Go go Lisbon, Portugal (22~24.2.2014)

Haha, I have never expected Lisbon (the capital of Portugal) will be our first oversea trip in 2014. It is never been in my bucket list at all. So why we went?? Dear suggested we should go for a short weekend holiday in February, so while checking the air fares, Lisbon seemed to be the lowest offered by Easyjet, departing from London Luton Airport. After some research online of the city, seemed quite a nice city. So here we go. Well, worth the trip.

Compared to most European cities, Lisbon is cheaper to travel. Based on tripadvisor, we found this hotel at Rossio Square, at the downtown of Lisbon , provide easy access to tram, subway station, buses, and several tourist sights nearby. It costs £218 (exclusing breakfast) for two nights. Room quite small, but ok since we did not bring big luggage. The staff was friendly.

The Rossio Square-the beautiful 19th century pavement made from cobblestone in wave pattern first caught your eyes, two baroque fountains at both side of the square.

Wandering through the neighbourhood, walking up, walking down the steep stone streets looking for a restaurant recommended by the hotel receptionist. Though we found, it was not opened for lunch on Saturday. Well, still worth the walking through these cobblestone back alleys, streets, which make Lisbon city special .

Our very first Portugese dish near the square. We know most of the restaurants near the main square do not serve good food as mostly are targeting tourists. But we were too hungry or tired to walk further looking for another restaurant. Give it a try of local portugese mixed vegetables soup with pork. Well, we did not finish. It just tasted weird for my liking.

Figueira Square is just next to Rossio square, which is the city main's tram and bus stop, and you can view St George Castle from the square.

There are many shops and cafes around the square, one of the oldest cafe - Nacional Cafeteria is just right at the corner of the square, next to the hotel we stayed. We went there for breakfast. Well, not the best, but worth paying a visit.

Strolling through the pedestrian Rua Augusta to Commercio Square. Alongside the pedestrian streets are high street fashion shops eg Zara, cafes, restaurants.

Our first stop in Belem.
Oh, this is my most favourite food/snack in Portugal. Must not miss this cafe -Pasteis de Belem. It served divine traditional pastel de nata (Portuguese tarts) It tasted so delicious and  different from what we had in Singapore, or Macau (maybe I have not tried the best one in Macau). We were lucky to have avoided the queue , and managed to find a table inside. We ordered 4 tarts with coffee, the crust was crispy , thin and flavourful, the egg filling was light and taste really good. 

Belem is the most monumental and historical district in Portugal. There are buses, or tram 15 to Belem. We took a bus (#737?)

Jeronimos Monastery. Beautiful stained glass which you found in most European cathedral, entrance to the cathedral is free.

Magnificent Discoveries monument, the world explorers in stone, built in north bank of Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th death anniversary of the Navigator Prince Henry who sponsored the portuguese explorers in 16th century.

Ar ha, it is not the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, but the bridge "25 de Abril Bridge" does look the twin sister of Golden Gate Bridge.

Walked along the waterfront from the discovery monument, you see the Belem Tower. Nice walk, enjoyed the sea breeze. It is built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the harbour, it was also the starting point of many voyages.

Our dinner for first night after a long steep walk up to the shopping mall -Amoreiras. Had this buffet style portuguese mixed rice in the food hall. Each plate cost Euro 6.95 . Quite cheap, and quite good taste.

Exploring area along Avenida Da Liberdade, the main avenue in Lisbon. Similar to the Champs Elysees in Paris with big brands such as Gucci, LV, Prada along side. But the road is too widely apart, and shops all closed on Sunday, so not a good day.

During the afternoon, we took tram #28 to St George's castle, locally called Castelo de São Jorge. The travel guide says one should explore the way up to the castle from Alfama, as there were many hidden gems and interesting shops. We did not. The steep, narrow slope, and irregular roads to the top was just too 
challenging for our feet. It  is located on the hilltop overlooking the city. The view should be breathtaking, but we did not go inside the castle, but walked around the surrounding neighbourhood. 

A bit of walking down to Miradouro das Portas Do Sol , it is one of the most attractive viewpoints to admire the old town Alfama's rooftops, towers, and domes. Sat back, relax, for a cup of coffee. Enjoy the panoramic view

There ended our 3D2N short trip to  Lisbon. It is so lovely. I love the sights, the cafe culture. It is one of my new favourite to recommend to all travelers.