favorite memory of lisbon

We leave for Lisbon Wednesday for RS tour that starts on 9/12. We’ve been trying to go there for years. Hope you have a great trip.

As far as actual sight (place one goes specifically to see something, like a museum/church), I’d say the tile museum or the rooftop at Sao Vincente de Fora on a sunny day.

As far as experiences, wandering through the Alfama at night hearing fado and stopping for drinks in the miradors. Porta Del Sol, Graca, others, and wander through random alleys/stairways in between. Pass by a nice looking restaurant then try to find it again for dinner the next night!

There are too many but do sleep in the Alfama neighborhood if possible. Strolling around this tree lined area at night with fado music playing in the background makes it appear magical.

Lots of greats there, but the fifth thing that comes to mind every time I think of Lisbon is this one particular painting at the Gulbenkian, a 18th century self portrait. I fell in love.

The Gulbenkian is indeed a wonderful smallish museum. I also enjoyed getting there by walking through the Parque Eduardo VII, which has a beautiful view over the city, and is full of Botero sculptures. The Monasterio de Jeronimos is spectacular - just noticing all the different types of gargoyles is lots of fun, as was getting there by trolley. I could go on and on. Have a fantastic time!

I will probably repeat what several people have said already:

1) Definitely wandering around Alfama, although we did this during the day, not at night. I can understand why visiting at night, hearing Fado music, would be very atmospheric. The day we spent at the Castelo De Sao Jorge and then exploring the Alfama is probably my favorite day in Lisbon.

2) The rooftop of Mosteiro De Sao Vicente de Fora with gorgeous views of Lisbon and the river. And the blue and white tiles inside!

3) The Gulbenkian Museum - an amazing private collection. And I am not usually a fan of contemporary art but I really enjoyed the modern collection, especially the exhibit called Abolition of the Hood. Very eerie and spooky.

many thanks to all of you for sharing, this is very helpful! keep them coming if you have more.

I so appreciate this RS Travel Forum community! you’re fabulous!!

Lisbon has the largest aquarium in Europe, the Oceanário. I’ve been to major aquariums in the U.S. (National in Baltimore, Monterrey, New England), and Lisbon’s compares very favorably. You can reach it by metro. Lisbon’s metro system is excellent, and the stations are beautifully decorated (with tiles, naturally).

The aquarium was the best one I've ever been to. I went twice because my husband was speaking at a meeting the first time I went and I thought he should go.

The Carmo Convent ruins were left standing as a memorial after the earthquake of 1755, which destroyed its roof but left the rest. https://www.lisbonportugaltourism.com/guide/convento-do-carmo.html

Yes, the Carmo Convent ruins and square is another beautiful memorable sight. Great place to enjoy a meal.

This has been touched upon by a few commenters above, but since you asked:

Contentedly wandering through the medieval Alfama, without aim or reason, and finally spending some pleasant time at a small sidewalk cafe, tucked into an obscure nook deep inside the neighborhood that I'll probably never be able to find again!

Re: the Gulbenkian Museum: it has an area dedicated to Lalique. Normally, I have very little interest in jewelry, but that of Lalique is of otherworldly beauty, and not to be missed if you do go to the museum.

Loving this thread, great way to phrase the question, Bree88.

I leave for Portugal in 3 weeks and I'm taking notes: strolling the Alfama at night with fado music playing in the background; Gulbenkian Museum area dedicated to Lalique.

These are places I had intended to go, but your comments have helped my focus. Thanks everyone!

I'm halfway through my stay in Lisbon. My favorite place, so far and by far, is the National Tile Museum. But then, I love ceramics in general, so it's not surprising. Their exhibits explaining the different colorization processes are really well done. And there's an app that gives better descriptions of each exhibit. (Those who know me will appreciate that the blue and white color combinations attract me that much more.)

The 2-wall tile panorama depicting pre-earthquake (1755) Lisbon is the artistic pièce de résistance.

The 759 bus drops you off immediately across the street from the museum.

Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros (Fundação Millennium bcp). Free tour of a now completed dig which goes back to the Bronze age. It's only about 50 minutes but very well done and fascinating. Go to website to secure a slot.

A huge thank you to all fellow travelers, your suggestions made my trip even more memorable!!!

safe happy travels to all!!

While I definitely enjoyed wandering around on my own, the food tour I did with Culinary Backstreets was my favorite day in Lisbon. The food was great and I learned so much about the city and the people from my tour guide.

Took a Pastel de Nata cooking class. Now I can make them!!! The online recipe's are all wrong or missing steps!

