, but there is so much to Lisbon outside of the area you stay, so don't be afraid to explore and find something new!
Cafe and Nata: A must try while in Lisbon is the famous pastry: Nata. It is a custard filled mini pie. You will notice the ubiquity of these pastries, appearing in every glass case and available at every cafe. A notable place to check out is Fábrica da Nata - Pastéis de Nata. I loved the design inside of this cafe as it feels so Portugal, and you can see a bit of cooking behind the counter.
Markets: Take your Nata and cafe to go, or enjoy it here, but make sure you hit some markets on your way out! There are many places around the city that you very well could stumble on a market, this happened to us.
Praça Dom Pedro IV: I passed this lovely square often as my hostel was nearby, and it's not a place you need to necessarily go out of your way to see, but as you stumble upon it, you will surely think this beautiful square must have a name to it.
R. Augusta: A long stretch of stores, allowing for a late morning of shopping, either by store or street vendors. Or, at the very least, is a nice road that makes you feel as though you are in the city of Lisbon.
Tram 28 Ride: I took a tram around the city and it was a fun activity to ride around the classic form for transportation for Lisbon. Ride through the steep and winding city, hop on and off as you please, but it is fascinating to see how close you are to the buildings and to meet new friends on the train or catch up with those you came with! We rode this to escape the rain and it was the perfect activity as we still got to see the city but were protected from the elements.
Visit New Town: Although my friends and I did not explore much of new town, there are so many great places that I would recommend. The first being Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard lined with designer stores, historic buildings, and beautiful tiled sidewalks. Also worth a see is Parque Eduardo VII, the city’s largest central park. Stretching across a hillside, this beautifully landscaped green space offers breathtaking panoramic views from its highest point. As you stroll along its pathways, lined with manicured hedges and lush lawns, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility away from the city's bustle. And to finish off your night, spend it at Sky Bar Lisboa, perched atop the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, this stylish open-air bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline, stretching from the iconic Avenida da Liberdade.
Day 3
Cascais: Just a short trip from Lisbon, Cascais is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the perfect blend of coastal beauty, historic charm, and laid-back elegance. Once a fishing village and now a coastal gem, this seaside town now offers a mix of lovely beaches, harbors, and quaint charm that make it an ideal escape from the city. My friends followed my recommendation so willingly to check out this place, and it ended up being not only one of everyones' favorite days in Portugal, but the favorite of the whole trip...that being due to the sweetness and treasure of this town.
The easiest and most scenic way to get to Cascais is by taking the Cascais Line train from Cais do Sodré Station in Lisbon. The journey takes about 40 minutes, running along the beautiful coastline, with views of sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. On our train ride we saw the Belém Tower, which is another famous landmark in Lisbon. As we saw it from our train, we called it good, but it was quite the wonder and certainly worth the stop.
Once we arrived, we began exploring the historic center, walking along cobbled streets, past colorful houses, and dreaming about stumbling in the lively cafés. We had our eye out for a good lunch spot and found this peaceful spot along the coast where we lined three white plastic tables to fit our large group. We all ordered paella (spanish rice dish) and shared it with the friend we sat across, boasting in the warm sun whilst admiring the breathtaking sea to our side.
Our agenda for the day included wandering, which is the best place to do that because anywhere you go, you stumble on the most beautiful yet simple views. We hung around Praia da Rainha, a small but picturesque beach, and walked around the Citadel of Cascais, a former fortress with panoramic views of the marina. And of course we visited the marina with hopes to see famous Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo land either his helicopter or yacht in the harbor.
We spent the rest of the afternoon trying to catch a tan on the beach, stopping for a caffeine refuel at a nearby cafe, and searching for a restaurant that 10 people all agree eating at. We could have also spent our day taking a scenic walk or bike ride along the coast to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where the waves crash into sea caves. Nearby, the Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum offers insight into Portugal’s maritime history and fantastic views of the Atlantic. Also in the area is Guincho Beach, a wild and windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful waves and rolling dunes—perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Cascais is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, history, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you're exploring its charming old town, discovering hidden sea caves, or simply enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, this seaside gem offers a perfect day of adventure just a short ride from Portugal’s capital.
Visiting this city on our last full day in Lisbon was the perfect cap to the most wonderful stay in our first European city. We knew it would be hard to top this city, with the warm weather, affordable food and accommodation, and the idyllic pace of life. Although we might not have seen everything we could have during our time here, it was still time well spent as traveling with 10 college friends who seek adventure, look at life with the most positive perspective, and can find beauty in the smallest things, that is what made this stop so sweet and seared into my heart as one of the loveliest cities in Europe.
Additional Recommendations
A place I missed but would recommend is Jerónimos Monastery. This UNESCO-listed masterpiece is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, with its intricate stone carvings, towering archways, and an awe-inspiring cloister that feels like something out of a fairytale. Built in the 16th century, the monastery is deeply tied to Portugal’s seafaring past—it was here that Vasco da Gama prayed before his legendary voyage to India, and today, his tomb rests inside alongside the great poet Luís de Camões. Located in Belém, just a short stroll from the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, this historic gem is the perfect stop for those looking to dive into Portugal’s rich maritime history while soaking in some truly breathtaking architecture.
Day Trip - Sintra, Portugal: As my friends and I had only three days in Lisbon and chose to visit Cascais for our day trip, another great place to visit is Sintra. Just 40 minutes by train, this UNESCO-listed town is set in the lush, misty hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where colorful palaces, mysterious forests, and ancient castles create an enchanting atmosphere. Sintra is like stepping into a real-life fairytale, making it one of the most magical escapes from Lisbon. The Pena Palace, with its bold yellow and red towers perched high above the landscape, looks like something out of a fantasy novel, while the Moorish Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. For an amazing guided tour, check out this Sintra Day Trip.
Next Stop - Porto, Portugal: If you are planning a longer trip and deciding on your next destination, you should consider adding Porto to the mix. After experiencing the charm of Lisbon, Porto is the perfect second stop on your Portugal itinerary, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning riverside views. As Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto has a distinct character, with its colorful hillside houses, medieval streets, and vibrant food and wine scene. The city is home to the famous Ribeira district, where you can stroll along the Douro River, take a traditional rabelo boat cruise, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of its waterfront cafés. Porto is also the birthplace of port wine, and a visit to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia offers a chance to taste this world-renowned drink while overlooking the river.
Beyond its famous wine culture, Porto is rich in history and architecture, from the iconic azulejo-covered São Bento Train Station to the stunning Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The Clérigos Tower offers breathtaking city views, while the Bolhão Market provides an authentic taste of Porto’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply someone who loves scenic cityscapes, Porto offers a more intimate, laid-back experience compared to Lisbon, making it a fantastic complement to your trip.
Comments