You know that feeling when you step off the plane in a new city and your heart kicks up a notch? Lisbon had me feeling like that almost immediately. The moment I got off the tram and inhaled the warm, salty air, I knew I was in for something special. I was there to explore, of course, and I kept thinking about all the “best things to do in Lisbon” that I'd read about, but honestly, it didn't take long for me to realize they hardly captured what I was about to experience.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Castle
Okay, so picture this: I had it all planned. The first stop was supposed to be São Jorge Castle. How could I not? I mean, it's iconic and offers a stunning view of the city, right? But here's where the story takes a detour. I hopped on the tram and felt pretty confident until I realized I had the wrong map open on my phone. I ended up getting off at a completely different stop.
So there I was, standing in a small square surrounded by locals. Trucking up the steep hills of Alfama was the last thing I wanted to do, but something about the way the sun hit those cobblestone streets made me curious. I wandered a bit, hoping to figure out where I actually was, and somehow ended up at a hole-in-the-wall café called A Cevicheria.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. But when I sat down and ordered a ceviche that changed my life? Total game-changer. Fresh, zesty, and topped off with a bit of crunchy corn, it hit all the right notes. I remember thinking, "This is why you go off-script.” I couldn't have asked for a better start to my Lisbon adventure, even if it was completely unplanned.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
Now, while the castle is known for its breathtaking views, I found my own view at that café. I pulled out my phone to snap a couple of photos, and as I sat there, the sounds of Portuguese conversations swirled around me like music. I didn't understand a word, but the laughter felt infectious. I ended up chatting with the guy next to me, who was visiting from Porto. Talk about a serendipitous moment!
He shared tips about hidden gems in the city, and I scribbled them feverishly in my notebook. I never thought I'd be striking up conversations in a foreign café, but hey, Lisbon has that vibe, right? Everyone seems to be in on a secret, and you find yourself wanting to be part of it, even if you're just a temporary visitor.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
After that culinary miracle, I hyped myself up and finally made my way to São Jorge Castle. By the time I got there, it was mid-afternoon, and I was buzzing. The views? Oh man, they were worth every step I took to get there. You look out over the terracotta rooftops and you get this shot of wonder. Lisbon is a city that feels alive, like it's breathing right alongside you.
But here's the kicker: I almost got lost in the castle itself. It's a bit of a maze. I found myself wandering into the castle's gardens, where the sun was filtering through the leaves, and for a moment, I just sat there, taken by the beauty of it all. It felt almost like a gentle nudge from the universe saying, “Slow down. This is for you.”
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
So, after my “moment of peace,” I decided to head down towards the river. That's when my terrible sense of direction came into play again. I must've turned at least three wrong corners. I mean, I thought I was heading toward the famous Belém Tower but somehow ended up in a bizarre little courtyard filled with tiny art galleries.
And let me tell you, it was one of those delightful detours that felt like I'd unearthed a secret world. The walls were lined with colorful street art, and the locals selling their handmade crafts were just open and easygoing. I picked up a small piece—this funky ceramic tile—just a little something to remember Lisbon by.
On my way out, I stumbled upon a local bakery and was pulled in by the fragrant smell of fresh pastéis de nata. I figured, “Why not?" so I treated myself. And my goodness, it's no wonder people rave about those sweet custard tarts. Crispy, creamy, and perfectly dusted with cinnamon. I think I ate two in one sitting and even contemplated a third, which might have been a mistake. A delicious mistake, though!
Finding My Rhythm
One of the most surprising things for me was how easily I fell into the rhythm of Lisbon. The more I strolled through the narrow streets, the more familiar they felt, like slipping into a favorite album after ages. There was something almost therapeutic about letting myself wander without a strict agenda.
I remember one evening, sitting by the river as the sun set, the sky turning pink and gold. It struck me that I didn't need to check off boxes or hit all the must-see spots to have a good time. Sometimes, the best things to do in Lisbon were right there in the small, everyday moments—the laughter of friends, the taste of a new dish, or even just feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
As I'm sitting here sharing all this, I keep coming back to how messy travel can feel. Half the time, I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going. But honestly? That's where the magic happened for me. It's those little wrong turns and surprises that left lasting impressions.
So yeah, I might've gone to Lisbon with a list of the best things to do in the city, but in the end, it was the unplanned moments that shaped my experience—and that's a lesson I think I'll carry with me for a long time.
I take a sip of my coffee, still savoring the memories, knowing they're going to stick around long after the cup is empty.
