After enjoying the first half of your magical 48 Hours in Lisbon Pt 1, read on for how to spend the second half of your time in stunning Lisbon.
Day 3
Morning
Following on from your wanderings around central Lisbon yesterday, it’s time to explore some of the outer districts. Jump on the 714 or 728 bus towards Belem to find the famous monastery and Belem tower. The bus takes a maximum of 30 mins and tickets can be bought onboard for around €2. Once at the other end, there are a number of excellent cafés serving the Portuguese classic Pasteis de Nata (very similar to custard tarts). If you’re too full from Casa do Barao’s feast of a breakfast then make sure to plan in a mid-morning stop to try one!
The main sight people journey to Belem to visit is Jeronimos monastery therefore the queue can get long rather quickly. If you’re keen to explore the inside, aim to get there as early as possible and get in line!
Alternatively wander around the outside, marvelling at its architecture, before crossing over the road to the river Tagus to admire the Monument of the Discoveries. This monument celebrates the Portuguese explorers of yesteryear in a striking elevation overlooking the waters from where they departed to discover the Portuguese empire of South America and Africa.
Whilst we were visiting the Monument, Movimento Daniela were hosting a love lock exhibition overlooking the river Tagus. With donations going to the Heart Institute in Mozambique to help children with heart disease visitors can purchase a love lock along with a silver heart to write a message on and attach their padlock to the structure. Legend is that the padlock symbolises unbreakable love so we thought we’d give it a go!
Meander further West along the river bank towards Belem Tower, stopping for coffee or gelato at one of the numerous cafes next to the water on the way. Belem tower also gets quite busy so plan in time if you wish to queue to climb the ancient watchtower.
Along the Belem promenade there are two Wine with a View vendors. Selling a great selection of Portuguese wines from specially converted stalls, where better to stop and enjoy a pre-lunch aperitif overlooking the Tagus.
Lunch
Jump in a taxi to head down to the main port area and seek out the well hidden restaurant Ultimo Porto. This is one of the locals favourite restaurants in Lisbon and we were probably the only tourists around whilst we were there – unsurprising given its remote location and difficulty of getting there!
The restaurant is nestled amongst the cargo areas on the dock and consists of a barbecue and a few tables rammed with locals. You can choose from an array of fresh fish; we enjoyed a starter of clams followed by deliciously smokey swordfish and sea bass.
Afternoon
With a final afternoon to spend in the city, you can continue to explore the multitude of other incredible churches and similar cultural wonders. Marvel at Lisbon’s ancient art form in the beautiful handmade azulejos found dotted across the city, and enjoy some of the more modern art in the sculptures found in some of Lisbon’s main squares.
However, if you’re tired of exploring and are looking for something a bit different, head across to the Lisbon Oceanarium; until recently the largest aquarium in Europe. Here you can see an incredible collection of sea life, from bull sharks and manta rays to a giant octopus and adorable fluffy sea otters!
The Oceanarium is located very close to Oriente train station, from which you could go back into the centre to finish off your trip with dinner, go straight to the airport to fly home or continue your trip with a visit to Sintra or Porto.
Of course, if you are avoiding the miserable journey home for a bit longer, head back to Casa do Barao to kick back and relax with a glass of Port or Moscatel as another Lisbon day draws to sleepy close.
Find Out More…
Casa do Barao – http://www.casadobarao.com
Jeronimos Monastery – http://www.mosteirojeronimos.gov.pt/en/
Belem Tower – http://www.torrebelem.gov.pt/en/
Wine With a View – https://winewithaview.pt
Ultimo Porto – https://www.facebook.com/rest.ultimoporto/
Lisbon Oceanarium – https://www.oceanario.pt/en
