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Originally Posted On: https://charliestreep.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/charlie-streep-on-the-magic-of-visiting-lisbon-portugal/
Charlie Streep on the Magic of Visiting Lisbon, Portugal
I’m Charlie, and if you’re reading this, I’ve just come back from the most enchanting city I’ve ever visited: Lisbon, Portugal. I had heard tales of its sun-drenched hills, cobblestone streets, and the melancholic allure of fado music, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magic of experiencing it myself.
My first glimpse of Lisbon was from the plane, as the sprawling city shimmered in the golden light of late afternoon. The moment I stepped out of the airport, I was greeted by a pleasant breeze carrying a hint of salt from the Atlantic. The air smelled…alive, as if whispering promises of adventure.
I stayed in a cozy apartment in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Alfama is a dizzying maze of narrow, winding streets, where laundry hangs like festive banners between pastel-painted houses. The vibe is both lively and intimate, as if the neighborhood itself has stories it’s dying to tell. My host, Sofia, greeted me with a plate of warm pastel de nata and a hearty, “Bem-vindo!” Her warmth set the tone for my entire stay.
My mornings in Lisbon were a love letter to simplicity. I’d grab a bica (a strong espresso) and a fresh pastry at a local café. My favorite spot became a tiny, hole-in-the-wall bakery run by an elderly couple who insisted on teaching me a new Portuguese word every day. They seemed delighted by my attempts to pronounce “o brigado” properly.
I spent hours exploring the city’s miradouros—viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of Lisbon’s terracotta rooftops and the glittering Tagus River. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte was my favorite. Sitting there with a bottle of vinho verde and a sketchbook (not that I’m much of an artist), I felt a strange but welcome mix of tranquility and awe. Lisbon’s hilly, cobblestone terrain is not for the faint of heart- I must’ve burned a thousand calories traversing the city day one. The best kind of cardio is when you hardly notice you’re doing it.
One of the highlights of my trip was riding the iconic Tram 28. This bright yellow tram rattles through the city, climbing steep hills and skimming past historic landmarks. At one point, the tram squeezed so close to a building, I could have reached out and touched the tiles. Speaking of tiles, Lisbon’s azulejos are everywhere, adorning walls, benches, and even street signs. Each tile tells a story, and I found myself pausing every few steps to admire the intricate patterns.
The food in Lisbon deserves a blog post of its own. From the freshest seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro to the hearty cozido à portuguesa, every meal felt like an event. One night, I wandered into a tiny fado bar in Bairro Alto. The room was dimly lit, and the singer’s voice was raw with emotion, filling the air with haunting melodies that seemed to echo Lisbon’s soul. It was impossible not to feel moved. The wine bars were both intimate and alive- there is an appreciation for gastronomy and ambiance there that rivals anywhere in the world.
And then, of course, there was Belém. I took a tram to this historic district to see the Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. But what truly stole the show was the legendary Pastéis de Belém. I joined the queue (totally worth it) and bit into the warm, custardy perfection. Heaven in pastry form.
By the end of my trip, Lisbon had left an indelible mark on me. It’s a city of contrasts: old yet modern, bustling yet laid-back, melancholic yet bursting with life. As I boarded my flight home, I realized Lisbon wasn’t just a place I visited; it was a place I felt. And it’s a place I’ll return to, time and time again.
Until next time, Lisbon. Obrigado por tudo.
