Hey guys, just got back from my awesome five-day adventure in Lisbon and wanted to share some quick thoughts with you. The city was absolutely stunning, and the weather was surprisingly pleasant, especially compared to the scorching heat I endured in Rome last summer. Lisbon was bustling with tourists, but once I strayed away from the main areas like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, the crowds thinned out significantly. Exploring the quieter streets of Estrela, Alcantara, and Misericordia was so peaceful, with only a few tourists crossing my path until I hit LX Factory.
As I wandered around, I couldn’t help but notice the many rundown and abandoned buildings scattered throughout the city. It got me thinking about the city’s plans for them – are they going to be demolished, or are they simply not a priority for the local authorities? Personally, I found them charming, yet they did take up quite a bit of space.
One of the highlights of my trip was stumbling upon a live fado performance at the Fado Museum. It was such a magical and unexpected experience that I highly recommend checking out. Now, I’m not sure if they have live singing every day, but it’s definitely worth looking into.
On the flip side, my first day in Lisbon had a bit of a sour moment. Shortly after leaving my hotel, I was approached by a guy offering to sell me marijuana or cocaine, right in the midst of a crowd of tourists. Another person later tried to sell me marijuana with hand signals at Praça do Município. It was a bit uncomfortable, to say the least.
Let’s talk about the metro – Lisbon’s public transportation system is a dream. The metro is super easy to navigate, quick, and dirt cheap. I hopped on from the airport to the city center for under 4 euros total – no need for pricey taxis or Ubers.
Funny thing though, I couldn’t help but wonder why the locals pegged me as a tourist right away. In Turkey, Italy, France, and Spain, I managed to blend in, but in Portugal, I stuck out like a sore thumb. What did I miss or do differently here? Guess I’ll have to work on my undercover skills for next time!
Overall, Lisbon was a fantastic destination, especially for solo travelers like myself. The mix of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere made for an unforgettable trip. If you’re planning your next adventure