Dear Wandering Spirit,
In South-west Europe there is a city full of colours, sounds and a unique soul, named Lisbon. This second oldest European city attracts over 3.5 million tourists each year. Spend a weekend in Lisbon and keep reading to know more about this place!
Visit the Capital of Portugal
My curls and I were among them in May 2018. A mixture of different influences infuses this place with a personal flair. It sits on the Tagus river, and apparently was founded by Ulysses, as he sailed westward to the edges of the known world. 🗿
The Commerce Square or ‘Praça do Comércio’ in the elegant Baixa district faces the harbour. Flat stairs descend into the water, where two columns represent the adventurous spirit of this country.
Among the bravest Portuguese explorers was Vasco da Gama, who discovered India in 1498. This spirit is enclosed in another building next to the city: the Belém Tower. 🏛️
Touristic Attractions in Lisbon
Portugal’s current capital city has much to offer. I explored Lisbon during a spring weekend, and I would definitely go there again to discover the parts of the city I didn’t get to explore. Between the medieval Castle of São Jorge on the hill and the Tagus river, you can browse around Alfama, the oldest district.
Blue and white tileworks cover the walls of the many historic buildings, echoing the Arabian ages. Hidden yards, narrow streets and small bodegas paint this place with an authentic brush that evokes the traditional melancholic Portuguese spirit. 🎭
For two of the most heart-warming panoramas in Lisbon, visit the Sao Jorge Castle and the neo-gothic Santa Justa Lift. Spoiler alert: this last place is one of the most visited, so please take queuing time into account.
The photography hotspots in Lisbon are the sunshine yellow funicular railway lines of Gloria Funicular and Bica Funicular. 🚃 The ride is short, but I would recommend you make a video as the graffitied tram climbs the streets and you brace yourself on the wooden walls.
The Global Spirit of Lisbon
Not far away from here, you should check out the bars in the Bairro Alto district. Here, both locals and tourists swarm around the city centre, absorbed in the capital’s nightlife. Even outside, you are surrounded by the Portuguese spirit, in the music, conversation and dancing.
Portugal has become a global city, and many companies settle here. In the Park of Nations district, several buildings were built because of the EXPO’98. One of these buildings is the world’s second largest and most beautiful oceanarium 🐬: the Lisbon Oceanarium.
After you have visited the Orient Railway Station and the Lisbon Oceanarium, make sure you grab something to eat while walking in this urban area. This promenade is extremely popular, so you may need to eat on your feet. ☀️
If you do not have much time to see this part of the town, you still can enjoy the beautiful sights from the telecabine viewing platform in around 10 minutes.
Lisbon City Break
Lisbon is a city you should not miss at all. A weekend in Lisbon is enough time to check out the main spots, but if you can, staying longer is ideal. In fact, you can combine a cultural city break with a relaxing holiday at the sandy beaches not far from the city. 
Most of these beaches can be reached by bus or train. Being the capital, prices are a bit higher than in other Portuguese cities, but there is literally a solution for every budget. Also, you should be careful of pickpockets in the crowded tourist areas and the high temperatures in summer.
What do you think of Lisbon?
Tell me more about your last travel experience in the comments. 
Do not forget to check my Portugal travel journal too.
