So, I just got back from Lisbon, and wow, what a trip! If you're looking for the best things to do in Lisbon, let me tell you, it's an experience that'll stick with you. I thought I was prepared for the vibrant streets and stunning views, but, honestly, I was still caught off-guard at every turn. Grab a coffee—I'm about to spill all the beautiful chaos that was my week in this city.
This spot? Total surprise.
Picture this: I was wandering down some random back alley in Alfama, totally lost, as you do when you think you're being adventurous but really just have zero sense of direction. I had this vague idea of where I wanted to go, but the streets are like some winding maze, pulling you in all sorts of directions. I confidently made a wrong turn at what felt like the hundredth corner and stumbled upon this tiny, hole-in-the-wall café.
I didn't expect much—more like a sad pastry and some forgettable coffee—but oh man, the pastel de nata! The owner, this sweet older lady with a massive smile, saw me looking around and just handed me one without even asking. I was hesitant, thinking I should probably order something, but she insisted. Honestly, that first bite changed everything for me. It was like a warm hug wrapped in flaky pastry. I might have high-fived the air in excitement, which is a bit embarrassing to admit.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
One day, I decided it was time to hit a couple of the iconic spots. You know, Belem Tower and all that. But can we talk about the Tram 28 ride? If you've seen those photos with the yellow trams, it's even better in real life. I hopped on, clutching my camera, feeling like a kid again. But of course, like the tourist I was, I got distracted and missed my stop.
I was supposed to go to the Jerónimos Monastery, but I ended up in some random neighborhood. Totally panicked for a moment, I figured I'd just hang around and cry about my poor planning. But then I heard some live fado music coming from a nearby bar.
You know how they say music can soothe the soul? I walked inside, and it was this intimate little place with about ten chairs and a tiny stage. The musicians were passionate, their voices bouncing off the walls. I can't say I understood the lyrics, but the emotion came through. I could feel this heaviness lift off my shoulders. My day had shifted from being an “oops” to an “Oh wow, this is magical.” It's not something you can plan for, and somehow, those moments always seem to linger the longest.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Let's talk about food. Oh my goodness, food! I had all these spots earmarked in my trusty little guidebook, but somehow, on my way to one, I ended up in a small tavern hidden between larger restaurants. I can camp out at those places for hours, munching away, never mind the city's historical stuff. So, I walked in, and it was super cozy—kind of dark, with a huge wooden bar and a menu I couldn't even read because it was written in Portuguese.
I ordered something that I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce. It turned out to be bacalhau à brás, which is basically cod mixed with scrambled eggs and potatoes. It was delivered with a side of these crispy, perfectly seasoned fries. I think I could feel the years of tradition in every bite; I might have closed my eyes just to savor it better.
The vibe in there was familiar, like a gathering of friends who knew each other's stories. I was a stranger, sitting at the bar, but I ended up chatting with the bartender, who was charmingly terrible at English but enthusiastic nonetheless. He laughed with me, and we ended up sharing random snippets about life over a few glasses of vinho verde. It felt like a beautiful accidental adventure.
Little mistakes that felt meaningful
One rainy day, I had plans to visit the LX Factory, this hip artsy area with shops and galleries. But as soon as it started drizzling, I had this silly thought: “What if I just… go back to bed?” Yeah, I almost gave in to that temptation. But something tugged at me. I bundled up, grabbed an umbrella, and headed out anyway.
So I get there, and the rain is all dramatic. It pretty much set the mood for a cinematic experience—everything was glistening and enchanting. I quickly ducked into some of the shops, and honestly, I felt like a kid in a candy store. There was this bookstore, Livraria Ler Devagar, that left me breathless. It's massive, with books stacked everywhere and even a bicycle hanging from the ceiling. I can't even explain why it felt so special; it just did.
Every roundabout detour, every unplanned stop—I mean, the serendipity of it all was wild. I sometimes thought about the idea of “not getting it right,” but I think that's where I found the best things to do in Lisbon. It felt like life chose moments for me, and all I had to do was say yes.
Feeling it all wash over me
As I sit here nursing the last couple sips of coffee, I realize that those small moments—getting lost, the unexpected chats, the food that tasted like memories—are what truly made my Lisbon experience. Of course, I have a bunch of photos to sort through, but it's those messy, human moments I'll remember—the ones that remind me travel isn't just about places; it's about the experiences, however chaotic or spontaneous they may be.
So next time someone asks about the best things to do in Lisbon, I won't just rattle off landmarks and attractions. I'll share how getting lost can lead to finding warm pastries, how stepping into a random bar can shift your entire mood, and how the most perfect day can come from a sudden rainstorm. It's all part of the journey, right? I think I'm still processing it, and maybe I will be for a while. And I'm okay with letting it linger a bit longer.
