Secrets of Lisbon
Palácio Nacional de Queluz
Lisbon is becoming one of Europe's most visited destination and it happens because of many reasons.
Here are the top secrets that you wish to know in advance before coming to Lisbon and its area and especially if you are traveling with kids.
1-Lisbon Streets demands a lot of climbing. the streets are slippery and for most of the time is narrow. bring comfortable shoes if you are planning to walk and a strong stroller if you are traveling with children.
2-Walking is the best and easiest way to explore any city and especially in Lisbon which has a lot of small streets, every corner is a gem. The best place and cheapest to buy memorabilia and to do some local shopping is in the streets and alleys around Sao Jorge castle.
3- The absolute best transportation in Lisbon is Uber, without a doubt, it's cheap and reliable and they are always available. for us, who traveled with a child it was very comfortable, almost every Uber car had a children's car seat and it made our trip fun and easy.
4-Before coming to Belem tower, Purchase your tickets in advance, it's just not worth the wait and it's the same price. if by any reason you didn't purchase your tickets in advance, you can buy them at the automatic machines right outside of the tower.
5- To cross the street to the other side to taste the yummiest Belem Pastéis, you have to go through the lower tunnel, if you are with a wheelchair, the easiest way for you is to take a taxi because the bridge is in a renovation and there is no way to pass it except by foot.
Pastéis de Belem
6- The Pink street- aside from the fact that the only reason I came is to take a picture, the visit wasn't worthwhile. the street is full of drug dealers and prostitutes and it's not the nicest street to walk around, but on the other side, there are a lot of youngsters that seat in the coffee shops and enjoying their day so maybe it suits them but not to people who travel with their family.
The pink street
7- If you are planning to rent a car, I really don't recommend to use it inside Lisbon. Use it only if you wish to go out of Lisbon. most of the parking areas designated for residents only and nothing is written in English so you don't really know where you park, avoid the 130 euro fine for not parking in the right place (from experience).
Let's go a little outside of Lisbon
8- Cabo de Roca-If you are planning to come here, please bring something long to wear, it's cold in every possible way and nobody tells you that. bring a sweater and sneakers.
we traveled in August and it was super cold.
Cabo de Roca
Cabo de Roca
Sintra:
9-no matter how early you'll come it is still crowded but still, come the earliest you can to avoid the long wait.
Pena Palace
10- We drove here but I don't recommend it. there is no parking at all except a very small section and if you find where to park it is usually on the sidewalks and then it's a very difficult climb up to Pena Palace, almost impossible especially with a stroller.
I would recommend taking a train to Sintra and from Sintra taking a direct bus to Pena Palace, it's the easiest way and I wish we would have done it.
Pena Palace
11- Stay in Sintra at least 2-3 days, it's a fairytale place and only the sight of it made me want to stay longer.
Village of Sintra
12- Visit at least one beach while you stay, it's worth it and will brighten your stay.
Caparica beach
Picture Credit: Naveh Grofi & Oxana Abramov Grofi
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