By Margot Black
Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon, is rapidly becoming a favorite vacation destination for families, and it's easy to see why. Known as the City of Seven Hills, all of which are worth exploring for their panoramic views, there are most definitely more than seven reasons to visit.
This beautiful city by the sea is one of Europe's oldest, and it is brimming with Moorish landmarks. One moment you feel like you've stepped onto the set of a medieval drama exploring the Gothic Belem district, and the next you're channelling "The Devil Wears Prada" and strolling along the Avenida da Liberdade, the city's shopping hub.
Lisbon is crowded, compact and hilly. It is eminently walkable but not if you're wobbly on your feet. For me, my husband and our teenage son, its charm lay in our on-foot exploration.
Aside from the obvious places of interest, such as the Jeronimos Monastery and Pena Palace, there are many inviting nooks and historic landmarks to see, including the Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookstore in the world, which is located in the Chiado district and dates back to 1732.
The first morning we slipped on our walking shoes to join the Lisbon in a Day tour, organized by City Experiences. This included both a walking tour and a river cruise, providing a perfect overview of the city. A highlight was the aforementioned Jeronimos Monastery, a dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the long lines, our guide ensured we had front-of-the-line access, making the visit stress-free and enjoyable.
We also stopped to admire the famous Belem Tower, a 16th-century fort on the Tagus River, and sampled the city's much-heralded pastel de nata (custard tart) from a bakery nearby. Later a gentle cruise offered a unique perspective of Lisbon's stunning waterfront, passing by the 25th of April suspension bridge and Cristo Rei statue.
No trip to Lisbon would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights, so on our second day we joined the Ultimate Lisbon Food & Wine Walking Tour, organized by The Tour Guy. As part of this exceptional experience, our guide introduced us to a few local delicacies, including bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwiches), codfish cake, creamy Sao Jorge cheese and, once again, their moreish custard tart, of which we couldn't seem to get enough.
We walked through bustling markets and quaint neighborhoods that offered insights into Lisbon's food culture and history. We also tasted their delicious and hugely popular ginjinha liqueur, made from cherries, that went down a little too easily.
Having walked almost every inch of the city, on our final day we travelled in a small group 45 minutes north for a day trip to Sintra and Cascais. This semi-private tour by minivan was a memorable change of pace, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, historic sights and charming towns.
Our first stop before lunch was the Pena Palace, in Sintra, a fairytale-like castle perched on a hilltop. The palace's eclectic architectural styles were mesmerizing, and the 360-degree views of the surrounding area were breathtaking. Despite the summer crowds, our guide ensured we had an enjoyable visit, skipping the long lines and providing valuable historical context.
We then drove to coastal Cascais, where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets and beautiful coastline. A day away from Lisbon to fully enjoy the beauty of this part of the Atlantic is a must.
Our entire stay was magnificent, although there were some small challenges. One was the transportation from the airport. We initially took a taxi, which proved to be a costly mistake as we were charged three times the usual rate. We quickly switched to using Uber for the rest of our stay, finding it to be a reliable and economical option.
The Metro is fun to use, and visitors can also ride on Tram 28, a vintage yellow tram that snakes through the city's various districts, including the romantic Bairro Alto. Lisbon's popularity among American tourists is evident, with English widely spoken and an abundance of tourist-friendly amenities. Booking all-inclusive tours in advance is the most sensible option, and hotel breakfasts provide convenience and relaxation before you take off for the day.
Ultimately we enjoyed every inch, bite and gulp of Lisbon. We found that embracing the local culture, interacting with the locals and learning a few basic Portuguese phrases added depth to our experience — as did comfortable walking shoes. With its family-friendly attractions and endless opportunities for exploration, it's no wonder Lisbon is winning the family popularity vacation contest right now.
WHEN YOU GO
We stayed at the sleek, modern and family-friendly DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon, Fontana Park. Centrally located and just a quarter of a mile from the Saldanha Metro station, the rooms were comfortable and spacious, and their breakfast buffet was a particular hit. The modern decor at the hotel's Saldanha Mar restaurant created a perfect ambience for enjoying the best of Portuguese cuisine. Chef Fabio Leonardo's menu featured fresh charcoal-grilled fish selected daily from the nearby 31 de Janeiro market: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lisfpdi-doubletree-lisbon-fontana-park.
Lisbon in a Day Tour with City Experiences: www.cityexperiences.com/lisbon/lisbon-in-a-day
Ultimate Lisbon Food & Wine Walking Tour: www.thetourguy.com/tours/lisbon/ultimate-lisbon-food-wine-walking-tour
Day trip to Sintra and Cascais: www.thetourguy.com/tours/lisbon/semi-private-day-trip-sintra-and-cascais-from-lisbon
Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
The National Palace of Pena sits above Sintra, Portugal. Photo courtesy of Margot Black.
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