Europe

Lisbon, Portugal: Castles to My Left & Castles to my Right

A Surplus of Steps that Will Make You Sweat

Unlike Lagos, Lisbon is not a beach lover’s dream destination, although you can take a train to one. Instead, Lisbon offers the chance to explore castles. In fact, if you looked to your left you would see a castle. Turn to your right and there it is, ANOTHER CASTLE. However, they also offer cheap spirits and an excellent sangria. If you combine castles, sangrias, and all the steps you’ll walk up  and down, it is a perfect day.

Day 1: My first few hours in Portugal were not as glorious as one might imagine. Suffering crippling jet lag and need of a shower was only the tip of the iceberg. The barbwire at the top of the airport fences made me a little nervous and the portuguese subway directions proved problematic. I thought my first destination on my big European adventure was going to be a big flop. I couldn’t have been more mistaken, and my feelings of anxiety quickly disappeared when I walked out of the subway tunnel to a bright blue sky, clean city center, and giant sculpture of a rooster. After struggling with directions we hefted our heavy backpacks to our hostel, which was right under the Castelo de S. Jorge. Before coming to Lisbon, you need to understand that stairs are everywhere and aren’t in short supply. You will take them constantly and sometimes the only thing to get you to the top is a travel companion’s encouragements that are interrupted by his own harsh labored breathing. I stayed at This is Lisbon Hostel and would recommend it to any and everyone. It had a great view of the city (its location is higher up) and was in a central location. Don’t make my mistake and eat at a nice looking chinese restaurant on your first (or any) night. Instead, throw yourself into a local place and grab a delicious Kabob. You won’t regret it. 

At night, we went up to the Castelo de S. Jorge and watched a live concert while snapping night pictures of Lisbon, which was lit up. Side streets were covered in colorful banners and lights zig-zagged across the narrow passages. Music and singing rang through the city. All June, Lisbon celebrates Festas De Lisboa, which peaks on St. Anthony’s Day. Stands popped up on every corner and spare space selling Portuguese drafts and sangrias for only 1 EUR. Savory sardines were being grilled and sold to hungry customers. Unfortunately, sardines are not something this traveler can remotely tolerate. After perusing the town with a friend we made at our hostel, we stopped at a small cafe around 2 am for fries and calamari. The friendliness of the Portuguese people knows no bounds. Our server Paulo sat down with us and partook in tequila shots, offering the best advice on how to tackle Lisbon. 

Day 2: Although we saw Castelo de S. Jorge at night, it was a whole other experience in the daylight. It’s something you don’t want to miss. You can see the entire town: the creamy orange-colored roofs, winding side streets, colorful banners, and ocean just to the left.


We then waited in line to ride the Elevadora Santa Justa, which is a famous elevator for another breath-taking view of Lisbon. If you’re into architecture, the gothic design of this elevator and building will definitely be up your alley.

Somehow, we were lucky enough to be in Portugal when they competing in the playoffs near the end of the season. The city provided an enormous screen for the people to come stand, watch, drink, and root for their city. Unfortunately they tied 0-0 with Austria. However, my travel companion, our hostel roommates, and I had a wonderful evening cheering and roaring for Portugal after the game.

Day 3-5: From a local train station we made one day trips to Carcavelos, Sintra, & Belem.  (Which I will discuss in later blog posts!)

Overall, Lisbon will make you work to see its magnificent sights and structures. Whether you’re walking up and down flights of stairs to get to the grocery store or to the top of a castle wall, your body will sweat and your muscles will ache. But, it will be worth it. There is something timeless about Lisbon. Vendors are always selling grilled food in the streets, fresh flowers can be found on every corner/main city hub, and sangrias & drafts are so cheap it made me grimace buying drinks back home. Lisbon should be the first stop on Portuguese/European adventure!  Ate’ depois my traveling friends!

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