Oi from Lisbon

lisbon headerLast weekend I went to Lisbon. I admit there’s a bit of history between me and the city, you could say an unrequited love. Much like a youthful love, Iย opened my heart to this country and all I wanted was to be loved in return.

But unfortunately, life is not a Nicholas Sparks movie (nooo!) and emotions aren’t always returned, so it was more like the teen crushes you had on those way cooler guys all over again – we’re talking one way street. Maybe I was too eager and need to play hard-to-get with future cities/people/food.

lisbon tipsDespite a lost taxi driver adventure, I received a warm welcome from my friend who flew in from Amsterdam earlier and had a few welcome pizza slices waiting for me.ย  The apartment was super quirky, great location and Grandma themed – sadly there wasn’t a real Grandma to chat to and cook with (new business idea!?).

lisbon tipThe first full day started with a quick breakfast on the go so we could make the early city tour. I’ve mentioned it a few times, but the Sandeman free-but-tip-based tours are a cheap way to find out more about the city and its history that isn’t on Wiki, and, if you are travelling solo it can a good way to meet people.

lisbon tipsThe tour trundled through some nice spots around the city and ended at the main square where the next tour would start.ย  So we grabbed a quick bite.

lisbon tipsWe chowed down on Bolinos de Bacalhau (Portuguese Cod Cakes). I think they missed out the word ‘cheese’ in the description, as there was definitely more cheese than fish on these! So, despite not being a huge fan of seafood, I did give it a try as I’ll devour anything drowned in the yellow stuff.

lisbon header

lisbon tipsThe narrow streets of Alfama. Don’t fall for the ‘explore with a local’ shtick, the magic here is getting lost without google maps, plus you’ll save yourself โ‚ฌ12, so more pastries for you!

lisbon tipsLisbon sure as hell knows hip street art.

lisbon tipA shot of Ginjinha, made by a oldย lady who sells it from her living-room window (I hope my mom won’t read this, but it seemed legit). Ginjinhaย is a traditional liqueur made of a cherry-like berry called (you guessed it correctly, ginja) thatย are fermented into a brandy and some added herbs. It was the highlight of the tour, and I’m hoping to do a local franchise here in London.

lisbon tipsTiled houses EVERYWHERE. It was one of my favourite things in the city and I couldn’t get enough. I won’t bore you with the 293 photos I made of them.

lisbon tipsDinnerย at Pistola y Corazon Taqueria, yes it’s Mexican and yes, we figured all we needed was anything with tequila and nachos. I can go on and on about how tasty the food was, but the place comes with bottomless nachos – need I say more?

The Bertrand Bookstore, selling small bits of tree with ink on since the 1700s. I snappedย this at the world’s oldestย book storeย just so I could tell you I hadย been to the oldestย book storeย in the world.

lisbon tipsI know there are worse Air BnB horror stories. I’ve been using Air BnB for a few years now, and Wimdu before that and never had anything bad happen. But then this happened the second (ok 3 seconds) after the light was turned off and I had put my head on the pillow. First we heard what best can be described as raindrops (which was weird as it was first floor and the actual drops and then it actually leaked for about 30 minutes. In the end it turned out someone was having a bath and wanted to share the bath experience with us. I won’t go too much into it, but the communication was … weird.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply to MaddyCancel reply

13 Comments

  1. I am so in love with Lisbon. I was there last summer an just can’t wait to go back! =)

  2. I would love to visit Lisbon/Portugal (this year.) To see the world’s oldest bookstore if nothing else. But I’m also hoping for some “romance” lol

  3. I adore Lisbon! Gorgeous photos. And the Airbnb incident… I guess it makes for a good story!

  4. You are too funny! The comment about the grandma coming with the apartment lol. And the stuff you bought from the lady’s living room window, ha! Lisbon is actually my favorite city in the entire world, for right now anyway ;). There’s just something about it! Everyone seems so in love with life. Great post! And I like your photography too. It captures Lisbon beautifully.

  5. I have to admit that I never really thought of Lisbon as a travel destination, but I’m really intrigued now. This post was a great introduction to the city for me ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Your grandma business idea just might take off… ๐Ÿ˜‰
    I have never been to Lisbon but have always wanted to go. I can see why you and so many others love that city so much. It looks amazing in every way.
    And umm… someone was in your bath?! I can see how that would get weird.

    http://www.travelalphas.com/