Day 15: Lisbon, Portugal

I only had one full day in Lisbon so wanted to make the most of my time.  I could not find a tour that visited everything I wanted so I sort of did my own thing.  I was up super early and of course where I was going was not open.  I started my day by taking a ride share to São Jorge Castle.  Not much to do but wait with the other three people . . . watching kids being dropped off for school . . . watching peacocks roaming the street. 

It was getting close to opening time and people were lining up to buy tickets.  I already had a ticket and was the first one in the gate to scan my ticket!  They had a few free tours but they did not start for an hour so I roamed around and climbed stairs that made my heart beat a bit faster and had death grips on the railing so I did not fall off the ledges.  

It was starting to get crowded so I was happy I arrived early.  I then became fascinated with all the peacocks as they were everywhere!  I really wanted to see one show their feathers, but they just walked around eating bugs.

 

I did do a couple of the included tours.  I really did like them as they were about 20 minutes and you just showed up.  I did the Who was Afonso Henriques? Tour . . . 

. . .  he was Portugal's first king and the Archaeological Site Tour. 

 

After a couple of hours it was time to move along and have a snack break at Pastelaria Santo Antonio.

Apparently they won best pastel in 2019 . . . and admit they were very good!

The next part of my day was a tuk tuk tour.  

I wanted an overview of the city that did not require me to walk up and down and all around!  So I spent the next three hours with Francisco.  He knew a lot of interesting facts and information about Lisbon.  

• Lisbon has 2 patron saints; Anthony and Vincent
• Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon.
• 119 churches in Lisbon (not sure if this is true; but there are a lot)
• There are seven hills of Lisbon and each is important to the city
• The earthquake in November 1755 killed 25% of the cities population; 40,000-60,000 people

There were more facts, but I did not write them down because he talked faster than I could take notes!  

The tuk tuk tour would go where ever I wanted to go . . . of course I did not have a firm plan and just said take me to places you think I would like.  We stopped at a lot of churches, the Pantheon, and viewpoints.  Honestly, I just enjoyed having someone drive me around to see the city. 

Time seemed to go super slow but we ended up in a part of town where this sweet lady was selling Ginjinha which is cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup.  You drink it then quickly eat the cup.  It was pretty good!  And she was the sweetest grandma!

Let me be honest . . . by this point I was tired, bored, and hungry.  I was ready for the tour to end but he continued to show me places.  I decided to end the tour at a place called LX Factory.  It was an industrial area with shops, restaurants, and bars.  I was starving and popped into Sophia Pizzoteca & Bar.  It was so bright and fun . . . the sangria was cheaper than water!  Oh and whoever decided to cut the pizza with scissors is seriously a genius . . . best idea ever!  I still find it weird to scan a QR code to order and that is basically the only way to get your food!  It is efficient and no need to wait on anyone for a refill or if you want to order more food/drink but honestly I like to interact with people when I order.

My hotel was about a 2km walk so off I went to rest and relax for the night!