In recent years, Lisbon, Portugal has become a hotspot for travelers, and the city’s helpful locals, warm ambiance, and overall easy-going vibe showed me exactly why it’s received such rave reviews. Right off the Mediterranean, the city offers a variety of sights, efficient public transportation, and great music: everything a globe-trotter needs to enjoy a weekend away.
Once in Lisbon, you’ll want to start off with a scenic tour of the city. What won’t you want to miss? Belem Tower and Santa Justa Lift for sure. Belem Tower, also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, is a famous tower located a little way outside the city. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of Portugal’s significance in the Age of Exploration. The Tower is quite a trek if you’re intent on walking, but it’s also incredibly accessible by bike and public transport (more on that later!). While you’re in Belem, grab a pastel de nata here at Pasteis de Belem. These are the BEST egg tarts around and one of the local foods you must try. Don’t leave Lisbon without heading to this pastry shop (waiting in the line is worth it).
Santa Justa Lift is another spot not to miss—it provides a view of the entire city! I always find that the best way to orient yourself in a new city is to head to a high point. From here, you’ll be able to see other areas you might want to check out: the Alfama Neighborhood, Barrio Alto, Plazo do Comercio, and Rua Augusta Arch are just a few that come to mind.
Best way to get to these? Public transportation hands down. Public transportation is an institution in it of itself in Lisbon. Tram No. 28 is just 1 of 5 wooden tram routes that still weave themselves through Portugal’s capital city. This route will take you through the picturesque neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, the must-sees above. If you need to get somewhere, chances are you can do it with public transport in Lisbon, so don’t hesitate to ask the locals to direct you.
If you’re in Lisbon for an extended period or are just ambitious with your time, consider a day trip to Sintra. Sintra is a little town outside of Lisbon where you can see elaborate tilework and other unique architecture. The most identifiable piece of this architecture is Pena Palace, whimsical and colorful enough to be straight out of a fairytale.
Tired after a long day of sight-seeing? Head to a restaurant that features Fado, a traditional form of Portuguese singing. The songs are typically accompanied by string instruments and describe the tough realities of daily life. Fado music has two main varieties: Lisbon and Coimbra. Of the two, Lisbon is more well-known. Make sure you check it out!
Lisbon offers something for everyone. If you find yourself seeking a warm destination with friendly locals, great public transportation, an abundance of sights, and unique music, head to Lisbon. You won’t regret it!
This is a guest post.
Florence is a city small in size but rich in reputation. You don’t need a lot of time to cover the city, but the greatest testament to its prominence is the fact that travelers often return here because of the quality of its sights. Check out below for all you could possibly want in a city!
Take a free walking tour. Start your trip out with this and you’ll have all the background knowledge you need of Florence, its early days, and the Medici family. Check online for times, meeting locations, and other information. Just Google search “Free walking tour Florence.”
Mercato Centrale is a market for foods and goods. The prices for goods are negotiable so go in with your game face on and ready to bargain. Additionally, the Piazza San Lorenzo is a shopping plaza where you can buy Italian leather. If you’re dying for a pair of Italy shoes, this may be your spot.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset. It’s a bit of a walk and up some stairs, so make sure you’re up for that and have your walking shoes on before you start the trek. You’re likely to encounter a crowd as everyone clambers to see the city from this high point. Other popular spots to see Florence’s natural beauty: the Duomo and the Boboli Gardens. Both require tickets so plan ahead of time and book these to make sure you can go!
Look no further than I Fratellini, a hole-in-the-wall type of stall, where you order a sandwich and a glass of wine and eat while standing/sitting in the street. This place is not far from the Duomo and Piazza
Look no further than All’Antico Vinaio. This is a great panini shop that will undoubtedly have a line. Yet, if you’re going to eat a panini, this is the one you want. Afterward, head to Gelateria
Florence is often synonymous with Michelangelo’s famous David. He’s in the Accademia Gallery and he’s as grand as described. Just make sure you book a ticket in advance to avoid the thousands of other tourists trying to see him as well. The same goes for the Uffizi Gallery, another great art museum. Book online, save a few bucks, and
Ponte Vecchio is a spot to check out. This bridge spans the Arno River and has physical shops built onto it. This is by far one of the coolest bridges I spotted in all of Europe. There’s now a bridge modeled after it in Bath, England. Jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers will attempt to sell you their goods as you walk along this bridge from one side of Florence to the other. The strange part? You’ll feel as though you aren’t even on a bridge and are merely walking along another shop filled street.
Florence won’t necessarily impress you with its size. It’s easily walkable from one end to the other in 20-25 minutes or so, but there’s a reason it’s on everyone list for favorite Italian pitstops. On your next trip, check out some of the above and experience one of the greatest European cities out there.
This is a guest post.
Rome, the eternal city, carries quite a reputation and is a city everyone must see at least once in their life. Yet, it could take even a practiced traveler an eternity to see everything if you don’t have a plan. Check out below for the tips, tricks, and best practices for all the top sights and events in Rome and the Vatican City.
Be sure to check out the above on your next trip to Rome and the Vatican City! You’ll leave with an abundance of knowledge and charmed by the city as a whole. Just keep these best practices in mind so you can squeeze in as much as possible. Enjoy!
This is a guest post
Job burnout is a serious issue. Even the Pope, a man who’s supposed to work until death, retired. This reminds me to excuse myself from work to send a few postcards from the Vatican.
Feeling religious much? I came to Vatican during Christmas thinking it would be a wonderfully spiritual experience witnessing the most important Christian event at one the most holy sites of Christendom. This is the home of the man who rules over Roman Catholics all around the world.
My name is Cindy, also rhymes with travel junkie. A friend said I was probably a gipsy in my previous life. One of my many secret missions in life is to convert you to run off every once in awhile.
