After ten unforgettable days winding through Spain, we took an early morning flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon welcomed us with warm custardy pasteis and historic neighborhoods. From exploring monuments that celebrated Portugal’s Age of Discovery to riding a vintage tram through narrow streets, Lisbon proved to be yet another fabulous stop of our adventure.
Where the Age of Discovery Began
We started our time in Lisbon in Belém, the neighborhood where many of Portugal’s greatest explorers once set sail.
Our first stop was Belém Tower, one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks. Rising from the banks of the Tagus River, the beautifully detailed fortress once protected the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor and welcomed ships returning from distant voyages.
Just a short walk away stands the Monument to the Discoveries, an impressive tribute to the explorers and navigators who helped shape world history. Prince Henry the Navigator leads the procession while dozens of other historical figures follow behind, all facing toward the sea.
The Original Pastéis de Belém
No visit to Belém would be complete without stopping at Pastéis de Belém.
The bakery has been serving its famous custard tarts since 1837 using a closely guarded recipe that traces its roots back to monks at the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. Warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar. It lived up to every bit of the hype.
There are plenty of excellent pastéis de nata throughout Portugal, but eating one where the original recipe has been preserved for nearly two centuries felt like a travel rite of passage.
Riding Through the City
Back in the heart of Lisbon, we climbed aboard an iconic tram for a tour.
As the tram rattled up impossibly steep hills, squeezed through narrow streets, and rounded tight corners with inches to spare, we watched everyday life unfold from the wooden seats. It was one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city.
A City That Rose Again
One of the most fascinating stops in Lisbon was the Carmo Convent.
The roofless Gothic church stands exactly as it was left after the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Instead of rebuilding it completely, the soaring stone arches were preserved. That decision created one of the most hauntingly beautiful landmarks in the city.
Walking through the open-air ruins was a reminder of how the earthquake reshaped the city, paving the way for the elegant boulevards and grand plazas that define modern Lisbon today.
Strolling Through Lisbon
To see the beautiful Convento Carmen, we hiked up the stairs near the Santa Justa elevator. The ornate iron elevator has connected Lisbon’s lower Baixa district with Bairro Alto since 1902. Unfortunately, during our July 2026 visit, the lift was closed as part of a citywide safety and modernization effort.
The closure stemmed from the tragic 2025 derailment of Lisbon’s historic Glória Funicular. Following the accident, city officials temporarily closed the Santa Justa Lift and several of Lisbon’s iconic funiculars. The closures will allow officials time to conduct comprehensive inspections, maintenance, and safety upgrades.
While we missed the ride itself, it gave us the appoprtunity to walk through Bairro Alto and it’s winding streets. In the end, the view—and the journey to reach it—was just as memorable.
Baixa
From there, we wandered down Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s lively pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés, shops, and outdoor patios. At its southern end stands the Arco da Rua Augusta, framing the entrance to one of Europe’s most beautiful public squares, Praco do Comércio.
Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s grand front yard. Surrounded by elegant yellow buildings and opening directly onto the Tagus River, the square has welcomed travelers for centuries.
We walked out onto the riverside pier, where rows of marble pillars seem to disappear into the water. Once used as a ceremonial entrance for kings and visiting dignitaries arriving by ship, they now offer one of the city’s most peaceful spots.
Sipping Lisbon
Along the way, we stopped for a small glass of ginjinha, Lisbon’s famous cherry liqueur. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and packed with flavor. A toast the end of another incredible day of travel.
Lisbon is special. One moment you’re standing beside monuments celebrating the explorers who connected continents, the next you’re riding a century-old tram, wandering through earthquake ruins, and sipping cherry liqueur or enjoying a warm custard tart that has been made the same way for generations.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our adventures in Barcelona, Madrid, and our road trip through Cordoda, Granada, and Ronda, and time in Sevilla for more travel inspiration.