First steps under the Lisbon sun
Friday afternoon, we land in Lisbon after a short flight from Geneva. It is already our fourth or fifth time here, yet the city never ceases to amaze us. As soon as we leave the airport, the bright sunshine wraps around us, a welcome change from Switzerland’s grey skies.
We check into the Eurostars Lisboa Baixa, a charming and central hotel in the heart of the city. Although we had a few little issues with our room door, the staff made the whole situation funny and lighthearted. They are not only professional, but also incredibly kind and genuinely hilarious. The hotel is beautiful, but what truly makes it memorable is the warmth of the people working there.
From there, we head straight to the Tagus River and the Praça do Comércio. The grand square opens onto the water, filled with golden light. We settle at a terrace, order two Spritz, and let the Easter weekend truly begin.
Pink Street and Santa Luzia viewpoint
After our drinks, we wander through the famous Pink Street, vibrant and colorful with its rose-colored pavement and rainbow umbrellas hanging above. It’s festive, inclusive, and full of life.
Later, we climb up to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, where Alfama unfolds before us with its sea of red rooftops cascading down to the river. Azulejos gleam on the walls, and the late afternoon light softens every detail of the city.
Royal sunset
As evening falls, we walk up to the viewpoint near Castelo de São Jorge. The sun dips behind the 25 de Abril Bridge, the sky shifting from gold to pink while Lisbon sparkles below. There is something truly magical about the way this city embraces the light.
Evening in Bairro Alto
At night, we dive into the lively Bairro Alto, the famous quarter filled with narrow streets and countless bars. Dinner is at A Cultura do Hambúrguer, where Sébastien rediscovers his favorite smash burgers, juicy and irresistible. Afterwards, we hop from bar to bar, especially in the LGBTQ+ spots that we love so much, soaking up the friendly atmosphere before heading back to the hotel, smiling and content.
Sintra, a palace of dreams
Saturday takes us to Sintra by train. The ride is short, and soon the hills and greenery prepare us for something special. For the first time, we visit the Palácio da Pena, with its red and yellow towers perched high above the town. It feels like walking through a fairytale. The gardens stretch endlessly, the architecture is stunning, and despite the Easter weekend, the atmosphere is calm and pleasant. It quickly becomes one of our highlights of the trip.
Back in Lisbon, we climb to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the city’s highest viewpoint. The panorama is breathtaking, stretching across the rooftops all the way to the river.
Cycling, pastéis and a rainy surprise
Sunday morning begins with bicycles. We ride along the Tagus all the way to Belém, enjoying the breeze, the light, and the sense of freedom. No visit to Belém is complete without the iconic pastéis de Belém. Crispy, creamy, warm, delicious, and honestly, we always end up eating several in a row, laughing at ourselves each time.
In the afternoon, clouds roll in and a light rain starts to fall. We cycle back to Lisbon just before the downpour and stroll through Alfama, where we find a small local bar offering a beer tasting. We stay for a couple of glasses, sheltered from the rain, enjoying the slow rhythm of the moment.
As the evening arrives, we head once again to Green Street for dinner. Afterwards, we make our way to Pink Street, where a nightclub with live music keeps us dancing and smiling late into the night.
Last morning and farewell
Monday morning, we linger in bed, savoring the pillows and the gentle morning light. Slowly, we pack our bags, then take one last walk through Lisbon’s alleys.
Another coffee, another pastel, one final Super Bock in the sun. Soon, it’s time to head to the airport, carrying Lisbon’s light and warmth with us.
No matter how many times we visit, Lisbon always feels new, welcoming and endlessly magical.