In the spring of 2019, I studied abroad in Rome, Italy. I flew TAP Air Portugal from Boston to Rome. TAP offers a free stopover program, this allows you to have a 2-7 day layover for free in either Lisbon or Porto. I decided to do a two-day layover and sneak in a trip with free airfare.
I flew from Boston Logan International Airport at 6:40 pm and landed at 6:00 am the next day. I had a bulkhead seat and no one next to me, so it was a pretty comfortable flight. I got my bags and headed toward the metro. I took the metro for about 20 minutes and arrived at the main square.
Day 1: Morning
I headed to my hotel, the 7 Hotel, which had a great location. Since it was 7:00 am, I was unable to check-in but they let me leave my bags while I went out and explored. I headed out to the nearest bakery and tried my first pastel de nata. Pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart, I also had some fresh juice and a croissant. I made it just in time for sunset overlooking the Comerico Plaza.
After relaxing in the square, I headed uphill toward the Alfama Cathedral. Lisbon is a really hilly city, so if you go be prepared for lots of up and down. I visited the Alfama Cathedral and then continued up to the Sao Jorge Castle. The tickets cost 8.50 euros. This castle overlooked the entire city. While it was a great view, 8.50 is a little steep considering there wasn't much to see. I walked around the castle and took some pictures.
I stopped at a little cafe for another croissant and continued down the hill back to the main square. I wanted to visit Santa Justa Lift next, but there was a huge line. The view from the top was amazing, I had a juice and looked out on all the beautiful rooftops. I finished the night off with dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, I had chorizo and potatoes with red wine.
Day 2: Belem
On day two, I took the tram about 20 minutes to the town of Belem. There were a few different attractions, I planned to visit that day and are all within walking distance. The tram let me out right outside of the Jeronimos Monastery. This is a Unesco World Heritage city and it was from the 16th century, the beautiful Lioz, limestone was stunning.
After learning about the history and touring the monastery, I walked to the Monument to the Discoveries. This monument, had a beautiful compass rose and map in front of it, this was used in the Amazing Race 23 (Leg 3). The monument was shaped like the front part of a boat and had 16 figures on each side who were Portuguese figures in the Age of Discovery.
After, I walked about 10 minutes along the water to the Belem Tower. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and was a symbol of the Age of Discovery. I did not go in because I decided that 8.5 Euro was not worth the cost of admissions.
I stopped at a local cafe for a cappuccino and some lunch and then decided to make my way to the last stop of the trip, Christ The King Almada. I first saw this statue from Sao Jorge Castle and it reminded me of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. I took a quick ferry ride and then a bus to it. The monument stretches up 82 meters and then Christ is at the top is 28 meters. From here you could see Lisbon from a different perspective. It was a great way to end my trip.
I went back to the ground and took the bus and ferry back to my hotel, where I called it an early night.
Day 3: Lisbon to Rome
I woke up for my 6:50 am flight, and decided to take a cab to the airport. Driving through Lisbon, there are many things I wish I had done but didn’t have the time. I will definitely be returning. But now, off to Rome! Check out my blog on 5 Reason Why Lisbon is the Perfect Trip for First-Time Solo Travelers.
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