May 10, 2024 - Walking tour of Lisbon

We had a private 9 hour (8 mikes) walking tour, with lunch at a local restaurant with our guide, Pats.

Our Itinerary:

A history stroll through the elegant quarter of Chiado Historic Streets, Cafés, Theatres & Stores
An introduction to Conventual Sweets including the Portuguese Custard Tarts
Camões Square, the heart and soul of Chiado

A taxi ride (tram had stopped working) to the Aqueduct, where we walked on top; fascinating! A walk to Amoreiras Reservoir; it goes past St. Roch Hill, Príncipe Real, Rato and Amoreiras districts

A stroll through the historic and picturesque 18th century Square Garden delimited in part by Lisbon’s Aqueduct, a silk and comb factories and the tiny chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate. The reservoir is part of Lisbon’s 18th Century Aqueduct. It offers great views over the city.

Walked to Campo de Ourique District - Visit & Explore. From a rural suburb to a military, liberal and republican hotbed to a 20th century middle-class residential district. Lately, it’s becoming a desired residential destination for expats. It’s a ‘self-sufficient’ neighbourhood where one doesn’t have to leave the district to find anything you’d need – plus, it’s flat!

We journeyed through the neighbourhood’s main landmarks: Military Barracks, Parada Square Garden, Cafés, Stores, main church, local market and Prazeres Cemetery. But, first, we ate lunch at a local restaurant!We spent 3 hours at this fascinating cemetery!

We then tasted the ‘best chocolate cake in the world’ at the Aloma Café/Pastry Shop. Its local market, a 1930s art deco market, was revamped to serve new Portuguese food staples. We ate and bought some delicious nuts! It is a lot like the food market in Philadelphia!

We were worn out by now, and rode the tram back towards Rossio Square, by our hotel.
It’s where the Portuguese cobblestone pavement started – Calçada Portuguesa. Oh, earlier, we walked in 3 local churches, briefly, the last one the most modern and simple one. In the square we watched blindfolded young adults playing giant Jenga!

Then, lastly, it was time for A Toast – The Monks’ liqueur (a “Lisbon ritual”)!

We had the best day, and I (Sandra) love Lisbon!