Lisbon, the city of the 7 hills – Portugal
Our travel diary
Day 1, 20 November, 2022: We were prepared and excited because we were about to cross Europe by plane, and everything had to go smoothly. Our first flight took off at 5 AM from Bucharest, with a layover in Spain at Alicante-Elche Airport. Boarding in Bucharest went without a hitch, and we landed in sunny Alicante, Spain, with 3 hours before our next flight. We decided to head to the beach, taking a taxi to Playa de los Saladares to see the sea and enjoyed a coffee at Moments Bar. On our way back, we took the bus to the airport without any worries, with Google Maps being a great help. The second flight was much shorter, and in just 1 hour, we landed in Lisbon. Since it was only 2 PM, we decided to explore the surroundings and, of course, find a restaurant after a day of flying. We initially went to Time Out Market Lisboa, but due to the European football cup, it was crowded, so we opted for a less crowded restaurant. Google Maps led us to Restaurante Marco, recommended for families. At the local time of 7 PM (9 PM Bucharest time), we decided to rest at our booked location, Casa Dos Mastros, and prepare for the next day.
Day 2, 21 November, 2022: With plenty of energy, we set off for a day of exploration. But before that, we made a quick visit to the Romanian embassy because we realized that my wife’s passport would expire before the end of our stay in Portugal. As our return journey involved a layover at the airport in England, we needed to renew it. After sorting this out, we headed to Almada to visit Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge. The statue’s ascent is by elevator, and the view is fabulous. By the time we descended, it was almost sunset, and we stayed to see Lisbon at night from the area around the statue of Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, which was well worth it, as the view of Lisbon at night is spectacular. As it was already late, we decided to take the bus and head to our accommodation. Upon reaching our accommodation, we found an excellent family Chinese restaurant called In Noodles, where the food was freshly prepared and very tasty.
Day 3, 22 November, 2022: After a delicious breakfast at home, purchased from the local store nearby, and already familiar with the well-organized public transport, we set out for more sightseeing. First on the list was Carmo Convent, where we visited the museum. After our visit, we made our way to Santa Justa Lift, a must-see tourist attraction. After a free visit to the top, we walked down a side street, giving us the opportunity to see local shops, and reached the main street at the same point where the lift descends. From here, we headed to Castelo de São Jorge and discovered the Pingo Doce store – Chão do Loureiro Lift, which eases access to the castle. Entrance to Castelo de São Jorge is subject to a reasonable fee and is definitely worth a visit. Access to the castle walls is allowed, and the panoramic view of Lisbon is beautiful. After our stroll, we decided to return to Restaurante Marco and end our day of adventures.
Day 4, 23 November, 2022: After a breakfast filled with energy and a strong coffee, we set out for a special day full of adventures for the kids. We took the bus and headed to Telecabine Lisbon – South Station, a must-visit attraction, and then went down to Telecabine Lisbon – North Station, where we visited the Vasco da Gama Tower. We had lunch at D’Bacalhau. The cable car ticket was a round trip, and we returned to the Telecabine to visit Oceanário de Lisboa. The experience at Oceanário de Lisboa was extraordinary; the kids saw sharks, swimming fish, and beautifully arranged vegetation. It was a day dedicated to this, and Lisbon provided us with a fantastic experience. We returned to our accommodation, Casa Dos Mastros, and stocked up at the local Minipreco store.
Day 5, 24 November, 2022: On our last day, after breakfast, we prepared to hit the road. We called for a ride-sharing service, but after three attempts and wasting time, we gave up. Fortunately, luck was on our side, and we managed to hail a seven-seater taxi on the street. Speaking with the driver, we learned he was from Ukraine and had been living in Portugal for a few years, facing the same utility bill challenges as everywhere. We arrived safely at the airport, passing through our first boarding, with the next one in London. The layover was very short, so we decided to wait at the airport. After visiting Lisbon, a city with extraordinary people where we didn’t feel like strangers, everything was very pleasant.
