Lisbon, Portugal
One of Europe’s Brilliant and Charming Cities
Lisbon, Portugal is one of the most budget-friendly destinations where you shouldn’t miss exploring and every traveler’s hotspot recommendation to visit! Traveling to Lisbon for the first time with a 2-year-old toddler is challenging Our journey began with a direct flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands to Lisbon, Portugal Airport which took almost 3 hours! Fortunately, our toddler was able to cooperate on her first flight ever!! Whewww!!
Tips:
• Prepare everything that is required in the airport such as PCR test negative, Fill in the Passenger Locator Form Online link HERE and a valid passport.
• Booking a flight: Always use Incognito! to see the lowest price and booking in advanced is another option for a cheaper rate. We compare prices of using the standard browsing site no matter what airlines appeared and believe me, prices change every second based on our experience and observation!! So better switch to incognito!
• Light and Foldable stroller is highly recommended and free of charge when booking a flight. Never bring a super huge stroller because the roads in Lisbon are too narrow, you will have a hard time navigating into different locations while wandering the cobblestone alleyways surrounding Lisbon. Also, take a baby carrier with you if you wish to climb the stairs. Do expect a lot of walking but it is gonna be worth it!
• Bring new toys (seriously new), tons of food, and do varieties of activities or something entertaining because toddlers have a short attention span so all of these will save your time and energy avoiding your toddler’s dramatic moment, especially in a flight! Thank me later! 😊
As every traveler encounters, our focus is mainly on the central part of Lisbon. We’ve been doing research and reading reviews on where to go such as popular tourist attractions, street markets, historical destinations, and many more to make our trip convenient for the toddler.
Our initial impression is the people. Its hospitality is welcoming. Living a simple lifestyle in a kind and fun way is astounding for us, especially when you compare it to the modern European fashion trend in some parts of Europe! Lovely!
Here are the highlights of our days spent around Lisbon’s central zone.
1. Praca do Comercio
Astonishing Central Square of Lisbon
This Square is the heart of the main city of Lisbon. Here was once where the Paco da Ribiera, the most notable palace of Portugal stood here until it was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in 1755. Jam-packed, a place where you can expect to see varieties of restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment options.
Praca de Comercio has a stunning arch, you definitely should come here because the arch borders is a huge economic square close to the edge of the water Tagus from the lengthy pedestrian path that runs through the downtown district and is renowned among both tourists and locals. Seriously everyone goes here!!
The grand square is the ultimate place that captures Lisbon's soul.
Have a walk down and enjoy the setting of the Tagus River as you will find it extremely pleasant, especially, when the weather is sunny, the vast open space attracts tons of tourists.
The Tagus River is also the landing destination of cruise ships.
Amazing seeing this superb and humongous cruise ship. I wonder how many people can accommodate inside?😏
2. Rua Augusta
Get lost in Lisbon, you'll never be bored!
Enter into the gate and voila! Lively, bustling, loads of shopping centers everywhere which give you a wonderful ambiance and a welcoming atmosphere!
Highly recommended to visit here during the day and witness the night lights to fully appreciate how wonderful this spot is.
Plenty of street vendors, souvenir shops, boutiques, and eateries, among other things. You will keep coming back over and over again. Truly one of the locations to hang out.
As an Asian which is rice is life, Portugal left me by surprise. The majority of their main course includes rice and potatoes! No wonder how I love Portugal when it comes to food. Ahaha 😂😍💗
I can say that the only downside is that many passersby sell drugs which I find uncomfortable.
3. Rossio Square
A Traditional Spot for Entertainments, Performances and Carnivals
It’s simply captivating to walk across Rossio’s enormous square, which is surrounded by its stunning architecture and monuments. The elaborate pattern on the ground is unique.
Watched some street entertainers playing feel-good music. In addition, we bought a personalized embroidered souvenir for our daughter's first out-of-the-country trip😊❤️
4. TIMEOUT Market
The Best of Lisbon’s Vibrant Food Hall
When it comes to an upscale food court, along with restaurants, bars, and drinks, this is by far my happiest zone. In addition to having a brilliant atmosphere and a lively mood, the TimeOut Market is conveniently located near the city's core.
This is definitely a tourist trap where great and high-quality selections of cuisine to choose from. Once you place an order at the stall, an electronic beeper is handed to you, which alerts you when your meal is ready to pick up.
I adore my delish mix seafood at Time-Out Food Market!
Bucket List Checked! ✔️✔️✔️
Oh FUCK COVID REALLY!!!
You gotta keep moving! Enjoy your life to the fullest, you'll never know what the future brings to you, so make the best out of your life! Well yeah, safety at its finest and do obey the rules! 😊
A must destination when you visit Lisbon, best to unwind not during busy hours as it becomes too crowded, especially on the weekend.
Keep in mind that they only accept cards, no cash payment.
5. Elevador de Santa Justa
A Vintage Sophisticated Elevator
If you fancy going on top to see the gorgeous viewpoint of Lisbon, then this old-fashioned lift is the perfect location to experience. Pay 10 euros in cash only! The building structure of the lift is astonishing and unique. The actual travel time would take only a few minutes. Be there as early as possible to avoid waiting for so long.