While I definitely enjoyed wandering around on my own, the food tour I did with Culinary Backstreets was my favorite day in Lisbon.

I also took a tour with Culinary Backstreets and it too was my favorite day. Excellent food and I learned so much.

Can you tell me more about the Pastel de Nata cooking class?

"Cais das colunas". It's such a magical place, at Terreiro do Paço.

Cacilheiro: it's the boat that takes you from Lisbon to Cacilhas, on the other side of the river. The dolphins.

Monsanto, the natural park. Also magical. A forest inside a city.

The light! The bright light of Lisbon!

If you're Catholic, the St. Anthony's church. I always thought St. Anthony was from Italy (Assis) but he was born in Lisbon where the church wad built (supposedly) before he became famous in Italy.

So, Bree, you’re back! I hope you’ll write a trip report - I’d love to read it.

My Trip Report

Lisbon – Thanks very much for the tips I read here!! The Alfama neighborhood was our favorite part of Lisbon. Lots of great exercise! I also loved the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and the National Tile Museum. Was sorry to miss MAAT. Line #28 was always relentlessly crowded; it became a joke of all when seeing it pass by – nicknamed the tourist’s experience of living inside the ubiquitous sardine can. I chose to walk everywhere. Lovely. If you find Lisbon’s hills too challenging, then this would be great and worth the wait.

Outside Lisbon
Belem – Not a full day, but worth the trip to walk along the river and have lunch in town.
Evora – We loved it! Don’t miss a light bite and coffee at the small café, directly next to the Roman ruin, wow. We were lucky to happen upon an amazing (temporary) exhibit of YSL haute couture, “LOVE: Marrakech Opened My Eyes to Color,” influenced by his time in Marrakech, presented inside a beautiful, blue-tiled church. Magnificent!
Sintra – Beautiful countryside and hillside castles, but just WAY too crowded to enjoy, I left early.

Porto
Loved the pace and vibe. Although not fans of Port wine, we had great fun sampling and touring the riverside wineries. We purchased tickets in advance and waited in line to see the beautiful interiors of “Livraria Lello” – more for the photos to send to my nieces, huge Harry Potter fans. Very hilly, so lots of great exercise here, too!

Nazare
A no-nonsense, lovely, clean beach town for families. Nice vibe, relaxing. Definitely walk or take funicular up to the mesa; go to the ocean overlook. Massive waves breaking onshore for a considerable surfer challenge, holy moly!

Albufeira
We spent three glorious days in the sun, glad to be able to rent an umbrella and two lounge chairs for the day, 15 euros; good food/beverage service and restrooms were available and convenient. BEWARE that the center of the village is a LOUD outdoor rock concert, every night. Chose a hotel away from this active center square, if you want to sleep before 3 am.

General Portugal
Buses: The best way to travel around without having to rent a car. They were clean, efficient, inexpensive, and reliable. Schedules and reservations are easily made online.
ATMs: For security reasons, I only use ATMs at well-known banks; unfortunately, ATM fees were very high!!! Of the four ATM withdrawals, none provided option to complete transaction in euros – all insisted in charging me for the dollar conversion. On average, I was charged 12%. My friend, having brought lots of cash/dollars, was charged a much lesser fee at exchange houses. I suppose European banks want in on the conversion fee game? I would love comments from fellow travelers!!!
Pasteis da Nata: Ok, true confessions – my favorite memory of Portugal was waiting in line for these amazing treats, taking in the aroma of freshly-baked pastry crust and buttery custard, purchasing more than I should, walking outside with napkin in hand and eating on the sidewalk as I left the shop. They’re absolutely the BEST fresh, warm, just out of the oven! Don’t buy from anywhere that leaves them to sit in a case for hours on end. Oh no, won’t be the same magical experience. Well, maybe once, I waited long enough to walk across the street to a park bench. Never did I walk more than about 50 feet before devouring…….(sigh). I had at least 2-3 per day; my personal rankings: #1 “Nata Sweet Nata” in Porto. A very close second is Pasteis de Belem in Belem, and (also very close) #3, is any of the “Manteigaria” locations. Honestly, all three are fabulous!

Thank you for taking the time to post about your trip to Portugal. It sounds as if it was a great success and you enjoyed all Portugal has to offer as much as I did two years ago. Your feedback is much appreciated!

So happy to hear you loved the Alfama neighborhood and the Gulbenkian. Two of my favorite places in Lisbon! We also enjoyed Belem very much, too, including the Jeronimos Monastery and having lunch by the river.

Great trip report! Takes me back- thank you.