Lisbon, our first taste of Portugal

Tags

Alfama, european family travel, European Travel, Germany, golden visa Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal, Travel, travel with kids

We traveled from Germany to Portugal for the same reason as most new destinations – the thrill and eagerness to see a new country, a new culture…But we left with so much more.

We spent three nights in the Alfama, wandering the old city alleys, hills, historic sights. Our first tour was a food experience walking tour from one end of the city to the other which was amazing and taught us so much about the food and culture. The second day we hired a driver for a scenic drive to Sintra to see Peña Palace, the Relaleira, Cabo Raso and Cascais which we highly recommend. The weather wasn’t the best (foggy) but we still fell in love.

Portugal is a little bit of everything for our family – it’s Western Europe but has warm almost tropical weather, it has the sea, it has history, it is safe and friendly, it has great food (and seafood), and it has amazing people that are 90% COVID vaccinated and indeed wear their masks.

Our apartment was in the lower Alfama district, the oldest in Lisbon and the only part of the city not greatly impacted by the 1755 Earthquake. This Airbnb gem was perfect to explore the Sé Cathedral, San Jorge castle, and all the alleys and steps in between.

The highlight of our stay was certainly the 10 tastings of Lisbon walking tour. We must give a huge thanks to Antonio from The Private Ten Tastings of Lisbon for the amazing experience. Starting at the R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, the tour took us through Bairro Alto, downhill through Chiado, across the Baxia, and up to Alfama, stopping at four authentic snack shops and restaurants along the way. We had Cod, Chorizo, Bifana, Pastel de Nata, and more. The fact that the city is so diverse and still walkable was very impressive.

The Sintra driving tour was incredible and included Peña Palace, the Relaleira, Cabo Raso and lunch in Cascais. We learned so much history from our guide, Joseph, we found on Viator.