10 September 2022
We arranged to drop off the rental car at Lisbon airport so that we did not have to drive/navigate in the centre of the city. Even that was a tad stressful as the drive from Tomar took a hour or so and the closer we got the the airport the heavier the traffic got, and signs into the drop off building could have been clearer. But we made it ok and it was an easy trip from the airport to our hotel just outside the city centre.
On arrival we dumped our bags and went for a wander. Quickly came to realise that in terms of hills Wellington ain't got nothing on Lisbon but this does mean there are some great view points usually with sunny plazas and cafes. First major stop was the castle, Castelo de São Jorge, that sits high above the city and from which you get expansive views.
From the castle we wandered vaguely downhill and got lost a few times but eventually ended up in Jardin sa Da Bandeira, the main square on the waterfront, which was chocker with bars, but very expensive. We have not quite got out of our backpacker budget traveller mind set so we retreated back into the heart of Lisbon for a cheap beer and cheap (slightly odd) dinner.
Next day we decided to have a bit of a relaxing day so simply got the bus out to an area called Belem, ohhhed and ahhhed at the out side of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, with plans made to visit in a couple of days time and caught ferries that run across the harbour. Quite nice sitting in a boat and watch the world go by. The ferries take you across to Trafaria (a bit meh) and to Cacilhas (v touristy but on the plus side lots of restaurants).
A nice place to wait for the ferry to come in.
Some great views from the ferry.
Lunch in Cacilhas was Bacalhau a brais, which turned out to be salted cod cooked in a mix of shredded potato (really nice) and of course sardines.
Back on the city side of Lisbon we stuck our nose in the TimeOut Market, a verg large food court, and my first impression was overpriced tourist food. However after having a good look round found a lot of the food outlets were run by high end restaurants and the food looked pretty damned good, plus when was the last time you saw a fully stocked bar in a food hall and a tank with lobsters and crabs - just waiting to be pulled out and cooked.
Must admit though we did check it out again a couple of days later with thoughts of having a meal there but the queues and noise level put us off.
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