A couple weeks ago, I flew out to Portugal for a one week vacation with my aunt. It was our first time in Portugal with a relatively recent decision to visit the country. I really enjoyed our vacation and it was great not to have a plan we had to stick to for the week.
We reserved a room in the Hotel Eduardo VII for the week in Lisbon just out of the downtown area near the Marques de Pombal Square. The hotel itself was conveniently located about 20 – 25 minute walk from the top end of the Baixo and Chiado areas of Lisbon on a busy square. The airport bus has a stop very close to the hotel which was great to get to and from the hotel for 3 and half Euros. The room itself wasn’t too great – space was a little tight for two people and two luggages. The bathroom was the main concern – the shower had some mold in the grout. For what we paid for the hotel, we got what we paid for and lowered our vacation costs for the week.
Tram
Lisbon was such a nice city to explore. It’s the oldest city in Europe located in the oldest country of Europe. Portugal has maintained it’s borders more or less since before it officially became a country in 1143. Someone had said, as part of a walking tour, that Lisbon can be described like an old lady with so many men conquering her. Lisbon has been conquered by so many nations – the Phoenicians the Moors, Romans, and other nations all of whom have put their stamp on the culture.
Festa Opening Celebrations
Festa Opening Celebrations
Timing couldn’t be more perfect as the city had began their Festas de Lisboa celebrations. The festas consisted of neighbourhoods in the city decorating, partying, parading, and other things which also are part of a competition. This is all for Saint Anthony’s day on June 12 where the main, big celebration happens. It was so nice to get a little taste of the main event.
Estrela Church
We saw a lot of the city about two full days. Our first walk together was to the Church of Estrela which had such an amazing nativity scene. The nativity scene included people from the time of Jesus’ birth to the 16th century people – it was so interesting and unexpected to find this little treasure. It was well worth the long, uphill walk.
We used the hop-on-hop-off bus to get around. The Monastery of Hieronymites was interesting to see along with the Tower of Belem. While we were in the neighbourhood, we had to try the Belem custard tarts from Antiga Confeitaria de Belem. We read and were told that this a must have while visiting this part of Lisbon. There were other routes on the bus tour were doing that were just ok although we never really got off at many of the stops. The most interesting parts of the city are in the downtown area – Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Barrio Alto. These areas of the city can be walked if you’re prepared to climb hills. There are tram services going up these hills. More will be provided in the Part 2.
Monastery of Hieronymites
