Portugal Travels Part 1 - Lisbon...Belem....Alfama...

A Whimsical Journey to Portugal — Lisbon’s Living Tapestry

 Some trips are planned for months. Others are born from a simple spark — a whim, a feeling, a quiet tug that whispers, “Why not now?”

Our journey to Portugal belonged to that second category. With Spain and Gibraltar already etched in our memories, completing the Iberian Peninsula felt like a beautiful, spontaneous idea waiting to unfold.  We talked about our nostalgic journeys with our parents and brother.  And so, off we flew to Lisbon — a city that greets you with sunlight, sea breeze, and an old-world charm wrapped gently in modern elegance.

A Warm Welcome at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa

Our haven in Lisbon was the Sheraton Hotel & Spa, where hospitality isn’t just a service, but a deeply felt experience. Spacious rooms, soothing spa scents drifting through the lobby, and smiling staff — all of it made us feel instantly at home.

But the moment that touched us most came unexpectedly. For my sister’s birthday on November 23rd, the hotel surprised her with champagne and a delicious cake, delivered with heartfelt wishes. It wasn’t merely a gesture; it felt like a small celebration of our family woven into their daily rhythm.

And from the top floor of the hotel — oh, what a view! Lisbon’s panorama unfurled beneath us: terracotta rooftops, slender hills, the shimmering vein of the Tagus River, and the gentle hum of a city steeped in history.

Exploring Lisbon: A City of Light, Water & Stories

We began our sightseeing tour of Lisbon with a friendly guide who seemed to carry centuries of history in his voice. Every stop felt like opening a new chapter in a storybook written by explorers, monks, kings, and everyday people whose footsteps still echo through the cobblestones.

Sardine export was primary economic activity during the exploration phase. Paintings, old tin boxes, photos adorn the walls of the museum.

Belém — Where Voyages Began

Belém is the soul of Portuguese exploration, where great sailors once set out across unknown oceans. Standing there, with sea breeze brushing against us, we could almost imagine the caravels pushing away toward horizons no one had mapped yet. The Age of Discovery defines Portugal’s soul. Standing in Belém earlier on the trip, we had walked the same shores from which **Vasco da Gama** set sail to India in 1497. His landmark voyage connected continents and changed world history forever. These maritime explorations around the World resulted in wars, pillaging, destroying indigenous cultures and also paved way for the change to the modern era for good or bad!

Every monument, monastery, and museum seemed to carry a fragment of that era — from the Jerónimos Monastery built to honor his journey, his final resting place to the navigational instruments in museums, to the carvings of ships and sailors in the monuments across Lisbon.

Monument to the Discoveries

Majestic and almost sculptural in its storytelling, the Discovery Monument rises at the waterfront like a stone ship frozen in time. Princes, navigators, poets, and visionaries stand carved in noble procession, reminding us that Portugal’s history is inseparable from the sea.

Jerónimos Monastery — A Stone Symphony

The Jerónimos Monastery is where architecture becomes poetry. Its Manueline details — ropes, shells, botanical motifs — feel as though the ocean itself left its fingerprints on the stone. Walking through its cloisters, peace settles on you like a gentle wave. It’s no wonder Vasco da Gama once prayed here before setting out to India.

The Tagus River Estuary & the “Golden Gate” Bridge

The Tagus River widens gracefully into a shimmering estuary as if preparing itself to meet the Atlantic. Lisbon’s red suspension bridge — often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate — stretches boldly across the water, a modern reminder of the city’s enduring connection to distant places.

Cristo Rei — Watching Over the City

Across the river stands the Statue of Cristo Rei, arms extended in a gesture of welcome. Inspired by Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, it offers a breathtaking view of Lisbon’s rooftops and the sweep of the river below. Looking up at the statue, one can’t help but feel a quiet reassurance, as though the city is held in protective hands.

Commerce Square & Rua Augusta — Lisbon’s Living Heart

At Praça do Comércio, sunlight dances across the vast yellow facades framing the square. Once the royal entrance to Lisbon from the river, today it’s vibrant, open, and full of life. From there, Rua Augusta leads you forward — a pedestrian artery buzzing with cafés, street performers, and the irresistible aroma of pastries.

Alfama — Lisbon’s Old Soul

Alfama is a maze you don’t want to escape from. Narrow alleys, tiled houses, laundry fluttering like flags of daily life — it’s Lisbon at its most authentic. This is where Fado was born, where melancholic music spills into the night like liquid emotion. Walking here feels intimate, like being invited into someone’s memory.

Eduardo VII Park — A Green Pause

We ended our tour at Eduardo VII Park, the city stretching below us like a live painting. The geometric gardens, the open lawns, and the gentle descent toward the river create a rare moment of quiet in a bustling capital. It’s the kind of place where you pause, breathe deeply, and let your journey settle in your heart.

Everywhere we went, Christmas preparations were underway. Lights were being strung across streets, store windows featured ornaments and snow-dusted displays, and even small cafés decorated with garlands and tiny stars.

There was a gentle charm to it all — understated, elegant, and full of joy. Portugal’s way of welcoming the season felt thoughtful, not rushed.

                                                    PEACE ON EARTH

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