A few hours in Lisbon early on a Tues

Posted by Amy on 09/24/17 06:36 PM

I will be landing in Lisbon at 6 AM on a Tues, traveling from the US. I am staying in Cascais that night so am planning to store my bags at the Cais do Sodré station and then explore Lisbon briefly while I wait for my hotel room to become available.

What would be your ONE must-see if you only had a few hours in the city? Which attractions are best to visit early in the day to avoid queues?

I would also love recommendations for places to have a leisurely breakfast upon arrival (to combat jetlag) and also for a nice lunch later in the day.

Many thanks in advance! So grateful for this forum with so much great advice!

Posted by Larry

Carmel, CA, USA

09/24/17 07:42 PM

2455 posts

Well Amy, you may very well be exhausted and jet-lagged after a long flight and transfers, so many would suggest you stay outside and then make it an early evening for good sleep. You don't say anything about your particular interests, or whether you will spend more time in Lisbon after this first day. There certainly are areas to explore walking, from the Arch into the downtown (and flat) area, and I especially enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets of the old Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods, with various shops and restaurants, as well as the Fado Museum. Personally I love the many, many azulejos (tiles) in Lisbon and Portugal generally, so my #1 pick would be the unique Azulejo Museum, which has a nice relaxing garden restaurant where you can have a nice lunch. That's a start. Be aware that most of Lisbon is very hilly, so wandering can often be interesting, but also tiring.

Posted by Suki

09/24/17 08:43 PM

11133 posts

For breakfast, in Praça Rossio , Pastelaria Suica, for Bica( like espresso) and a Pastel de Nata (egg custard pastry).

Posted by Amy OP

09/26/17 02:22 AM

10 posts

I love the idea of the Azulejo Museum, and also of just wandering. I may be back in Lisbon later in the week but the only free day I have is also a Portuguese bank holiday, so I aim to visit any must-sees on this half day in case they are closed when/if I return.

Thank you both!