Why Lisbon stole my heart (My 4-day guide).
Lisbon or Lisboa as the locals call it is the capital city of Portugal. It is famous for In my usual waka about spirit, I took a solo trip to Lisbon in early Jan and here’s how it went
Flights and Accommodation
Ok for this part, yours truly got a BA holidays deal which I never “hesperred”. While British Airways holidays are not my general go-to when I’m on a strict budget, I found this deal quite a bargain for the following reasons:
- Getting the trains to Heathrow was super easy and affordable, I don’t get this flexibility when on the budget airlines: going to Stansted or Gatwick, I’d normally have to pack at the airport which keeps my cost high.
- A snack and drink are provided on the short-haul flights (euro traveller flights they are called.)
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- There is no extra for carry-on luggage like you get with the budget airlines. British Airways allows
- The best part was that I got to accumulate my miles. See here for how I use my AMEX BA card to build points with the hope of travelling for less in the future
Transport
The airport is quite central and easily accessible by trains. My trip from my the airport to my hotel took about 40 mins and costs about 3euros which was an absolute bargain compared to the taxi ride which took about the same time and was 50 euros.
My recommendation is to get A viva Card. It works pretty much like a travel card and you can either buy a daily or weekly pass or just top up pay as you go.
Hotel Mundial was my hotel of choice and I can say this with my full chests: no regrets! While their rooms are not the most exotic, (in my opinion, I found most hotels just basic) the location is to die for. It is right next to the underground station, 3 minutes to walk to the overhead station. With a roof top bar, the coolest dj and beautiful views of the city, what’s not to love?
Rossio Square which is one of the main squares in the city and serves as a central hub for locals and tourists alike
São Jorge Castle which sits on top of one of Lisbon’s seven hills and offers panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River
Weather
I visited Lisbon in January and I can say Lisbon’s weather is one of its charms. With a Mediterranean climate, the city enjoys mild winters and warm summers. With weather averaging about 14 for the duration of my stay, a light jacket kept me warm
Things to do
What I loved about Lisbon is its versatility It’s one of the rare cities that seamlessly blends history, beaches, and urban vibes into one incredible experience
Day trips
One of the highlights of my trip was a day trip to the enchanting town of Sintra. I think my day in Sintra deserves its own special write up but here is a summary. Getting there from Mundial Hotel was quite easy, I took a short walk to Rossio Station and hopped on a train to Sintra. It was a 50 min journey and costs 10 euros. In no time, I found myself exploring the fairytale castles and palaces of Sintra. Read about my day here.
Other things to do in Lisbon
If you are a foodie, I’d recommend exploring Time Out Market to indulge in a variety of dishes from local vendors.
If you are a foodie, I’d recommend exploring Time Out Market to indulge in a variety of dishes from local vendors.
Wander through Alfama the oldest town with cobbled streets or explore Belém and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. These places are budget friendly I must add.
My time in Lisbon was priceless, being my first solo trip I had no regrets. My top tip for exploring Lisbon is this: “Make sure to pack comfortable shoes: Lisbon’s hill terrace is not for the faint-hearted!” You are welcome 😊
