Saturday in Lisbon

Lisbon should come with a warning sign: “Welcome! Please stretch first.” Within five minutes we realized this city is less “romantic strolls” and more “spontaneous leg day.” Honestly, I think Lisbon was designed by a sadistic fitness instructor.

We were in town to meet up with an old friend from South Africa (now happily based in Vila Nova de Gaia). A sweet reunion… followed immediately by cardio disguised as sightseeing. First stop: the Panteão, where legends like Amália Rodrigues and Eusébio are resting peacefully — unlike us, who were already wheezing.

Next, we braved the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s sprawling flea market. Great fun, but by the time we’d finished zigzagging through it, we were sweating so much we could have watered the entire Alfama with our collective pores. Luckily, we balanced this out with frequent pit-stops — because nothing says “cultural immersion” like collapsing into a café chair and gulping down cold drinks every 300 meters.

Lunch in Chiado was glorious, mostly because sitting down felt like winning the lottery. But Lisbon wasn’t done with us yet. We huffed and puffed our way up to the Miradouro da Graça (views so good they almost distracted us from our imminent leg cramps), and finally to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where snacks and drinks revived our spirits… barely.

We ended by escorting our friends back to Santa Apolónia for their train, moving at the pace of medieval pilgrims. By then, our step count was heroic, our energy nonexistent, and our happiness off the charts.

Final score: Lisbon hills – undefeated champions. Us – sweaty, broken, but ridiculously happy.

Enjoy the amazing 📸 

A Sunday Stroll Through Lisbon

Lisbon is a city best explored on foot, and our Sunday itinerary highlighted just how much history, culture, and charm can be discovered in a single day.

We began at the Basílica da Estrela, one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. This 18th-century masterpiece impresses with its grand baroque-neoclassical façade and stunning interior, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Just across the street, the Jardim da Estrela provided a refreshing pause—a romantic 19th-century garden where winding paths, ponds, and leafy shade invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.

From there, we headed into the heart of the Chiado district to visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea. Housing an important collection of Portuguese art from the mid-19th century to today, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the country’s modern artistic movements.

For lunch, we stopped at the Chiado Shopping Center, a convenient choice with several eateries to suit different tastes. Energized, we then spent the afternoon wandering through Chiado’s narrow streets, discovering elegant tiled façades, boutique shops, and hidden corners that reveal Lisbon’s timeless character. Every turn seemed to offer a new perspective or unexpected delight, making it clear why this neighborhood has long inspired writers, artists, and travelers alike.

Lisbon has a way of rewarding those who simply allow themselves to get lost in its streets—and this Sunday was proof of that.

Now enjoy the beautiful photos.