6. Oceanario de Lisboa
Mesmerizing Oceanarium of Portugal
You’ve never been to Portugal if you don’t visit the World’s Famous and Humongous Oceanarium. The entire structure is undeniably fantastic!
Perfect encounters and provide a family-friendly environment. One of the best aquariums I’ve seen in my life and my toddler is incredibly delighted and overwhelmed seeing underwater creatures.
There is a wide range of fish from the smallest to the largest. Sharks, sea otters, manta rays, amphibians, penguins, and seahorses are a lot and too many to count!
Artistic and beautiful exhibits around the Oceanarium.
In addition, this aquarium is well taken care of and have tons of educational exhibit to boost your knowledge. We went here on a rainy day and spent almost 3 hours exploring the aquarium, it is by far one of the most perfect family indoor day-out we’ve been to!
The €19 ticket is truly worth it, you would never regret it!
To capture a good photography and videography experience, highly recommended visiting the earliest time of the day to avoid crowds.
7. Monumento Cristo Rei
The Breathtaking Bird’s-Eye View of Lisbon
Monumento Cristo Rei is a Catholic memorial, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We ended our trip by visiting one of the best sites to see Lisbon in an eye-catching panoramic view from above.
From the HI Almada-Pousada de Juventude the hostel where we stayed, we only walked around 20 minutes to get there, which is very convenient.
Even without going up, still, you can also see gorgeous views from the ground.
The regular ticket costs €6 and the ticket for children from 3 years old costs €3. They only accept cash when you want to go for a climb to the statue’s top for a stunning bird’s eye perspective.
Featuring the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge !
You are not happy to be here, are you?😅
See that high building in the middle with white roof? That's the budget hostel that we've stayed 😍
This sanctuary is important for believers because it symbolizes a remarkable story of love, faith, and appreciation for the gift of peace.
We went there in the afternoon on the weekdays and fortunately, it isn’t so crowded.
Monumento Cristo Rei is an open area and calm. The perfect destination to take a breather in one of the most amazing sceneries of Lisbon.
The landscapes exceeded our expectations, and it was a wonderful way to end our trip. What a rewarding encounter you really shouldn't miss!
Lisbon at Night
Despite the cobblestone and narrow streets, we spent a lot of time with our toddler roaming around Lisbon during the day and also at night. It feels fantastic to unwind and enjoy great moments together.
At first, we thought it would be a struggle for us to travel but fortunately, our toddler managed to sleep in her foldable stroller plus being curious about seeing different atmospheres out of our comfort zone, hearing and learning their language, plus eating the scrumptious meal Lisbon has to offer.
Random photos around that we took some snaps while walking in the city center.
Street view where the tram line passes
Souvenir shops of famous sardines canned good of Portugal
Surprisingly, the hotel of Cristiano Ronaldo who is a famous soccer player is here. Awesome to see!
Lights On!! The bridge is the primary highlight of the hotel where we've stayed. Such a wonderful structure!
Graffiti Everywhere! Lisbon's creative side!!
The government of Lisbon granted Street Artists permission to paint on City Walls, its artwork provides an illustrious transformation of the surroundings.
How cool is that, isn't it? So neat and very economical. What a talent!
We are constantly drawn to conceptual art because it is fascinating to see how much workload, materials, and emotion an artist can convey thru his or her creations.
It's difficult not to photograph one when you genuinely appreciate its charm.
Where to Stay
- Divine House of Graca - Budget-friendly, clean and comfortable bed, spacious area ideal for our toddler. Highly recommended guesthouse that is within walking distance to the city center. Everything is accessible from the restaurants, cafes, and shopping areas. You can cook, do laundry, and put your food in the fridge there. We booked in advance and paid less than €40 per night. Worth the price!
- Hotel Acores Lisboa = A 4 Star Hotel if you prefer to unwind in a sophisticated environment. The metro is just beside the hotel, it would take an 18-minute ride going to the city center.
- HI Almada -Pousada de Juventude - The terrific view of the bridge is fantastic when booking at this hostel. For a decent price of €46 including breakfast. The staffs are friendly and accommodating. The best accommodation to take great foto
Everyday with this view makes you overwhelm. The colours, the nature, and the surrounding areas.
Well, my overall experience as a first time traveler in Lisbon, Portugal is fantastic even with a toddler! We didn't have so much uphill climb hence it really cost so much energy and we want to have a relaxing trip.
However, the vibe attracts me, the simplicity and hospitality of the locals, and the reasonable price of food and accomodations are topnotch!
Portugal has more to offer and I definitely would love to come back again and try a new experience, basically in the countryside or explore more nature someday.
Have you been to Portugal? Drop your favourite destination in the comment, would be glad to hear from you! 😍💘
Photos Captured using Samsung S20 Plus, Samsung S9 Plus
Edited: Lightroom Premium, Picsart Premium
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About the Author
"Fernweh" is a German term that stands for a longing on exploring to distant places.
Hello folks! Rosemarie is passionate about traveling, especially out of her comfort zone.
Her target points are digging into the stories of unique individuals worldwide, aiming to provide honest and sincere thoughts, tips, and interesting and exciting moments in between.
May the useful information based on the backpacking trips, adventures, experiences, and ideas will help you change for the better and move you to explore further of this awesome planet.
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