So this post is our light-hearted view of Lisbon

It has some of the interesting stuff, a few trivial facts, and our thoughts on this Portuguese city.

The beautiful city of Lisbon is the most westerly capital in mainland Europe.
 
On 1st November 1755, Lisbon experienced a devastating natural disaster, an earthquake, which reached an incredible 9 on the Richter Scale. This awful event subsequently caused a tsunami along the coastline.
 
Unbelievably Portugal has only been liberated since 1974. On 25th April 1974, the Carnation Revolution (military coup) took place to overthrow the then-current regime. During the coup, very few shots were fired, hence the name of the revolution.

Lisbon is an ideal location for a mini-break, and I’d highly recommend that you stay for at least 3 or 4 nights. There is so much to see and do in Lisbon and so many intriguing districts to discover on foot. You may also want to allow a day to visit the captivating palaces at Sintra.
 
In my opinion, Lisbon’s architecture, people and food, are second to none in this charming city.

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• That Lisbon is built across seven ancient hills, believe me, it feels like there are certainly more than seven when you stroll around. The name of these hills are; São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Sant’Ana.
• Lisbon is the second oldest European city after Athens. Portugal’s ancient capital can boast of being one of the world’s oldest cities.
• There’s a Sardine Festival held in Lisbon every June, also known as the Feast of St Anthony. They like their sardines here, there is also a shop dedicated to tinned sardines Conserveira de Lisboa.
• The delicious egg-based pastel de nata was first created by the Catholic Monks in the Hieronymites Monastery in Belém.
• The similarity with San Francisco doesn’t just stop at the trams, the red Ponte 25 de Abril has a likeness to the Golden Gate Bridge too. They both also have fantastic seafood and don’t get me started on those hills again.
• The Panteão Nacional houses the tombs of some of Portugal’s significant historical figures, including the legendary footballer Eusébio.
• You can share a seat with a poet. Outside of the café Brasileira is a lovely bronze statue to Lisbon’s renowned poet Fernando Pessoa, who sits amongst other café dwellers.

You must head to one of Lisbon’s many viewpoints, as Lisbon is a hilly city the vistas are magnificent.

Ahh yes it goes without saying that you’ll want to experience a tram ride through the tiny streets of Alfama. Also, why not jump on one of the three funicular trams, named Glória, Bica & Lavra, adorned with local art.

In Belém not only will you be able to visit Belém Tower and the ancient Jerónimos Monastery. But you can also stroll along the River Tagus and see the incredible Monument to the Discoveries.

Yes, in 1969 George Lazenby appears in Lisbon as ‘Bond’ James Bond. It was his one and only portrayal of 007 the secret agent.

This 2013 film stars the English actor Jeremy Irons. He plays a Swiss teacher who decides to leave his career behind in search adventure.

I would not hesitate to return; I feel there was so much more for us to see and experience. Our visit to Lisbon then inspired our return to Portugal the following year to embark on a two-week road trip from north to south.

We found the prices for food and drink in Lisbon fairly reasonable, although once we toured more of Portugal, it is even cheaper out of the cities.

What's it like discovering the city?
 
Is it walkable? do you need to use public transport? did we leave with weary feet?

(0% - It's mountainous and public transport's a joke 100% - I'm in paradise.)

In the heart of the city, it is reasonably walkable, although there are quite a few hills in places. We used a train to get to Belém and also to Sintra, which was very easy and sensibly priced.
 
Just for the fun of it we jumped on one of the iconic trams and also took a trip on Glória, one of Lisbon’s three funicular trams.

I loved visiting Lisbon, the architecture, the vibe and the friendliness of the city were incredible. I must admit though stopping at the ‘Tasca do Chico’ Fado bar until the early hours of the morning was definitely one of my outstanding memories.

I’m really struggling to think of anything, other than I wasn’t quite prepared for the change in weather when we reached Sintra. Another layer or two would have been helpful.

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