On the last day of my trip to Lisbon, I was determined to immerse myself in the charm of the neighborhood, so I embarked on a leisurely walk to explore the area. In this post, I will share my experiences of navigating the neighborhood from my accommodation, accompanied by the pictures I captured along the way.
Before embarking on my walk, I made a point to purchase a few gifts and postcards to send to my friends from Lisbon. Luckily, there were several gift shops conveniently located within walking distance from my accommodation
The gift shop I visited not only had a delightful selection of souvenirs but also sold stamps. To my pleasant surprise, I discovered that one of the gift shops on the same street had a small postbox inside the shop itself.This convenient setup allowed me to mail the letters right away without the need to make a separate trip to the post office. It was a time-saving and hassle-free solution.
I was disappointed not to see any yellow trams in Lisbon, despite them being featured in almost all the blogs I had read. With no particular destination in mind, I decided to wander the neighborhood, camera in hand, capturing the essence of the surroundings. As I strolled, I came across a set of steps leading upwards, piquing my curiosity. Intrigued, I ascended, climbing higher and higher until I reached an incredible place with a breathtaking panoramic view.
After some research, I discovered it was called Viewpoint Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol, a fantastic spot for capturing stunning images of the red-tiled houses and the ship sailing in the ocean. To my surprise, I also spotted numerous yellow trams from this vantage point. I was overjoyed that I hadn’t overlooked those steps and ended up with an amazing experience
I was thrilled to come across numerous trams during my exploration, and I eagerly captured several pictures of these iconic vehicles. However, I regretfully didn’t consider taking a ride on one of them. I observed that Trams 12 and 28 stopped at the viewpoint I was visiting, confirming the information I found through my Google search.
Tram 12 operates on a circular route, covering approximately 4 km in just 20 minutes. It provides a convenient and efficient means of exploring the area, as it starts and ends at the same point. On the other hand, Tram 28 travels between Campo de Ourique and Praça Martim Moniz, covering a distance of 4.3 miles. This route includes tight turns and steep inclines, passing by many of Lisbon’s popular attractions.
After a pleasant walk and capturing many moments, I made my way towards São Jorge Castle. Unfortunately, upon reaching the castle, I was disheartened to encounter a lengthy queue for tickets. In light of my eagerness to explore other attractions, I made the difficult decision to forgo visiting the castle. Nonetheless, I couldn’t resist capturing the charm of the surrounding area, with its picturesque buildings and charming narrow streets.
Continuing my journey, I wandered along the narrow streets, following the tram route. It was fascinating to traverse these charming lanes. I passed by the Lisbon Cathedral, located on a bustling street. While I didn’t enter the cathedral,
Lisbon Cathedral
I kept walking until I reached the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. I went inside and to pictures. Its interior was incredibly beautiful, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photographs, as photography was allowed. I was glad I had the opportunity to visit this splendid church. As I exited, I continued my walk without a specific destination in mind.
Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon
As I exited, I continued my walk without a specific destination in mind. I walked through narrow streets and encountered a tram and interesting old buildings. I enjoyed strolling along the road lined with shops. I even bought some sweets to bring back home
Eventually, I stumbled upon a captivating yellow building adorned with a centerpiece statue. To my delight, I had discovered The Praça do Comércio, a truly magnificent plaza. Also known as Terreiro do Paço, this grand public square is located in Lisbon’s Baixa district. It rests along the banks of the Tagus River, close to the city center.
The square features a remarkable triumphal arch, known as the Arco da Rua Augusta, which serves as the entrance to the bustling Rua Augusta. This pedestrian street entices with its array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
Dominating the plaza is a striking statue of King José I, majestically gazing out towards the river. This statue serves as a tribute to the king’s instrumental role in the reconstruction of Lisbon following the devastating earthquake of 1755. Its presence adds to the allure and enchantment of the square, capturing the essence of Lisbon’s rich history and resilience.
Discovering Praça do Comércio was a wonderful highlight of my exploration, as it showcased the grandeur and charm of the city. The combination of architectural beauty, riverside location, and historical significance made it an unforgettable experience.
Turning right from this plaza, we could see the beautiful bridge that spans the Tagus River in Lisbon. Known as the 25 de Abril Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), it is a prominent landmark in the city, bearing a resemblance to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I walked toward the bridge and took a few pictures in the hot sun. Afterward, I walked back to the plaza to capture more pictures before strolling along the river toward my accommodation. Along the way, I enjoyed the scenic views and admired the beautifully designed buildings.
After enjoying a takeout dinner from Alfama Grill, I took a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood in the evening. The open space in front of my accommodation building had transformed into an outdoor dining area, complete with tables and chairs.
Even at night, the narrow streets were bustling with a mix of locals and tourists.I encountered a walking tour group exploring the enchanting Alfama area, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. As I continued my walk, I stumbled upon a remarkable building that has stood the test of time for over 170 years, showcasing the rich history of the neighborhood.
Overall, my last day in the Alfama area was truly memorable. I stumbled upon numerous hidden gems, including stunning churches, iconic buildings, and even a bridge reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge. The pictures I captured during my exploration serve as a vivid reminder of the beauty I encountered.
However, one regret lingers: I was unable to capture the enchanting night views of Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square, and, most importantly, Miradouro Das Portas Do Sol. Nevertheless, I hope this post serves as a helpful guide for fellow travelers, inspiring them to discover the charm and allure of Lisbon’s Alfama district
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